General Trustee Roles & Responsibilities
Refugee Biryani & Bananas is looking for trustees to join our Board and oversee the work of the charity. We are looking for someone with the skills, experience, energy and time to commit to our important work and a passion for supporting people. Our Board is responsible for the governance of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas. The Board does not directly manage the day-to-day work, but provides oversight, shaping organisational strategy and supporting our staff and volunteers.
Responsible to: Chair of Trustees, Refugee Biryani & Bananas
Purpose: To oversee the work of the charity and lead the Board of Trustees
Hours: Approximately six to eight hours a month.
Salary: This is a voluntary role. Travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteer policy.
We are expanding our Board of Trustees to support the growth and future plans of our ambitious small charity. Board meetings take place every 12 weeks via video call, with opportunities for in-person gatherings throughout the year. Additional meetings may occasionally be required, either more frequently, in smaller groups, or one-to-one, depending on specific needs or exceptional circumstances.
Trustees will govern the organisation along with the other Board of Trustees and will work closely with our team members including volunteers, other Trustees and with the CEO, advising on all governancel matters. The Chair will be expected to lead and attend Board meetings which last approximately an hour and a half every twelve weeks. Trustees will:
- Represent Refugee Biryani and Bananas, raising our profile and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate.
- Actively participate as a key member of the Board of Trustees.
- Providing leadership to the organisation by supporting the team to remain focused on delivering our aims.
- Contributing to strategic direction and facilitating key decision-making.
- Maintaining strategic oversight of board development.
- Occasional operational support where this is requested, aligns with skill set and availability.
- The general responsibilities of a trustee.
- Make a point of familiarisation with the Governing Document of RBB
About Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB)
Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) is a female and community-led, grassroots organisation working alongside people affected by displacement, war, conflict, injustice and instability. Across Greece, Gaza and Cairo, we combine direct humanitarian support with advocacy and awareness-raising. We work to ensure that communities with lived experience are actively involved in decision-making and in the design and delivery of support.
Person Specification
The ideal candidate will have innovative ideas and sound charity governance knowledge. All Trustees are expected to assist Refugee Biryani & Bananas to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation.
Essential
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- Support for the values and mission of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas
- Familiarisation of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and willingness to refer to them when needed.
- Team working skills
- Ability to manage workload remotely and independently
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences
Desirable
- Insight/experience in working with people who are refugees, asylum seekers and/or displaced.
- Experience of charity governance or committee work
- Fundraising/income generation experience
How to apply
Application Process
We are looking for applicants with the drive to help us reach our ambitious goals.
We are a safe space for all people and welcome those who are new to and currently underrepresented on Charity Boards, in particular members those who consider themselves to have a disability, members of the LGBTQ+ community and those in the global majority. Lived experience of migration or asylum or a commitment to this work is welcomed.
Interested applicants should send a CV with full contact details and a brief covering letter to address your motivation for the role, what specific skills and expertise you would bring and how you meet the competencies listed in the role description.
Please send your CV and cover letter to Ruhi Akhtar, ruhi@refugeebiriyanibananas.org
Please add ‘General Trustee Application’ in the subject area.
Trustees are appointed for an initial period of 3 years after which they’re eligible for reappointment.
Following a successful interview, potential Trustees are asked to undergo a DBS/Police check, provide references and complete a three month induction period before being officially appointed. All Trustees are required to adhere to the Charity’s policies and procedures.
Due to the anticipated volume of applications, we may only be able to contact shortlisted candidates. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of submitting your application, please assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion. With your consent, we may retain your application details for up to six months so that we can contact you about other suitable freelance opportunities. You may withdraw your consent or ask us to delete your information at any time by contacting ruhi@refugeebiriyanibananas.org.