Trustee/Governor - Legal expertise

Deadline: 18 Aug 2025
Hybrid

Organisation Overview

Hackney Foodbank is a a dynamic, mission-driven charity with a turnover of £1.5 million, working at the heart of East London to address food poverty and support our richly diverse community. Their work is impactful, community-led, and more vital than ever. 

Role Details:

We are now seeking two new Trustees to join our dedicated Board. 

What We’re Looking For 

We are looking for individuals who are: 

  • Passionate about social justice and food insecurity and committed to making a meaningful difference in East London. 
  • Able to dedicate time for 5 Board meetings per year (including one all-day away day), as well as 4–5 committee meetings annually. 
  • Willing to engage actively between meetings, contributing to decision-making, strategic guidance, and supporting our staff and volunteers. 

We are particularly keen to appoint trustees with expertise in: 

  • Legal affairs, to help us navigate governance, compliance, and contractual matters. 
  • Human Resources / Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), to support us in ensuring our organisation reflects and serves our community with integrity and care. 

However, we welcome applicants with other relevant skills or lived experience that could enrich our work. 

Time Commitment: Up to 5 hours a month, a three year commitment with one renewal after that initial commitment. 

Attendance: Hybrid

What are we looking for?

  • A commitment to the vision of Hackney Foodbank – ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry.
  • A willingness and ability to devote time, enthusiasm, and effort to the role.
  • Integrity and the ability to identify and manage any conflicts of interest.
  • Good, independent judgement.
  • The ability to contribute to complex decision-making, weighing up different kinds of evidence and stakeholder input to reach balanced decisions.
  • The ability to ask insightful questions, think strategically, engage in constructive debate, and challenge decisions thoughtfully while maintaining independence of thought.
  • The ability to think creatively and offer new perspectives to help shape strategy and problem-solving.
  • The confidence and willingness to speak up and express independent views.
  • The ability to listen carefully to the views of others, work collaboratively with diverse people and perspectives, and gain the trust and respect of fellow Board members and senior management.
  • An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
  • Experience in building and maintaining effective relationships with colleagues.
  • A commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive Board and organisation.
  • A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life:
    • Selflessness – act in the best interests of Hackney Foodbank.
    • Integrity – avoid placing yourself under any obligation that might influence your role.
    • Objectivity – make decisions fairly and impartially.
    • Accountability – be accountable for your decisions and actions.
    • Openness – be transparent in your work.
    • Honesty – act truthfully and with integrity.
    • Leadership – demonstrate and promote these principles.
  • Strong communication skills in English.

This opportunity is available through Reach Volunteering - please apply here

Causes: Community Support, Social Welfare
Roles: Trusteeships and Governance, Eligible for Chambers Professionals, Eligible for Practising Barristers
Hackney Foodbank
Hackney Foodbank
London

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