Aberdeenshire North Foodbank functions as an independent charity, affiliated with the national network of foodbanks by the Trussell Trust. Their goal is to alleviate hunger and destitution within local communities, recognising the varied reasons behind food insecurity. The Foodbank is committed to addressing poverty and hunger locally, providing three days' worth of nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to individuals referred to them during times of crisis. 

In July 2013, the Aberdeenshire North Foodbank’s first food distribution centre was opened in Inverurie. They have since opened Foodbank Centres in Ellon, Huntly, Peterhead and Fraserburgh, with two warehouses for sorting and packing food parcels in Inverurie and Peterhead. In 2020, 7467 people across North Aberdeenshire were fed, with 3572 households receiving support from the Foodbank. Recent years has saw an increase in the need for Foodbank services, given this, new partnerships and opportunities are continually being explored and identified. It is hoped that the Foodbank’s geographical and strategic reach will mature, with a vision of new distribution centres throughout the north of Aberdeenshire.  

The opportunity has arisen for a new Chair and Trustees to join the Aberdeenshire North Foodbank Board, to strategically drive the organisation forward. 

The Role of Chair: 

As the Chair, you will play a strategic role in representing the vision and purpose of the organisation, providing leadership, facilitating board meetings, and ensuring operational safety of the board and organisation. You will work with the Trustees to oversee the organisation’s operations and ensuring that its activities are in the interests of beneficiaries. 

We are seeking a highly experienced managerial individual with a strong understanding of governance and the ability to objectively drive the charities strategic aims. The incoming Chair will be values driven, hold a non-judgemental attitude and compassion towards the Foodbank, and have a knowledge and understanding of the rural area in which the Foodbank operates. You should have previous experience sitting on a charity board; however, this need not be in capacity as a Chair.  

The Role of Trustee:   

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in overseeing operations, providing financial oversight, strategic planning and accountability while actively contributing to the development and sustainability of services. You’ll ensure business continuity, supporting their dedicated staff and volunteers, while championing the Foodbanks core values in all endeavours and advocating for the Foodbank’s mission within the community.  

The ideal candidate should be committed to Aberdeenshire North Foodbank’s values and have a passion, interest, and commitment to the work of tackling food poverty. We are looking for applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds including business management, managerial experience with health care and social service organisations, law, fundraising or an understanding of funding sources, however, candidates who out with these remits are also welcome.  

Previous board experience would be advantageous, while excellent communication, teamworking, and interpersonal skills are essential.  

The board meet 1 evening per month, meetings are a mixture of online and in person, usually in Inverurie or Ellon.