Read the latest updates from Stephen Thornton, Chair of Trustees

Behind the work of our Foodbank is a dedicated team of trustees who guide our organisation, ensuring we continue to support people facing hunger and hardship across our community while working towards achieving our goal of ending the need for food banks in Cambridge. But what exactly does a trustee do, and how does their work support the wider Foodbank team?

We spoke to Stephen Thornton, Chair of Trustees, to find out more about the role of the trustees and to discuss other recent developments at our Foodbank.

Can you tell us about the role of a trustee?

For me, the key word is ‘assurance’. Our role is to evaluate everything the Foodbank does, how it spends money and whether its actions align with our charitable purpose and regulatory responsibilities.

While CEO Steve Clay, the executive team and all our volunteers do the hard work of managing and delivering our services, as trustees, we provide oversight across four main areas: strategy, governance, finances, and accountability.

We help ensure the Foodbank has a clear strategy and plan for the future. For example, overseeing the development of our Fairbite Food Clubs alongside our Welcome Centres. We also analyse policies and procedures that keep the organisation running safely and responsibly – evaluating everything from safeguarding to financial management.

During quarterly board meetings, we review our finances, consider potential risks and monitor progress against our plans. Just as importantly, we hold Steve and his team to account while supporting and encouraging them, particularly when things get tough. It’s as much about standing alongside the team as it is about providing oversight.

We’ve recently welcomed three new trustees. What will they bring to the Foodbank?

We ran a recruitment campaign over the summer and were delighted by the number and quality of applicants, which I think truly reflects how respected the Foodbank has become within the local community. Out of all these impressive candidates, we welcomed Heather, Bridget and Becky.

Heather has already been advising us on fundraising as a volunteer for the past couple of years. As a qualified fundraiser and former Development Director at Selwyn College, she brings valuable experience and expertise.

Bridget brings a broad range of experience, including working at the Church of England and with organisations in the United States. Her vast experience in the fields of philanthropy and giving offers us interesting lessons and insights.

Becky is a former primary school headteacher who already volunteers at one of our Welcome Centres. She brings valuable hands-on experience of our work and is particularly interested in strengthening our links with schools, which could open up new opportunities to engage supporters from an early age.

Collectively, I’m confident they will make a significant contribution to the effectiveness of the board.

Do you have an update on the fundraiser for the stolen van?

The response has been absolutely astonishing. After the van was written off, we launched a JustGiving appeal to help cover the cost of replacing it, alongside arranging a temporary van. We set a fundraising target of £15,000, and we reached it in just five days.

Over 300 people contributed, with some singular donations being in the thousands. Every single gift has been hugely appreciated, and I think I speak for everyone when I say we have been truly inspired by the generosity people have shown.

The media coverage has also helped raise the Foodbank’s profile, which is particularly valuable as we approach the challenging winter months.

I’m genuinely speechless when it comes to the Cambridge community’s support.

Winter is approaching. Is it set to be a particularly busy period for the Foodbank?

It’s likely to be a difficult winter for people in Cambridge. Rising gas and electricity costs, continuing increases in food prices and the high cost of rent in our city are all putting additional pressure on households.

We are preparing for the increased demand this will bring, and will be launching our winter fundraising campaign in November. 

But underpinning everything we do will be the incredible efforts of you, our volunteers. When I visit our Welcome Centres, Fairbite Food Clubs and warehouse, I’m struck by how energised, enthusiastic and committed everyone is. There would be no Foodbank without our volunteers - it’s as simple as that. My message to everyone this winter is simple: Your contribution is vital, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.

Finally, what do you enjoy doing outside of your role as a trustee?

I love gardening; we have a fairly large garden, so tending to that keeps me busy. I’m a keen classical music fan too, and I always enjoy going to concerts. My wife and I frequent Cambridge Arts Theatre, and we have been delighted to see it looking so good following its reopening after redevelopment earlier this year.

Family is also very important to me. We have three grandchildren, including one who lives locally, and we love spending time with him whenever we can.