Find a community meal

Hosting Project Leader

FoodCycle Projects are where the magic happens, as every week we welcome guests for a delicious, wholesome meal and friendly conversation. Each Project is run on the ground by a team of 8 or more lead volunteers called Project Leaders, who take ownership and make decisions about its day-to-day running.

Each leader takes on a specific role to ensure the smooth running of their FoodCycle Project.

As a volunteer Hosting Project Leader, you’ll act as the maître’ d of the team, running your Project’s front-of-house and helping to create the warm, friendly atmosphere that will make both volunteers and guests want to return each week.

Your team of volunteers will lay the tables, greet the guests, and serve the food– all under your guidance!

What will I be responsible for?

As a volunteer Hosting Project Leader, you’ll be responsible for:

  • Running hosting sessions, leading a team of other volunteers to serve a three-course meal in a limited timeframe.
  • Ensuring your team are following the food safety procedures set out in our kitchen handbook.
  • Inducting new volunteers.
  • Encouraging the whole team to have input into creating a warm, friendly atmosphere for guests.
  • Completing the weekly session report via the Project Leader portal.

What experience do I need?

You don’t need to have any previous hosting experience – you just need to love food and motivating people!

We’ll give you training and support, and you’ll develop a whole raft of skills that will look great on your CV – from teamwork to leadership. You’ll also get training in some specific areas like Safeguarding and Food Safety

Best of all, you’ll enjoy a fun, creative volunteer experience with ownership over a community-led project that makes a real, positive difference in people’s lives.

How much time do I need to commit?

The suggested minimum time commitment for the Hosting Project Leader role is 8 hours a month.

FAQS

A Project Leader is a slightly more senior volunteer role, with extra training to help you feel confident running the sessions, supporting the volunteers and ensuring everyone has a good time! Project Leaders are also asked to submit a short report after each session and attend regular Project Leader team meetings. All Project Leaders are DBS checked.

As a FoodCycle volunteer you will receive basic training in Food Safety, Health & Safety, and Safeguarding when you register. After registering, you will have access to a variety of free online resources and training via the FoodCycle volunteer portal, including mental health awareness and guides for serving nutritious meals and talking to guests.

We don’t look for minimum commitments, but we love it if you keep coming back! An average food collection slot is 2 hours. You can volunteer weekly, monthly or just when you have the time.

A small number of these roles are walkable but for the majority of our Projects you will need access to a car or a bicycle. Car drivers will need a full UK driving license, a road-worthy vehicle, up to date road tax, MOT certificate and fully comprehensive insurance. Cyclists will need a road-worthy bicycle (with the ability to attach a trailer) and a helmet.

You don’t need any specific experience; we just want you to be enthusiastic about supporting your local community. We ask that you complete all the required training and follow all policies and procedures.

You can claim travel expenses, including mileage, in line with our volunteer policy.

All volunteers must be over the age of 18.

Visit our equal opportunities page to find out more about volunteering with a disability.

Signing up to be a FoodCycle volunteer is really easy, just complete our online form.

Equal Opportunities

At FoodCycle we are a diverse organisation and welcome volunteers and guests from all backgrounds and walks of life. Visit our equal opportunities page to find out about volunteering with a disability.

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