Role descriptions for Glossopdale Foodbank Volunteers

Glossopdale Foodbank is a vital community service, providing emergency food aid and support for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Glossopdale and the surrounding area.

Staff, Trustees and volunteers play diverse and essential roles - each contributing to the smooth operation of the Foodbank and its mission of compassion, dignity, and practical assistance.

Below is a detailed list of descriptions for our voluntary roles.

Trustees

Trustees provide governance and strategic leadership, ensuring the Foodbank’s long-term sustainability.

Core Responsibilities

  • Attend regular committee meetings, review agenda and supporting documents prior to the meeting and contribute to decision-making.
  • Oversee compliance, risk management, and financial stewardship.
  • Support the Foodbank staff in delivering the organisation’s mission.
  • Engage in fundraising, advocacy, and partnership-building activities.
  • Review policies, procedures, and progress against objectives.

Desired Skills and Attributes

  • Commitment to the Foodbank’s values and community impact. Integrity, ethical values and commitment to the Glossopdale community.
  • Strategic planning and governance experience.
  • Ability to listen and contribute constructively and to work collaboratively.
  • Familiarity with areas such as finance, law, healthcare, or social services. But whatever your expertise, we would like to hear from you, if you think you can make a contribution to our work. It is worth thinking what you can bring to the role and what it will give you in return.

Lock-Up Volunteers

Lock-up volunteers are responsible for receiving, sorting and storing donations and deliveries and also preparing food parcels for distribution.

Core Responsibilities

  • Receive donations, check quality and expiry dates, and sort items by category.
  • Organise food stocks in accordance with hygiene and safety regulations.
  • Maintain accurate records of stock levels and movements.
  • Prepare food parcels according to Foodbank guidelines and client needs.
  • Assist with regular stock-takes and ensure a clean, safe working environment.

Desired Skills and Attributes

  • Reliability and punctuality.
  • Polite and friendly attitude.
  • Ability to lift and carry moderate weights.
  • Teamwork and communication skills.

Volunteer Drivers

Volunteer drivers transport food from collection points to the Foodbank lock up and/or food parcels from the lock up to distribution points.

Core Responsibilities

  • Collection of donations from supermarkets and other collection points.
  • Collection of parcels from the Foodbank lock up and delivery at distribution points.
  • Assist with transport for ad hoc activities such as Tesco collection days, parkrun collections and fundraising events.

Desired Skills and Attributes

  • Valid driving licence and suitable insurance (required).
  • Reliability and punctuality.
  • Polite and friendly attitude.
  • Ability to lift and carry parcels.

Distribution Volunteers

Distribution Volunteers greet clients, distribute food parcels, and provide a welcoming and supportive environment.

Core Responsibilities

  • Welcome clients and help them feel comfortable and respected.
  • Prepare and distribute food parcels tailored to individual family size and dietary needs.
  • Offer information about further support services and signpost to partner organisations.
  • Keep distribution area tidy and organised.
  • Record data related to distribution and client feedback.

Desired Skills and Attributes

  • Polite and friendly approach. Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental approach.
  • Reliability and punctuality.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Basic record-keeping skills.

Fundraising Volunteers

Fundraising volunteers help at fundraising and food collection events and help to raise awareness of the Foodbank’s work.

Core Responsibilities

  • Facilitate fundraising activities and food drives.
  • Distribute flyers, posters, and information packs.
  • Attend local events, schools, and community groups to promote the Foodbank.
  • Champion the Foodbank’s message both to sponsors and clients.
  • Engage with donors in a positive and informative manner.
  • Collaborate closely with other volunteers to maximise outreach.
  • Maintain accurate records of donations and activities.
  • Report to the foodbank manager and share feedback from events.
  • Uphold the values and mission of the foodbank in all interactions.

Desired Skills and Attributes

  • Reliability and punctuality.
  • Polite and friendly attitude.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Basic record-keeping skills.

Glossopdale Foodbank relies on the passion, skill, and dedication of its staff and volunteers to reach those in need, create lasting community connections, and advocate for a hunger-free future. Each role, whether in management, operations, outreach, or support, is essential for our collective impact, reflecting a spirit of generosity, resilience, and shared purpose.

How Businesses can help the Foodbank

Businesses can help in the following ways:

How Schools can help the Foodbank

Schools can help in the following ways: