Trustee

Building Futures East is a unique Community Development organisation located on Walker
Riverside in the East End of Newcastle.
Established in 2006, we work with people in the 20% most disadvantaged communities
North of Tyne. We take a "people and place" based approach to our work, improving the
quality of life and opportunity for individuals whilst supporting fragile communities in
building their social and economic resilience.
We are an anchor organisation in the East End of Newcastle occupying a valued place of
trust and confidence within our community. We seek to respond to community need by
offering a range of interconnected, intensive, complimentary services that are delivered in
the heart of the communities we serve.
Our dynamic team of 12 have a wealth of skills and experience enabling us to provide
interventions encompassing a range of specialisms. Whilst not exhaustive, these include
benefits advice, debt and budgeting support, employment and careers advice, basic skills
training, health checks, wellbeing support, vocational skills and specialist domestic abuse
services. Our person centred approach allows us to work holistically with individuals, many
of whom face multiple challenges directly associated with poverty and disadvantage. All
strands of our work have evolved from direct consultation and conversation with the
communities we serve, ensuring that what we offer meets need, builds trust and instils
hope.
Additionally, our foodbank operates from our main site and is where we coordinate weekly
deliveries of food parcels to families in Walker and Byker. We rely upon a dedicated team of
volunteers who assist us in processing food donations, preparing parcels and making the
deliveries each week.
Who are we looking for?
2023 has seen us actively look to rebuild and rejuvenate our board following a number of
retirements towards the end of 2022. We are looking to enhance the overall skill set of our
board through the recruitment of new members with skills and experience in the following
areas:
• Finance
• Legal
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In addition to these skills, we are looking to attract interest from individuals whose values
align with those of our organisation and who are passionate about our work. We welcome
applicants from all communities and recognise the rich value offered through building a
diverse board that is truly representative of the communities we serve.
Commitment Level
Our trustees currently meet 4-5 times per year, during standard working hours and review
project delivery, financial performance, funding opportunities and other governance
matters. Moving forward however, we hope to nurture and build greater synergy between
the board and our delivery teams through the creation of opportunities for trustees to be
more actively involved in the vital work we do. We therefore welcome interest from anyone
who could potentially offer additional time in support of the organisation’s charitable aims.
All trustees give their time and support to the charity on a voluntary basis.
Further Information
To express an interest in becoming a trustee for us, please contact our Chief Executive Helen
Holmes to arrange an informal meeting.
Email: helen.holmes@buildingfutureseast.org
Phone: 0191 263 2752
Further information about our work can be accessed via the following web and social media
platforms:
www.buildingfutureseast.org
X (formerly Twitter):
@bfenewcastle
Facebook:
Building Futures East
@eastendwomen
@SewSisters_
Lifting Neighbourhoods Together – Walker
East End Women at Building Futures East Sew Sisters Studio
Instagram:
building_futures_east
eastendwomen
sewsistersstudio