Volunteer Chair of Trustees | Swindon Food Collective

An exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join our committed team as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Swindon Food Collective, the local food bank supporting people who are struggling to provide food for themselves and their families.

What difference will you make?

Our services are needed now more than ever, and in the past few years we have transitioned from being a volunteer-led organisation to having four paid members of staff. As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will be instrumental in shaping our future direction and sustainability, and your commitment and leadership will ensure that we continue to provide vital support to individuals and families in Swindon.

What are we looking for?

In addition to the person specification for a Trustee, the Chair should have the following qualities. Proven leadership and business skills Strong communication and interpersonal skills Tact and diplomacy Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences. Preference for an individual that has served as a Trustee and / or as a Chair within a business or charity Sound financial understanding with a proven capability in business planning While we estimate a time commitment of 10-15 hours per month, as a small charity, there will be times when the Chair will need to be actively involved in the work of Swindon Food Collective beyond preparation and attendance at planned Board meetings (currently monthly) and regular liaison with the Manager. This may require meeting with funders, business planning, reviewing practice and procedures or advising on operational or other issues in which the Chair has special expertise.

What will you be doing?

We are an independent charity serving people in Swindon and surrounding areas who are experiencing financial hardship and struggling to provide food for themselves, their families or dependants. We rely on the generosity of members of the public and a variety of local organisations who donate food, household items and funds, and we work with a large number of community groups who refer people in need to our 11 distribution centres located across the town and beyond. The centre of operations is our warehouse where goods are sorted and packed for delivery to the distribution centres by our drivers. The day to day running of the charity is carried out by a small staff team, supported by many committed volunteers and the Board of Trustees. The Role We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who can take the organisation forward to the next stage of its development, building on the solid foundations already established. We look to all Trustees to bring their experience and expertise to the table and now seek an enthusiastic and energetic leader who is dedicated to our cause and committed to making a positive impact. As Chair, you will be responsible for upholding the values and mission of Swindon Food Collective, ensuring that each board member fulfills their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. In addition to the general responsibilities of a Trustee, Chair duties include the following Provide leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on delivery of the charitable purposes and objectives to provide greater public benefit Combine the different strengths of trustees, staff and volunteers to create a stronger organisation for the benefit of the families and individuals we support Chair and facilitate board meetings and give direction to board policy-making Represent the organisation at functions and meetings across various communities in Swindon, and act as a spokesperson as appropriate Alongside other trustee board members, attract new trustees and volunteers as required Maintain harmonious relationships at all levels with other trustees, staff and volunteers