Advertised from 6 August 2025

Role

Trustees

Empty Kitchens Full Hearts SCIO aims to relieve poverty in Edinburgh by providing meals using surplus food and follow-up support to people across the city, free of charge, and without judgement. Established in 2020 we have provided over 2 million meals.

What we’re looking for:

We are looking to recruit 3 Trustees who will contribute their energy, enthusiasm and expertise to our organisation. Prior experience as a Trustee is not necessary. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting difference in people’s lives by supporting an essential service in Edinburgh.

1.Treasurer Trustee:

We are seeking a candidate who is either a qualified accountant or has substantive accounting expertise, preferably with knowledge of the third sector. Ideally the postholder will have the capacity to work closely with the Executive Team in order to ensure the Board is fully conversant in ongoing matters of finance.

2. Trustee with Expertise in Marginalised Communities:

We are seeking an individual with significant professional experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of marginalised communities. This could include expertise in areas such as social justice, community development, inclusion, advocacy, or direct work with specific underrepresented groups. Your insights will be crucial in ensuring our services are truly accessible, responsive, and impactful for all.

3. Trustee with Fundraising & Network Leveraging Expertise:

We are looking for a Trustee who possesses a strong track record of generating income and building awareness through their professional and personal networks. This is not a technical fundraising role, but rather an opportunity for someone who can strategically open doors, make introductions, and advocate for our mission to potential funders, partners, and influential individuals. Your ability to leverage your network will be vital in expanding our reach and securing the resources needed to grow our impact. A candidate with an established background in fundraising and income generation is desirable.

About Empty Kitchens Full Hearts

Empty Kitchens Full Hearts SCIO aims to relieve poverty in Edinburgh by providing meals -made using surplus food - and follow-up support to people across the city, free of charge, and without judgement. Established in 2020, we have provided over 2 million meals to those in need. Empty Kitchens Full Hearts is led by a dedicated and passionate board of trustees who are collectively responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the organisation. A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join this board and make a real difference to people across Edinburgh.

About the role

Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core services. They are there to lead, control and supervise the organisation’s activities.

The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of 1-2 days a month. There will be a requirement to attend our quarterly board meetings and participate in ad hoc working groups. If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Empty Kitchens Full Hearts mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you.

What we Offer

• The opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact on food poverty and community well-being.
• A chance to work with a passionate and dedicated team.
• The satisfaction of contributing to a cause you believe in.
• A commitment to your professional development and a supportive Board environment.

Ways of Working:

• Trustees will leverage their networks, knowledge and experience to support Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, particularly in areas such as food insecurity and fundraising.
• Trustees are encouraged to volunteer with the charity in roles such as kitchen assistant, packing and delivery of food.
• Trustees are required to attend a minimum of 4 Board meetings a year and should also be willing to sit on working groups as required.
• Meetings are typically 2 hours in duration and are set out up to 12 months in advance. Board meetings are mainly in person at our premises in Granton, but may occasionally be held online.
• Trustees will build strong working relationships with the Chair, fellow trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters.

Application notes

If you are interested in learning more about the role before applying, please email Jane Rutherford via jane.rutherford@emptykitchens.co.uk.

To apply please submit an expression of interest to our Chair Linda Rosborough via hr@emptykitchens.co.uk. You should provide a concise overview of your relevant skills and experience, making a compelling case as to why the Board should consider you. A CV, whilst helpful, is not necessary at this stage.

The Closing date to express your interest is Midnight on 31/08/2025.

Selected applicants will be invited to an interview in mid-September

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