Key Responsibilities 

• Attending regular meetings of the board and other related duties 
• Contributing to and influence the charity’s strategic direction in line with its charitable objectives 
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations 
• Ensuring that the management and administration of the charity is undertaken responsibly 
• Ensuring that the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects 
• Acting in the best interests of the charity while exercising independent judgement 
• Safeguarding and protecting the assets (cash, intellectual property, staff and reputation) of the charity, and ensuring the charity’s financial stability 
• Contributing actively to the board of trustees’ collective role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policies, and evaluating performance against agreed targets 
• Acting as an ambassador for the charity and using networks to promote the charity’s work and, where appropriate, to seek funding 
• Scrutinising board papers; contributing to the work of potential sub-committees (as and when appropriate)

Time Commitment 

• The Board meets at least 4 times a year; there is also an annual strategy day (often combined with one of the Board meetings). 
• Trustees, where possible, also play an active role outside of board meetings in relation to matters such as fundraising and organisational development 
• In addition to Board Meetings, other contact–usually electronic or by telephone– will be necessary on occasion between board meetings. 

Our Commitment to you 

The role is unpaid, but reasonable expenses relating to travel for Board and other meetings will be paid for by Food Matters. 

New trustees will be given a thorough induction to the work of Food Matters, including: 

• Strategy, culture and finances 
• An opportunity to meet with staff to learn more about the organisation’s work