Role Description

Members of the Board play a central role in ensuring that Blend Culinary Foundation fulfils its mission, acts in accordance with its obligations as a Community Interest Company (CIC), and remains financially sustainable, legally compliant, and publicly accountable. As a Director, you will:

• Act in good faith at all times, and in the best interests of the organisation and its beneficiaries.
• Uphold the principles of integrity, equality, and accountability.
• Provide strategic leadership, oversight, and governance across all areas of Blend Culinary Foundation’s operations.
• Champion the mission within your networks and actively promote the Foundation’s values and visibility.
• Help guide the responsible use of resources, ensuring public benefit remains central to all decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the strategic planning and long‑term vision of the Foundation, including input on goals, growth opportunities, and risk management.
• Ensure the Foundation fulfils its statutory duties under the Companies Act 2006 and CIC Regulations, including submission of the CIC34 annual report and confirmation statements.
• Safeguard the Asset Lock, ensuring that all assets and surpluses are used exclusively for community benefit and never for private gain.
• Provide oversight of financial planning, annual budgets, income strategies, and major funding decisions, including ethical sponsorship and partnership arrangements.
• Support fundraising efforts and help build relationships with corporate sponsors, donors, and grant‑giving organisations.
• Attend quarterly Board meetings (either in person or remotely), participate in subcommittees or working groups as needed, and support the Foundation’s engagement with stakeholders and community partners.
• Ensure that effective policies are in place and regularly reviewed, including those related to safeguarding, data protection, risk, and fundraising.
• Act as a critical friend to the staff team, offering guidance, support, and professional expertise where appropriate.

What We're Looking For

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those who are committed to food equity and social impact. We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Food systems, food education, or nutrition in the community – We need support in strengthening our local community engagement and networks to ensure we are meeting the needs of the communities we seek to serve. If you have a background in public health, food education, or nutrition, and experience working with community organisations and stakeholders, you could help us deepen our impact and ensure we align what we do with local communities’ priorities.
• Fundraising, CSR, or corporate partnerships – We need support building relationships with values‑aligned funders, sponsors, and businesses. If you have experience in CSR, donor engagement, income generation, or corporate partnerships, you could help us unlock new impact.
• Financial, Legal, compliance, or risk management – If you bring skills in finance, accountancy, charity or company law, we’d love your support to help us maintain transparency, sound governance, and long‑term sustainability.
• Community engagement or cultural programming – We’re committed to keeping our work rooted in the needs of those we serve. If you’ve worked in community organising, food access, or bring first‑hand experience of working to alleviate food insecurity, your voice is essential at our table.
• Strategic communications, social impact operations, and CIC/governance expertise – We want to increase public understanding of who we are and what the Foundation does. If you’ve worked in PR, digital storytelling, or grassroots outreach, help us raise our profile and grow to achieve our mission aims. As a relatively new CIC, we’d love to connect with someone who understands the operational, compliance, or scaling challenges of running impact‑led organisations.

An Ideal Candidate Would Be:

• Passionate about using the power of food as a tool for bringing communities together.
• Willing to collaborate with a dynamic team of staff and volunteers.
• Comfortable with oversight responsibilities and collective decision‑making.
• Committed to public benefit and transparent governance.

What We Offer

• Attend and support community events, cookery classes, and partner activations.
• Shape a growing national social impact organisation that is at the forefront of food‑based community care.
• Build relationships with inspiring change makers across sectors, from education to hospitality and housing.
• Receive reimbursement for travel and other approved out‑of‑pocket expenses related to Board governance.
• Access development opportunities relevant to your Board role (e.g. CIC governance, safeguarding, ethical fundraising).

Time Commitment

• 4 Board meetings per year.
• Up to 2–3 hours per month for meeting prep, correspondence, and community engagement.
• Additional time for subcommittees, fundraising, or events (optional but welcome).

How to Apply

• A CV or short bio.
• A short statement outlining your interest in the role and what you hope to contribute.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We highly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including those with lived experience of food insecurity, community action, or social justice work. We’re always happy to discuss the role further. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Lauren Bartlett, Community Development Officer and Board Secretary

hello@blendculinaryfoundation.co.uk