Regular Opportunities

Falmouth Food Co-Op's (FFC) mission is to improve access to fresh, local food to enhance individual and community health and wellbeing, and the environment, which is achieved through three interconnected projects - Loveland Community Field & Market Garden; the Grocery; and the Kitchen.  After six years of trading FFC is  looking to clarify and consolidate its internal processes, in order to confidently meet the challenges of a not-for-profit cooperative offering an alternative food system. 

A key priority for FFC is updating its finance systems and therefore a Finance Board Member is being sought who can bring specific skills to guide this work.

In addition, a Secretary is required to assist the Board with its duties and responsibilities to staff and co-op members.

Falmouth Food Coop is at an exciting stage in its development. After six years of trading it's looking to clarify and consolidate its internal processes, in order to confidently meet the challenges of a not-for-profit cooperative offering an alternative food system. Its mission is to improve access to fresh, local food to enhance individual and community health and wellbeing, and the environment, which is achieved through the three interconnected projects: Loveland; The Grocery; and The Kitchen.

Both vacancies are new roles so whoever takes them on will play a significant part in shaping how this work develops. You will join (or support) a board of five committed people with professional expertise spanning food growing, land management, volunteer coordination, retail, and fundraising. Our long-term aim is to grow staff capacity for internal operations, gradually moving operational responsibilities to paid workers and reorienting the Board towards mission and strategy.

What's involved?

Finance Board Member.

A spokesperson said: "A key priority is updating our finance systems, and we are therefore seeking a Board Member who can bring specific skills to guide this work. We are particularly interested in someone with knowledge of accounting for Community Interest Companies, charities, or cooperatives, and/or experience designing and implementing financial management processes for organisations with multiple projects and varied income streams — such as trade, grants, and donations. FFC currently has a turnover of approximately £200k."

Key Duties amd Relationships:

The Finance Board Member is responsible for overseeing the financial health and
integrity of FFC and serving as a link with the Finance Working Group — constituted of
staff and board members, meeting regularly to problem solve and improve information
flow.
1. Oversee the financial health of the cooperative, ensuring sound financial
management and controls are in place.
2. Lead on the preparation and presentation of management accounts, budgets,
and financial forecasts to the Board.
3. Ensure compliance with relevant financial, legal, and regulatory requirements,
including filing obligations with Companies House and HMRC.
4. Support the development of financial strategy and long-term planning.
5. Work alongside the bookkeeper to maintain accurate financial records.
6. Flag financial risks and opportunities to the Board in a timely manner.
7. Contribute to wider Board discussions and strategic decisions as a full Board
member.

Board Secretary.

Key Duties and Relationships.
Record Keeping:
Defining the membership model and building a Register of members.
Maintaining a Register of Directors
Maintain a Calendar of Key Dates and ensure these are planned for
Legal oversight/compliance:
Ensure the policies, processes and activities of FFC are compliant with the Governing Document.

File CIC Annual Report.
Completion of the Confi rmation Statement to Companies House.
Notify Companies House of any changes to Director’s details.
Renewal of Company Insurance policy.
Communication with Members and other stakeholders where relevant:
Inform the membership of any planned General and Annual General Meetings.

 Manage Board Email Inbox.
Preparation of the monthly team update to be sent to all staff after the Board Meeting.
Meeting Organisation and Attendance.
Organising of monthly/bi-monthly Board meetings, ensuring Board papers are prepared and circulated in good time.
Writing up the agenda and the minutes of Board meetings, General Meetings and the AGM.
 

Why get involved?

A spokesperson added: "We recognise that the above is asking quite a lot of a voluntary role and you may feel unable to commit to the full list of responsibilities. We envisage board roles averaging about 8 hours per month, exclusive of meeting times. We’d love to hear from people with the required skills, even if they feel able to only partially meet the time commitment."

In return the FFC can offer:

Connection to a lively and active local food organisation.

Monthly in-person meetings with friendly and supportive Board members.

10% discount on your FFC Grocery shop.

A warm, fuzzy feeling that you’ve made a tangible difference to the local food scene in your area.

How to get involved?

You can appply by following this link: Application to FFC Board

For further information email board@falmouthfood.coop

Please note: There is no closing date, however you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible as the FFC wil be responding to applications in the order it receives them.