Recruiting – Board of Trustees

Help Shape the Future of Brent Foodbank

As part of the Trussell foodbank network, we provide emergency food and practical support to people facing hardship across Brent. Working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers and community partners, we are committed not only to helping people in crisis but also to addressing the underlying causes of poverty.

We are entering an important period of development, focusing on strengthening our financial sustainability, building community and corporate partnerships, and ensuring our services continue to meet local needs.

We particularly welcome applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance, business planning and organisational strategy

• Fundraising, grant applications and corporate partnerships

• Human resources and organisational development

• Digital technology, data and communications

• Charity governance, safeguarding and risk management

• Community engagement, social welfare and local partnerships

Previous trustee experience is not essential. We welcome people from all walks of life, particularly those who live or work in Brent, understand its diverse communities, or have lived experience of poverty or financial hardship.

About Brent Foodbank

Brent Foodbank is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), established in December 2023, which assumed responsibility for local foodbank operations in March 2024. We remain proud members of the Trussell foodbank network.

We operate three weekly food distribution sessions across two locations in Neasden and Kingsbury, supported by our warehouse in Willesden. Our staff and volunteers also help connect people with local organisations offering additional practical support.

The Role

As a trustee, you will help shape Brent Foodbank’s future by providing strategic direction, effective governance and oversight, working collaboratively with fellow trustees to ensure the charity remains financially sustainable, well-managed and responsive to the needs of our community.

Your role will include helping to set the charity’s priorities, overseeing budgets and financial performance, monitoring organisational risks, and ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory and safeguarding responsibilities. You will also support fundraising opportunities, strengthen relationships with local businesses and community partners, and help ensure the voices of people experiencing hardship inform our decisions.

Trustees are expected to act in the charity’s best interests, exercise sound judgement and reasonable care, and provide constructive challenge and support to the leadership team rather than managing day-to-day operations.

Depending on your experience and interests, there may also be opportunities to take on specific responsibilities or contribute to working groups, for example, HR or Safeguarding Trustee.

You will also help foster positive relationships between trustees, staff, volunteers and community partners.

About You

We are looking for people who share our values and are willing to contribute their skills, ideas and enthusiasm to make a positive difference.

You will bring:

• A genuine commitment to our mission and the communities we serve.

• Sound judgement, integrity and an ability to think strategically.

• Good communication skills and a willingness to listen, collaborate and constructively challenge.

• A commitment to participating actively in the work of the Board and taking collective responsibility for decisions.

We value professional expertise, community knowledge and lived experience equally, and will provide induction and support to help you succeed.

Location and Time Commitment

Location: London Borough of Brent, with board meetings generally held online.

Time commitment: Approximately 4–6 hours per month, including monthly evening board meetings (typically two hours), preparation, follow-up activities and participation in relevant sub-committees. Occasional additional involvement may be required.

Trustees are also encouraged to visit our food distribution centres and support volunteer and fundraising events, helping them remain connected to the communities we serve.

What You’ll Gain

Becoming a trustee offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to local people experiencing hardship, help shape the future of an important community charity, and develop your leadership, governance and strategic skills.

You will work alongside a committed team of trustees, staff and volunteers, building valuable connections with community organisations and local partners.

Additional Information

• Term: Three years, with the possibility of extension.

• Remuneration: Voluntary and unpaid.

• Safeguarding: A DBS check may be required depending on the duties undertaken.

• Eligibility: Applicants must meet the legal requirements for serving as a charity trustee.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about making a difference and would like to help shape Brent Foodbank’s future, we would love to hear from you. Please complete the application using the link below

Trustee Application Form

Closing date: 31 October 2026.

If you would like to learn more before applying, we would be happy to arrange an informal conversation with one of our existing trustees to discuss the role and answer any questions. Please contact Deep Shinji, [email protected] if you would like to know more.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive and accessible.