Trustee Enquiry …. – Wansbeck Valley Food Bank

Trustee Enquiry ….

Dear Friend of Wansbeck Valley Food Bank,

If you are looking to share your time and energy by way of serving the local community then what better way than helping us support those in our community who are experiencing food poverty.

We’re looking for local people willing to serve on the board of Wansbeck Valley Food Bank [WVFB] as either Trustees or Trustee Associates.

Ideally, they would bring new skills and insights to the existing Board and thereby help us to move forward in our strategic objective in support of our clients.

The Trustee Associate role is particularly suited to those who are unable to fully commit to the demands and responsibilities of being a Trustee. It also offers potential candidates an insight and better understanding of the Food Bank governance. Associates will contribute to the routine working and decision making alongside the Board of Trustees.

Our meetings are usually held bimonthly and focus on Governance issues; policies, finance, operating practice and developing our plans for the future.

So long as you’re over 18, there’s no age barrier. We would very much welcome new trustees from partner organisations. Not only would this collaborative approach allow us to better understand each other’s organisations, but it might also help provide efficiencies and enable us to work towards and offer an improved service to our clients.

We understand that new trustees will inevitably have other commitments but in an ideal scenario we would encourage new trustees to actively contribute/participate in some of the officer roles. This might involve communications, administration, procurement, accounting, legal, distribution and warehousing. It would also be hugely beneficial to us if new trustees had some experience in the charity sector and/or social services/care in the community.

Read more about the main duties and responsibilities for ALL trustees ….

Trustees are appointed at the AGM, however the trustees may appoint a new trustee to temporarily fill a vacancy or to bring in additional skills or experience. Such a trustee will retire at the next AGM but can then formally be appointed.
There is a new role of Associate Trustee to complement and broaden the experience and skill set of the Board of Trustees. It is particularly suited to those who are unable to fully commit to the demands and responsibilities of being a trustee or who may want to learn more about the role before committing themselves. It offers potential Trustees an insight and better understanding of the Food Bank governance. Associates will contribute to the routine working and decision making alongside the Board of Trustees.
All trustees should attend all scheduled Board Meetings as far as possible. Apologies should always be given prior to the meeting. A minimum attendance of two thirds of scheduled meetings is required unless there are extenuating circumstances agreed by the Board.
Main duties and responsibilities for ALL trustees (including Associate)
Maintain an awareness of the business by acting with reasonable care and skill, taking advice when needed.
Ensure that the charity follows its governing document and follows charity law requirements and other laws that apply to the charity.
Give enough time, thought and energy to the role, for example by preparing for, attending, and actively participating in all trustees’ meetings.
Actively contribute to setting strategic direction.
Monitor the financial position and ensure that WVFB operates within its means. Check annually that robust financial systems and controls are in place and that there are clear lines of accountability for financial management.
Act in the best interests of WVFB at all times (including declaring any conflicts of interest)
Take responsibility for own learning and development.
Maintain confidentiality about any sensitive or confidential information received in the course of duties as a trustee.
Make use of personal skills and experience and take advice when necessary.
Personal skills and qualities for all trustees
Work effectively as a member of a team
Commitment and availability to attend Trustee meetings
Effective communication skills and willingness to take part actively in discussion
Willingness to gain knowledge of local needs and resources
Willingness to act in the best interests of the organisation
Ability to understand and accept responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and employers
Good numeracy skills, to the extent needed to understand the accounts, with the support of a treasurer
Willingness and ability to learn and develop in the role

If you believe you possess the requisite attributes, skills, and knowledge that will benefit the Charity’s development in the future we would be keen to hear from you. We welcome interest in this role from all sections of the community and will ensure any successful candidate receives a full induction programme on all aspects of the Charity.

This is an unpaid role, and you will need to be able to commit to our regular Trustee and ad hoc meetings as required and any agreed related work follow up.

Further information and a copy of our latest Report can be found here ….

Why get involved?