Volunteering opportunities

All volunteers need to be over the age of 18 for insurance purposes.

Volunteers are the driving force behind foodbanks. Your skills could be just what we need. If you would like to join our database, please complete our Volunteer Application Form. We will keep your details on our records and keep in touch once a position becomes available. 

Current voluntary positions available are listed below.

Foodbank Delivery Driver

Wokingham Foodbank delivers food parcels to households in crisis across Wokingham borough. Deliveries take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. 

Key tasks 

• Transporting food parcels from our premises (Winnersh) to client homes across the borough 

About you 

• Use of own car (mileage can be reimbursed) 

• Full clean UK driving license 

• Physically able to lift heavy bags of tinned food 

• Willingness to travel around a large geographical area 

• Displays empathy for people of disadvantaged backgrounds 

Where: Parcels are collected from our warehouse in Winnersh and delivered within the borough. 

When: Deliveries take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons (1pm - 3pm).  

Time commitment: Flexible and dependent upon on how many sessions you sign up to on the monthly rota. 

Apply via volunteers@wokingham.foodbank.org.uk

Trustee Treasurer

As a trustee, you will be responsible with your fellow board members for the overall governance, strategic direction, and financial oversight of the charity. Trustees are accountable to the charity's beneficiaries, funders, regulators, and the wider public, ensuring that the charity delivers its purpose effectively and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Overview of the role: This role involves leading on the financial affairs of the Foodbank and ensuring that they are conducted within the required legal, accounting and good practice conventions. It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to work in partnership with the chairperson and trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks: Trustee responsibilities, along with the fellow board members, include:

• Work alongside the trustee board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined and made publicly available when necessary.
• Ensure your charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law. 
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• To help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
• To ensure the Foodbank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• To serve as an additional promoter of the Foodbank in the community.

Treasurer Responsibilities:

• Ensure the trustee board fulfils its financial responsibilities.
• Ensure that the Foodbank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance, and reporting.
• Inform the trustee board members of the finances of the Foodbank by written report, at least on a quarterly basis ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the Foodbank.
• Ensure that financial reports:
  • Are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings.
  • Are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the Charity Commission of England & Wales.
  • Have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners 
  • Are reported on an annual basis at annual general meetings (AGMs).

About you

• A knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Wokingham Foodbank
• Enthusiasm to play an active role on the Board and in fulfilling Wokingham Foodbanks purpose 
• Desire to use your existing skills to make a difference
• Drive to engage with issues affecting the community

Previous experience or an ability in:

• Financial accounting and reporting procedures.
• Communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background
• Keeping all financial records up to date (book-keeping)

Benefits of volunteering

• Using your existing skills to make a difference.
• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community.
• Make a real difference to the running of the Foodbank.
• Help shift the focus from meeting the urgent need to communicating and engaging around why the need exists

Impact of your role: By leading on how the Foodbank communicates and engages with our community you are part of providing a vital support function across Wokingham Borough, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Wokingham Foodbank.

Support: A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary section trustee training.

Time commitment: Four in-person board evening meetings a year held at Frederick House, 498 Reading Road, Winnersh, RG41 5EX. Each meeting has pre-reads that are distributed 1 week in advance. In addition, approximately 4-8 hrs per month, supporting remotely. Also to oversee and work closely in support of the Finance and Office Manager, the Accountant and Payroll Administrator’s responsibilities and performance

How to apply: If you have any questions about the role or would like to receive an application form please contact Sam Sudlow on samsudlow@gmail.com. Applications will close on 31st August 2025.

Finance and Office Manager (Paid)

The Finance and Office Manager will have responsibility for the management of the day-to-day financial activities of the food bank, alongside looking after the office space above our warehouse in Winnersh. This is a varied and hands-on role where you will be working alongside the small staff team and volunteers to ensure they have the resources they need to achieve their objectives. The role holder will also work alongside the Treasurer in creating the financial strategy and annual cash forecasts. They will provide financial management support to the Manager, Treasurer and board of trustees. 

Wokingham Foodbank is committed to a diverse and representative workforce, where equity, diversity and inclusion is embedded in everything we undertake. We welcome applications from all parts of our community. We believe it is important that members of the Foodbank team fit the values, culture and ethos of our organisation.

Specific responsibilities of the job:

Finance 

• Make payments in a timely manner, to include invoices, staff salaries and volunteer expenses
• Monthly reconciliation of bank accounts on Xero
• Arrange cash floats for external fundraising events
• Ensure cash and cheque donations are banked in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate financial records 
• Work with the Accountant for the preparation of our annual return
• Work with the treasurer trustee to create an annual budget and create a financial strategy
• Work alongside administration volunteers to distribute standing order and gift aid forms and where needed submit standing order forms to the donor’s bank
• Submit financial reports to the board of trustees

Office

• Manage queries and accounts for utilities, to include waste collection, utilities, cleaning and phones.
• Arrange annual insurance for assets. To include buildings & contents and van
• Arrange annual ICO registration
• Maintain office stationery/supplies
• Purchase of relevant office and warehouse equipment on behalf of the volunteer team
• Liaison with landlord

Key Skills:

• Self-motivated and able to carry out responsibilities with minimum supervision
• Good oral communication
• Confident user of email, document and spreadsheet applications, and internet, note the food bank uses Google.
• Excellent at multitasking with strong organisational skills
• Empathy and ability to work with people from disadvantaged, marginalised, or socially excluded backgrounds

Desired Experience: 

• Experience using Xero accounting software
• Sound knowledge of financial processes
• Managing people and/or volunteers
• Working or volunteering in a charitable organisation that deploys volunteers

Personal attributes:

• Honesty and integrity
• Passionate about tackling poverty 

Responsible to: Wokingham Foodbank Manager 

Responsible for: Day to day financial and office management at Wokingham food bank 

Salary: £19.20 per hour 

Hours: Part time, initially 6 hours a week but with flexibility to amend hours according to the needs of the charity.

Location: Winnersh but with some flexibility to work remotely when appropriate

Length of contact: 1 year in the first instance with the possibility to extend

Annual leave: 5 weeks plus bank holidays

How to Apply:

If you have any questions about the role or would like to receive an application form please contact Annette Medhurst on manager@wokingham.foodbank.org.uk. Applications will close on 31st August 2025.

Trustee of Volunteers

As a trustee, you will be responsible with your fellow board members for the overall governance, strategic direction, and financial oversight of the charity. Trustees are accountable to the charity's beneficiaries, funders, regulators, and the wider public, ensuring that the charity delivers its purpose effectively and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Overview of the role: Wokingham Foodbank is seeking a trustee with professional or voluntary experience in volunteer engagement and strategy, providing oversight and support for our Volunteer Manager and contributing to an inclusive, thriving volunteer culture. This trustee will help ensure that volunteer recruitment, induction, support, and recognition align with best practice and reflect the values of dignity, inclusivity, and community at the core of our foodbank.

You will work closely with the Foodbank Manager and Volunteer Manager to advise on the day-to-day functioning of services and ensure the right policies, procedures, and resources are in place.

Key tasks: Trustee responsibilities, along with the fellow board members, include:

• Ensure the effective running of the charity, ensuring it fulfils its purpose
• Ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• To help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
• To ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• To serve as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community.

Volunteer Engagement Oversight Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic guidance and trustee-level support to the Foodbank’s Volunteer Manager.
• Ensure safeguarding obligations and practices are in place and adhered to
• Advise on best practices in volunteer recruitment, induction, training, and recognition.
• Champion a volunteer-inclusive culture, valuing equity, diversity, and wellbeing.
• Support the development of volunteer policies and ensure they reflect legal requirements and ethical standards.
• Monitor volunteer satisfaction and retention insights and help shape improvements where needed.
• Attend and support key volunteer events or celebrations.
• Serve as a listening ear for volunteer-related feedback when appropriate, supporting staff to maintain strong morale and engagement.

About you

• A knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Wokingham food bank
• Enthusiasm to play an active role on the Board and in fulfilling Wokingham Foodbank’s purpose
• Desire to use your existing skills to make a difference
• Drive to engage with issues affecting the community

Previous experience or an ability in: Ideal candidates will be passionate about the role of volunteers in creating community-led solutions and should have experience or an interest in the following areas:

• Managing volunteers or teams (professionally or in a voluntary capacity)
• Volunteer strategy or workforce development
• Experience in HR, training, people development, or charity governance
• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills
• Commitment to inclusive and compassionate leadership
• Passion for tackling food poverty and social injustice

Benefits of volunteering

• Using your existing skills to make a difference.
• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community.
• Make a real difference to the running of the food bank.
• Help shift the focus from meeting the urgent need to communicating and engaging around why the need exists

Impact of your role: By leading on how the food bank communicates and engages with our community you are part of providing a vital support function across Wokingham Borough, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Wokingham food bank.

Support: A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary section trustee training.

Time commitment: Four in-person board evening meetings a year held at Frederick House, 498 Reading Road, Winnersh, RG41 5EX. Each meeting has pre-reads that are distributed 1 week in advance. In addition, approximately 4-8 hrs per month, supporting remotely. Also working  closely in support of the Volunteer Manager on plans and performance. 

How to apply: If you have any questions about the role or would like to receive an application form please contact Sam Sudlow on samsudlow@gmail.com. Applications will close on 31st August 2025.

Charity Secretary of Foodbank

Role Type: Volunteer Role

Reporting to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Time Commitment: Estimated time commitment 2-4 hrs per month

Location: Winnersh for Trustee Meetings and remote working

Wokingham Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks. We aim to offer a service that is accessible and provides a positive experience for the people we support. We will always champion the needs of our clients by engaging a network of local services to encourage positive change for local people living with food insecurity.

The Volunteer role of Company Secretary  is responsible for the effective administration of the charity, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and to provide support to the Board of Trustees in their governance responsibilities. This role provides support to the Chair of Trustees and other Trustees. 

Wokingham Foodbank is committed to a diverse and representative workforce, where equity, diversity and inclusion is embedded in everything we undertake. We welcome applications from all parts of our community. We believe it is important that members of the Foodbank team fit the values, culture and ethos of our organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Governance and Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with the charity's governing document, charity law, and other relevant legislation (e.g. Charity Commission).
  • Maintain statutory registers (e.g., register of trustees).
  • Assist the Board in maintaining high standards of governance.
• Board Meetings:
  • In consultation with the Chair, prepare and circulate agendas, supporting papers, and minutes for Board meetings.
  • Attend Board meetings and take accurate minutes.
  • Follow up on action points from meetings.
• Communication and Administration:
  • Act as a point of contact for governance-related matters.
  • Maintain effective communication between trustees and, where appropriate, with external bodies (e.g., Charity Commission).
  • Manage and maintain important charity documents and records.
• Risk Management
  • Support the Board in identifying, assessing, and monitoring key risks to the charity's operations, reputation, and financial stability, ensuring alignment with our risk appetite.
  • Maintain and update the risk register, facilitating regular reviews and reporting to the Board on the status of identified risks and mitigation strategies.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of risk management policies and procedures, promoting a strong risk-aware culture ith the board.
• AGM (if applicable):
  • Assist in the organisation and administration of the Annual General Meeting.
• Trustee Support:
  • Assist with the recruitment,  induction and offboarding of new trustees.
  • Provide information and guidance to trustees on governance matters.

Key Skills:

• Self-motivated and able to carry out responsibilities with minimum supervision
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Understanding of charity governance.
• Experience of minute-taking.
• Confident user of email, document and spreadsheet applications, and internet, note the food bank uses Google Workspace

How to apply: If you have any questions about the role or would like to receive an application form please contact Sam Sudlow on samsudlow@gmail.com. Applications will close on 31st August 2025.

Volunteer HR Consultant

Role Type: Volunteer (Advisory) Role

Reporting to: Foodbank Manager

Time Commitment: Approximately 4-8 hours per month (flexible, depending on needs and specific projects). This may involve occasional evening meetings.

Location: Winnersh, Wokingham and remote

Wokingham Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks. We aim to offer a service that is accessible and provides a positive experience for the people we support. We will always champion the needs of our clients by engaging a network of local services to encourage positive change for local people living with food insecurity.

The role of HR Subject Matter Expert is a vital volunteer role that provides expert, professional, and practical human resources guidance and support across all levels of the foodbank. This role will primarily support the Trustee Board in strategic HR governance, while also offering crucial operational HR advice and guidance to the Foodbank Manager and Volunteer Manager regarding paid staff and our valued volunteers. The aim is to ensure the foodbank operates with best practice HR policies, processes, and compliance, fostering a positive and effective working and volunteering environment. 

Wokingham Foodbank currently employs 3 paid staff and has c 110 Volunteers

Wokingham Foodbank is committed to a diverse and representative workforce, where equity, diversity and inclusion is embedded in everything we undertake. We welcome applications from all parts of our community. We believe it is important that members of the Foodbank team fit the values, culture and ethos of our organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

Support to the Trustee Board (Strategic HR Governance):

• Advise the Trustee Board on HR strategy, policy development, and compliance with relevant employment law and charity regulations (e.g., safeguarding, data protection).
• Review and provide expert input on key HR documents, such as employment contracts, volunteer agreements, staff handbooks, and policy frameworks.
• Support the Board in developing and overseeing fair and transparent recruitment, performance management, disciplinary, and grievance procedures for paid staff.
• Contribute to discussions on organisational structure, succession planning, and workforce planning from an HR perspective.
• Provide guidance on complex HR issues that may arise at a strategic level, ensuring legal compliance and ethical practice.

Support to the Foodbank Manager (Paid Staff HR):

• Offer practical HR advice and guidance on day-to-day staff management issues, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training needs, and employee relations.
• Assist in drafting job descriptions, person specifications, and interview questions for paid staff roles.
• Provide support in navigating challenging employee situations, ensuring fair process and adherence to policies.
• Help ensure that the foodbank's HR practices for paid staff align with current employment legislation and best practice.
• Advise on appropriate HR systems or record-keeping best practices for paid staff.

Support to the Volunteer Manager (Volunteer HR/Management):

• Provide expert advice on best practices for volunteer recruitment, induction, training, engagement, and retention, ensuring a positive volunteer experience.
• Help develop or review volunteer agreements, policies, and procedures, considering the unique nature of volunteer relationships versus employment.
• Offer guidance on volunteer safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection in the context of volunteers.
• Support the Volunteer Manager in addressing volunteer conduct or welfare concerns, ensuring a fair and supportive approach.
• Advise on effective recognition and appreciation strategies for volunteers.

General:

• Stay informed about changes in UK employment law and best practice in HR, particularly as it relates to the charity sector and volunteer management.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all sensitive HR and organisational information.
• Act as a sounding board and mentor on HR-related matters for key individuals within the charity.

Key Skills:

• Experience working as an HR professional, with a strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• CIPD Qualification: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification (Associate, Member, or Fellow) or equivalent professional HR qualification/experience.
• Ability to provide both high-level strategic HR advice to a board and practical, operational guidance to managers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain HR concepts clearly to non-HR professionals.
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build effective working relationships with diverse individuals (Trustees, staff, volunteers).
• Proactive and pragmatic approach to problem-solving, offering solutions that are legally compliant and fit for purpose within a charity context.
• Utmost integrity, professionalism, and commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality.

Desirable:

• Experience working with or volunteering for a charity, particularly one involving volunteers.
• Experience in policy development and implementation.
• Familiarity with volunteer management best practices.
• Experience in training or mentoring.

How to apply: If you have any questions about the role or would like to receive an application form please contact Sam Sudlow on samsudlow@gmail.com. Applications will close on 31st August 2025.

Youth Engagement Coordinator

Over the last couple of years we have welcomed numerous groups of guides, scouts and school children into the foodbank but demand is high and we are unable to offer sessions to all groups who express an interest in visiting our charity. We are looking to recruit someone to review our current processes, coordinate these sessions moving forward and work alongside a dedicated team of volunteers to deliver our youth engagement work.
You will be trained to understand the core functions of the foodbank and provided with the support needed to deliver age appropriate talks and activities.

Key tasks:
⦁    Lead on organising events and activities for groups of young people attending the foodbank
⦁    Review, amend where needed, and agree documentation and processes to support the youth engagement workstream. Including initial bookings, session delivery and obtaining feedback from participants
⦁    Initially lead the youth sessions
⦁    Recruit and supervise a group of volunteers who help deliver the youth sessions
⦁    Produce quarterly reports for the management team
⦁    Any other duties which may be reasonably regarded as falling within the nature of the post and as requested by the Comms & Engagement Manager

About you:
⦁    Self-motivated and able to carry out responsibilities with minimum supervision
⦁    Comfortable speaking to groups of people
⦁    Confident user of email, document and spreadsheet applications
⦁    Positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food poverty
⦁    Empathy and an ability to work with a diverse range of people in an inclusive and proactive way

Where: Planning can be done remotely or from our offices in Winnersh. 
Youth sessions are delivered from our warehouse in Winnersh.
Offices and Warehouse - 498 Reading Road, Winnersh, RG41 5EX

When: Flexible. Office opening hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-2.30pm. 
Youth sessions are predominantly delivered early in the evening on a week day, and occasionally school groups attend the foodbank within school hours on a Tuesday or Thursday.

Time commitment: Planning 6-10 hours a month. Delivery of sessions approx 5 hours a month.

Apply via engagement@wokingham.foodbank.org.uk

 

Supermarket Collection Volunteer

As a supermarket collection volunteer you will play a vital role to our foodbank ensuring that we are meeting the demand for our services, providing help and support to people in crisis in the local community. 

This role is suitable for people who can volunteer their time in the evenings or at weekends. We request that volunteers are able to make a regular commitment (for at least 6 months).

Person Specification:

• Own vehicle
• Physically able to lift heavy bags
• Displays empathy for people of disadvantaged backgrounds

We will ask to see your driving licence, tax, insurance and MOT (where applicable).

Specific Responsibilities:

• Collection of food donations from local supermarkets
• Delivery of food donations to our warehouse in Winnersh

Apply via volunteers@wokingham.foodbank.org.uk