Fundraising Trustee

Position Overview

This voluntary trustee role supports the governance of Aston & Nechells Foodbank via CAN DO 4:13 with a specific lead responsibility for fundraising. The position is crucial to securing

sustainable funding to meet the urgent food poverty needs of our local communities. As a trustee, you will ensure compliance with UK charity law and help the organisation deliver maximum public benefit. You will work alongside fellow trustees to provide strategic direction and oversight of the foodbank's vital work.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Governance

• Contribute to board decisions on organisational strategy, ensuring the foodbank pursues its charitable mission of alleviating hunger in Aston, Nechells, and Washwood Heath
• Participate in regular trustee meetings (typically 4-6 per year) and ad-hoc discussions as needed
• Support the development and monitoring of organisational policies and procedures

Fundraising Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that diversifies income streams, including:
• Grant applications to trusts and foundations
• Corporate partnerships and sponsorships
• Individual donor engagement and cultivation
• Fundraising events and community campaigns
• Digital and social media fundraising
• Monitor fundraising performance against targets and provide regular updates to the board
• Advise the board on resource allocation for income-generating activities
• Ensure all fundraising complies with the Institute of Fundraising's Code of Fundraising Practice and relevant UK regulations

Risk Management and Compliance

• Participate in identifying and managing financial and reputational risks related to fundraising activities
• Ensure ethical fundraising practices and donor confidentiality
• Support safeguarding and compliance with charity law and best practice governance

Time Commitment

You should expect to commit approximately 6-10 days per year to this role, including:

• Board meetings and preparation (2-3 days – a mix of virtual/in person)
• Fundraising strategy development and implementation (2-3 days)
• Committee work, reports, and governance tasks (1-2 days)
• Networking and donor engagement (1-2 days)

This is a voluntary role, without renumeration.

Person Specification

Essential Qualities

• Commitment to the mission: Genuine dedication to alleviating food poverty and supporting vulnerable people in our local community
• Integrity and accountability: Adherence to the seven Nolan Principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership)
• Strategic thinking: Ability to see the bigger picture and contribute to long-term planning
• Teamwork: Collaborative approach to working with other trustees, staff, and volunteers
• Reliability: Willingness to commit to trustee duties and attend meetings consistently

Essential Skills and Experience (Fundraising Focus)

• Fundraising expertise: Demonstrated success in raising funds for charities or nonprofit organisations, with proven experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies
• Donor relationship management: Experience in cultivating relationships with trusts, corporations, major donors, or community supporters
• Diverse income streams: Knowledge of multiple fundraising approaches including grant writing, corporate engagement, individual giving, and event fundraising
• Understanding of charity governance: Knowledge of UK charity law, trustee duties, and governance best practice
• Ethical fundraising: Familiarity with fundraising regulations and codes of practice

Desirable Experience

• Local connections in Aston, Nechells, Washwood Heath, or wider Birmingham
• Experience working with food banks or organisations addressing food poverty
• Knowledge of the Trussell Trust network
• Financial oversight or risk management experience
• Experience with multi-ethnic communities or community-based organisations
• Digital marketing and social media fundraising skills

What We Offer

By joining our trustee board, you will:

• Make a direct impact on combating food poverty in one of Birmingham's most deprived areas
• Work with a committed group of trustees and over 100 volunteers from diverse communities
• Develop your fundraising and governance skills in a rewarding charitable context
• Be part of an organisation that has distributed over 100 tonnes of food and helped thousands of people in crisis
• Gain valuable experience in charity leadership and strategic decision-making

How to Apply

For more information about this role or to express your interest, please contact Kerry Lenihan.

When expressing your interest please provide a short cover letter stating why you are interested in becoming our Fundraising Trustee, your experience in line with the role and

anything else you deem to be important.

Deadline for applications: Friday 27th February