Application Guide
How to Apply for General Trustee
at Refugee Biriyani & Bananas
🏢 About Refugee Biriyani & Bananas
Refugee Biriyani & Bananas is a unique charity that combines culinary arts with social impact, supporting refugees through food and community. Their innovative approach and ambitious growth plans make it an exciting time to join their board and help shape their future.
About This Role
As a General Trustee, you will provide governance and strategic oversight, ensuring the charity fulfills its mission. Your role is pivotal in guiding the organization's direction, supporting the CEO, and contributing to the sustainability and growth of this impactful charity.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical month might involve reviewing board papers and financial reports, attending a virtual board meeting every 12 weeks, and possibly joining a sub-committee call or meeting with the CEO. You might also participate in occasional in-person gatherings or events, contributing your expertise to decisions that shape the charity's future.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Refugee Biriyani & Bananas Is Looking For
- Passionate about supporting refugees and asylum seekers, with a commitment to the charity's mission.
- Experience in governance, strategy, or a relevant field such as law, finance, HR, or nonprofit management.
- Ability to commit 6-8 hours per month for board meetings, preparation, and occasional events.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a collaborative approach to working with staff and other trustees.
📝 Tips for Applying to Refugee Biriyani & Bananas
Tailor your CV to highlight governance or board experience, even if in a voluntary capacity.
In your cover letter, explicitly state why you are passionate about refugee support and how your skills align with the charity's mission.
Research the charity's current projects and mention specific ideas you could bring to the board.
Be clear about your availability and ability to commit to the time requirements.
If you lack direct board experience, emphasize transferable skills like strategic planning, financial oversight, or stakeholder engagement.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your motivation for supporting refugees and the charity's unique approach.", 'Specific skills or experience that will add value to the board, such as legal, financial, or fundraising expertise.', "Your understanding of governance responsibilities and your commitment to the role's time requirements.", 'Any prior experience with charities or community organizations, even in non-board roles.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore the charity's website and social media to understand their projects and recent news.
- → Read their annual reports or accounts to understand their financial health and strategic priorities.
- → Look into the backgrounds of current trustees and the CEO to understand the board's composition.
- → Research the broader refugee support landscape in the UK to understand the context and challenges.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on the cause without demonstrating understanding of governance duties.
- Underestimating the time commitment and not planning for it in your schedule.
- Failing to ask questions about the charity's current challenges or strategic plans during the application process.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: September 30, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Refugee Biriyani & Bananas!