Volunteer Secretary of Trustees - Irlam and Cadishead Foodbank

What will you be doing?

As Secretary of Trustees:

Ensure that there is a record of all Trustee Board correspondence                    Ensure that arrangements for Trustee meetings are communicated to the rest of the board, including when and where, inviting trustees to send agenda items and providing to the board with previous meeting minutes in good time prior to the meeting. Ensure that Trustees use and implement the NCVO Governance Wheel to ensure we meet best practice for charity governance. Ensure decisions and policy creation/adaption are clearly recorded in formal minutes, with who will do what and when as agreed by the Trustee board. Ensure formal minutes are taken, produced and distributed to the rest of the trustees in good time, as well as ensuring previous meeting minutes are signed by the chair once approved by the trustee board. Check that actions have been taken following decisions at previous meetings. Ensure the trustee board meets its legal obligations, including reporting, meeting charity and company law, as well as insurance requirements. Ensure all relevant stakeholders are informed of the Annual Membership Meeting (AMM) To ensure that the annual report (to go alongside annual accounts) is produced and sent to the Charity Commission of England & Wales.

As a Trustee:

Work with the other trustees to provide management support and direction. Ensure that the foodbank meets legal and best practice standards:

In the care of clients and volunteers. As a registered charity:

carrying out our purpose towards stopping hunger in our local area. complying with our governing document and the law.

Managing our resources.

Liaise with the Trussell Trust on a rotating basis with the other Trustees. Understand the working of the foodbank distribution centres, warehouse and donations and attend at least 2 sessions a year.

What are we looking for?

The Secretary Trustees should have the following qualities.

Experience of administrative procedures and able to provide clear advice on procedural and relevant legislative matters. Experience of charitable work or working with volunteers. Compassion and alignment with our core values of welcome and dignity. IT competent– we use Microsoft 365 for all foodbank documentation. Meetings are often conducted using Zoom or Team. Applications from those with lived experience of poverty are welcome.

Irlam and Cadishead Foodbank can provide training in your role as a Trustee and Secretary if required. We are part of the Trussell Trust who offer a Trustee Helpline and support materials. They provide guidance and updates on statutory requirements best practice from the Charity Commission.

What difference will you make?

As the Secretary for our Board of Trustees, you are part of a team providing a vital support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Irlam and Cadishead foodbank.