Board Of Trustees Volunteer Roles

The Charity

Ships and seafarers touch our lives like no other group of individuals and are largely invisible from us as they ply the oceans every day to bring us 90% of our daily necessities. To bring us our supplies seafarers navigate treacherous weather conditions and are separated from their homes and families for long periods. They often experience isolation, impacting their mental health. They can be abandoned by irresponsible ship owners, and they can be jailed through no fault of their own.

The Mission to Seafarers has been helping bring practical, emotional, and spiritual support to seafarers and their families since 1856. We are well established and well-known throughout the maritime world. Across our nine regions, our network of 200 port operations in 50 countries provides emergency assistance and the hand of friendship to those who find themselves lonely and isolated in a foreign port.

The Mission to Seafarers is a Christian charity closely linked with the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion. While this is central to its purposes, it also enjoys a wide diversity of trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters, prides itself on the breadth of its partnerships, is deeply committed to the service of those of all faiths and none and expresses its “mission” in strongly holistic and practical ways.

The Board

The Charity is led by a high calibre Board of Trustees who are prominent leaders with wide experience of the shipping industry, leading members of the clergy or industry leaders with relevant experience. The Board is led by the Chairman, Thomas Boardley, who has over 30 years’ experience in the maritime sector, including several years as Marine Director at Lloyds Register. 

The Trustees provide appropriate oversight, strategic direction, expertise, support and contacts for the Mission’s work and hold meetings a minimum of four times a year (usually January, April, July and October). The Board also has the following sub-committees which usually meet once or twice a year: Audit and Risk, Governance and Nominations, Grants and Programme, Investment, and Remuneration. Trustees are usually required to sit on a minimum of one committee and some Trustees serve as the lead Trustee for one of our nine regions, and act as a sounding board for the regional director. The position of Trustee is voluntary but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed by The Mission.

The Role

Each Trustee term lasts for three years and Trustees may be appointed to the Board for up to three consecutive three-year terms making nine consecutive years. Board meetings are normally held in London with a hybrid (online) option available for each meeting when Trustees are unable to attend in person. Meetings normally last about three hours and Trustees are expected to devote sufficient time to prepare for meetings and attend. The Remuneration Committee normally meets once a year with occasional ad hoc meetings as required. 

Whilst the Charity has a large global footprint, most of its global work is carried out through locally employed personnel in the various regions, some of which are grant funded by the UK entity. The remit of the Remuneration Committee is therefore primarily ordained and lay staff in the United Kingdom with opportunity to contribute expertise in broader Board discussions including those relating to Human Resources Management globally. 

Trustee Role Description

• Working with other Trustees to ensure that the Mission pursues its charitable object, as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
• Ensuring that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, any other relevant legislation or regulations and principles of good governance.
• Placing the Mission’s beneficiaries at the forefront of all debates about strategic direction, budget-setting, planning and other relevant functions.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for good governance.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the charity and that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable object.
• Ensuring that the Mission defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding the reputation and values of the charity and leading by example.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• Participating in any board induction, training and evaluation identified as an individual trustee and as part of the board or committee.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee is expected to use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. 

Member of Remuneration Committee Role description

In addition to those duties and responsibilities performed by all trustees, this role involves being a member of the Remuneration Committee. Responsibilities include:

• Alongside other members of the Committee, contributing skills, experience and opinions in order to ensure adequate scrutiny of the Charity’s remuneration policy.
• Advising the Committee and the Board on the charity’s HR practices and remuneration strategy.
• Acting as a sounding board for the Chief Operating Officer on HR matters as required.
• Acting as Deputy Lead Safeguarding Trustee. Experience of safeguarding practice is not essential to fulfil this role.
• Representing the Mission at occasional events, meetings or functions as appropriate.

Person Specification 

• Commitment to the charity’s purpose, values, and Christian ethos. 
• Qualified human resources professional with demonstrable commercial awareness and knowledge of compensation and benefits. 
• Ability to work effectively and collegiately as a member of the Board. 
• Sound, independent judgement and a willingness to speak their mind.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship and a willingness to adhere to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please provide:

• A comprehensive CV, including your recent achievements
• A supporting statement, addressing your motivations for applying. This should be no longer than one side of A4.

Closing date for applications: Friday 11th October 2024

Interviews: Week commencing 28th October 2024

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

We are looking for an innovative Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide leadership, guidance  and oversight ensuring operational efficiency and sustainabiltiy, with a passion for supporting children and young people with disabilities. 

F6IT os an inclusive, family centric organisation for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. We believe in the importance of participation, personal development and fulfilment, making friends and having fun alongside family and friends within their community. F6IT is also a strong, active advocate of disabilty, inclusion and language in local goverment and all parts of the community.

You will be joing a growing organisation and you will help build and drive forward the ambitious plans to deliver more support, fitness clubs and leisure activities to more children and young people with disabilties You will ensure that the needs of our Beneficiaries are at the heart of everything  F6IT does.

Red Balloon is a dynamic education charity with several Learner Centres throughout the UK that support young people who self-exclude from school and are missing education because of bullying or other trauma. They provide both an academic and therapeutic programme to enable their students to get back on track and reconnect with society. In addition to offering centre based programmes they also offer a distance learning provision (Red Balloon of the Air) which provides students with a bespoke integrated programme of academic education and wellbeing provision, delivered both online and face-to-face.

Red Balloon Learner Centre North West London (Harrow) is now looking to strengthen their Board and we are seeking an Education Trustee – With a strong background within education you will bring an understanding of safeguarding and child protection for both law and practice.  

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and a highly rewarding way to support an organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Red Balloon is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, Red Balloon are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.

Company Description

Green Light Trust is a registered charity that uses the power of nature to positively impact lives. Since 1989, we have been offering wellbeing and educational courses, team development sessions, and mental health awareness programs in woodland areas across East Anglia, UK. We support people of all ages living with learning disabilities, needing an alternative to the traditional education environment or facing mental health challenges.

This is an exciting time to join GLT, we're shaping a new strategy to set us up for growth and continued success over the next 5 years and beyond. We are looking for a Board Member who can bring their knowledge, skills and professional experience to support and develop our charity.

Being a Trustee will include attendance at quarterly Board Meetings, held in person in Bury St Edmunds or Ipswich and a quarterly Finance and Audit Committee meeting. These typically take up to 3 hours for a Board Meeting and 2 hours for a Committee Meeting.

At this time we're looking for someone who has experience in Finance to join our board.

Role Description

This is a volunteer Trustee role and our Charity is based in Bury St Edmunds. As a Trustee, you will play a vital part in guiding the strategic direction of Green Light Trust. Your responsibilities will include attending board meetings, contributing to decision-making processes, and supporting the organisation's mission and values.

Skills We're Looking For

• Experience in strategic planning and decision-making
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to promoting mental health awareness and environmental conservation
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting
• Understanding of charity governance and compliance

Our partner conducts research, develops recommendations and advocates for reform to make policy and decision-making processes in global governance more accountable to the people they affect now and in the future.

They are seeking a Treasurer to provide financial support and guidance for a resurgent NGO. The Treasurer has responsibility for overseeing maintenance of the accounts, providing quarterly management accounts and annual accounts. The postholder will manage the limited number of payments and also provide financial support to the Board of Trustees, including contributing to funding proposals.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of UK charity accounting and filing requirements, as well as an interest in global issues and a desire to strengthen the effectiveness of global governance.

The estimated time commitment required for the role is 1-5 hours per month.

__________________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Our Chair will evidence a strong empathy with our mission to find and assist those with neurodivergent minds to realise their potential through STEM, and possess sharp business acumen and strong, clear ethical values. With the ability to help us become a sustainable and nationally significant organisation. 

As Chair you will:

• Ensure efficient and inclusive board and general meetings. 

• Foster a constructive working relationship, with support provided for the CEO. 

• Ensure that the board delegates sufficient authority to its committees, the chair, the CEO and others to enable effective business between board meetings. 

• Ensure the board recieves professional advice as needed. 

• Provide inclusive leadership to achieve our strategic ambition and vision. 

• Work with the Board and CEO to define strategies to increase our support and influence.

• Ensure the regulatory compliance of the SMF through the application of appropriate governance and policies.

• Maintain a strategic overview of our programs and interventions, set priorities, and ensure milestones are met. 

• Work with the CEO and Treasurer to ensure financial stability of the SMF with proper financial controls and policies. 

• Work in collaboration with our CEO as a spokesperson for the SMF. 

This list above should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. Upon appointment, our new Chair will ensure that there is a written statement of the chair’s responsibilities which shall be agreed with the board, with a specific focus on the strengths they bring to the role.

Who we're looking for: 

As our new Chair, they will need to evidence and demonstrate commitment and be fully engaged and motivated by our mission and bring the required experience and energy to ensure that we can achieve all that we hope to achieve. They will evidence integrity and the highest standards regarding honesty, reliability, and commitment to the role, with the ability to command trust and respect.   

• Personal gravitas, credibility, and impact to lead a significant national organisation. 

• Proven senior strategic leadership with a successful career track record. 

• Demonstrated experience in chairing, with a broad understanding of Charity Commission regulation, governance and non-executive board participation. 

• Entrepreneurial mindset capable of navigating strategic, financial, operational, and reputational challenges. 

• Strong interpersonal skills to build and sustain positive relationships with key partners and stakeholders. 

• Willingness and ability to commit time and effort, including travel and occasionally attending events outside office hours. 

Why Join Us? 

This is more than just a role – it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of neurodivergent individuals, helping them to thrive in STEM fields where their unique talents can shine. As Trustee Chair, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of SMF, guiding us towards a stronger, more positive future. 

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for our mission, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. 

The SMF is committed to creating a fair and inclusive environment, and we encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join us in our efforts to make a positive impact on the world regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. 

Hope St Mellons are a grass-roots community development organisation. We're working together for a safe, connected, thriving community. We're looking for a Treasurer to join our Trustee board. Our day-to-day financial management is overseen by our staff team but we're looking for someone who can take a lead in overseeing strong financial controls and governance on our board. Do you have experience supporting the financial management of small charities? Interested in community development? Please get in touch for an information pack.

Support U is a leading LGBTQ+ help and support service based in Reading, servicing the Thames Valley area.

We are looking to revitalise our Trustee Board and require a new Chair of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to help take the charity forward and have a real impact on those we support.

What will you be doing?

1. General statutory responsibilities as a Trustee (please request candidate pack for further details).
2. Specific responsibilities as Chair of Trustees: 

• Provide leadership and ensure focus on delivering the organization’s charitable purposes for greater public benefit.
•  Chair and facilitate board meetings.
• Direct board policy-making.
• Ensure implementation of meeting decisions.
• Represent the organization at functions and meetings, acting as spokesperson when appropriate.
• Bring impartiality and objectivity to decision-making.
• Plan the annual cycle of board and general meetings, such as the AGM.
• Set agendas for board and general meetings.
• Develop the board of Trustees through induction, training, appraisal, and succession planning.
• Address conflicts within the board and organization, liaising with the Chief Executive if staff are employed.
• This role is mainly office-based

Time Commitment

We have recently navigated a transitional period, which included our longstanding CEO stepping down and changes to the services we provide.

It would therefore be helpful to have someone who has slightly more time available than is typical during this interim period, as we are really looking for someone to lead the Board in deciding what direction Support U decides to move in. 

We are currently having monthly Board meetings (which are usually held online) which the Chair is expected to attend.

What are we looking for?

• Leadership skills.
•  Experience of committee work.
• Tact and diplomacy.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.

In most circumstances, it would also be desirable for the Chair/Vice-Chair to have knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and other networks.

What difference will you make?

As the potential Chair of Support U, you will have the opportunity to significantly enhance our ability to support LGBTQ+ individuals in Reading and Thames Valley. Your leadership will provide strategic vision, strengthen our existing services, and expand our outreach efforts. By focusing on inclusivity and accessibility, building strong partnerships, and advocating for greater awareness and inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues, you will ensure that Support U remains dedicated to its mission and is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of our community. Your experience and dedication will be invaluable in driving our organisation forward and making a lasting impact.

HELP FURTHER STRENGTHEN OUR PEOPLE AND CULTURE COMMITTEE

​

Do you have a passion and expertise in Human Resources, Volunteer Management or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and looking to make a real difference to people’s lives?

​

Samaritans is looking for new Committee members to contribute to the success of the Committee, championing and driving a culture of ‘One Samaritans’ in which people work alongside one another in both paid and unpaid roles, in a culture of trust, care and high performance.

We are looking for up to three People & Culture Committee members with a strategic mindset and commitment to delivering our vision. The committee members will have an independent eye and the ability to challenge and bring fresh ideas to our organisation. 

​

People and Culture at Samaritans 

In recent times we have seen a number of significant challenges and changes impact the worlds of work and volunteering. We are looking for candidates who can help Samaritans consider these challenges and also seize opportunities in ways of working, flexible volunteering, use of AI and deployment of new systems and working practices.

The committee also considers our approach to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and this is a fantastic opportunity to influence the development of Samaritans to be truly inclusive place to work and volunteer.

Samaritans is looking to be a progressive employer and is currently working on a People & Culture plan to support the delivery of our strategic ambition. People Value Propositions are in the pipeline to present a clear expectation to staff and volunteers and the organisation is responding to the development areas within an impressive set of staff and volunteer engagement survey results. 

The successful delivery of our plan must be supported by an effective board and committee structure, showing leadership, informed decision making, and a firm grasp of the opportunities and challenges facing charities. 

We are seeking applicants who will help the committee fulfil its responsibilities in: 

• providing scrutiny and constructive challenge to our staff and volunteer initiatives 
• interrogating and review progress against the organisation’s people and culture plan
• providing constructively challenge and review both the organisation culture and application of the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in decision making 

Applicants for these roles will have the ability to influence senior executive or governance roles and have relevant experience in governance development and best practice. ​

​

About the role 

• Term: Committee members are usually appointed for a period of three years, with the possibility of a second three-year term. 
• Location: In order to balance commitments of committee members, meetings are split between weekends and weekdays. Primarily meetings are by videoconference, with the possibility of one in-person meeting a year. 
• Remuneration: The role is voluntary. 

​

​Being Inclusive: We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

​

Application Process: Applicants are to return a copy of their CV with a Cover Letter via our careers website by 9 am  Thursday 26 September, containing a personal statement how they meet the experience, knowledge and skills set out in the role description. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview by video conference on or after Monday 7 October. 

Purpose of role:

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA).

Scope and Objectives:

Trustees have a duty individually and collectively to:

·Determine the overall direction and development of WCA through good governance and clear strategic planning.

·Ensure that WCA pursues the objectives defined in its governing documents, and complies with charity law, company law, employment legislation, and with all other relevant legislation, constantly striving for best practice in governance.

·Uphold the financial responsibilities invested in their position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in WCA.

·Ensure that WCA uses its resources in pursuit of its charitable objects.

Main duties:

·To contribute actively to the Board’s role in providing direction for WCA, in setting overall policy and in maintaining a framework of good governance and accountability, and in evaluating performance against agreed targets.

·To give clear direction, leadership, guidance, and advice to the WCA director and staff.

·To safeguard the good name and values of WCA and to act as an ambassador for the organisation.

·To provide vision, inspiration, and support to the WCA director and staff.

·To ensure the effective and efficient administration of WCA.

·To ensure the financial stability of WCA.

·To appoint the director and monitor his/her performance.

·To use specific skills, knowledge, or experience to help the Board of Trustees to reach sound decisions.

This may involve:

·Scrutinising Board papers;

·Contributing to or leading Board discussions;

·Acting as a board champion for a particular area of WCA’s work;

·Identifying and focusing on key issues;

·Providing guidance on new initiatives;

·Being part of a working group.

Duty of Care:

Each Trustee will:

·Apply reasonable care and skills as a Trustee, using their knowledge and experience to ensure that WCA is well run and efficient;

·Be ready to consider the need for external professional advice on matters where there may be material risk to the charity, or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties;

·Safeguard the good name and values of WCA.

·Maintain absolute confidentiality about sensitive information received in the course of responsibilities as a Trustee.

Each Trustee will:

·Ensure that the charity is and will remain solvent; keeping informed of the charity’s activities and financial position;

·Avoid undertaking activities that might place the charity’s property, funds, assets or reputation at undue risk.

Each Trustee is required to act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and must always bear the interests of WCA in mind.

Section 72(1) of the Charities Act 1993 disqualifies anyone who:

·Has been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonesty unless the conviction is spent.

·Is an un-discharged bankrupt.

·Has previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the court or the Charity Commissioners.

·Is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986.

It is an offence to serve as a charity trustee while disqualified unless the Charity Commission has given a waiver under section 72(4) of the Charities Act 1993.

Accountability:

The law imposes a duty of care on Trustees to act responsibly and prudently in all matters relating to their charity and to act in the best interests of the charity.

WCA is a registered Charity and Company Limited by guarantee and Trustees are therefore accountable to the members, the Charity Commission, and to Companies House (as company directors).

Suitability as a WCA Trustee will include many of the following:

·Commitment to Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA).

·Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.

·Availability to attend meetings regularly.

·Strategic vision.

·Good, independent judgement.

·Ability to think creatively.

·Willingness to participate actively in discussions, listening to others and con- tributing accordingly.

·To use professional experience and any technical skills and knowledge to contribute to Trustee decision making.

·Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

·Ambassadorial ability and willingness to represent WCA in a range of situations.

·Experience of involvement in community or residents’ groups and/or in building community involvement.

·Commercial awareness including, but not limited to: marketing, branding, fundraising and social media.

·Skills and experience within finance or communications.

·Valuing diversity, with experience and/or knowledge of minority issues and perspectives.

·Capacity to pursue potential sources of charitable investment in WCA.

·Willingness to take part in training and learn new skills

About the opportunity

We are seeking committed vegetarians and vegans to join our volunteer board of trustees.

Vegetarian for Life (VfL) is the only UK charity specifically dedicated to supporting older vegetarians and vegans. If you share our belief that all older people should be enabled to maintain their chosen diet and lifestyle, have access to trusted information on healthy eating and rights, and enjoy good quality food wherever they live, this role may be of interest to you.

Our trustees work with the CEO of VfL and its operational team to ensure good governance and realise the strategic aims and development of this unique charity. VfL has experienced sustained growth and impact since it was formed in 2007 and is highly respected for the breadth and quality of its work across care, advocacy, and catering sectors.

We are a small board who regularly review skills and experience across our membership to ensure we optimise our effectiveness in supporting the charity. In anticipation of members completing their tenure in 2025, including our present chair/vice-chair, we seek new trustees to sustain VfL’s success and progress in the years ahead. While interested in diverse backgrounds, we would be especially keen to hear from those with specific experience in any of the following:

• Working in health, nutrition, social care relating to older people (voluntary or statutory sector).
• Previous or existing role as trustee of a charity or organisation connected to supporting older people.
• Roles relating to capacity building or business development.

The role of trustee is a voluntary one although expenses are paid when incurred in connection with the role. The board meets quarterly, mainly via video conferencing but with at least one meeting a year in Manchester where VfL is based. Full board meetings are held on a Saturday. Some communications occur between meetings (usually by WhatsApp or email) and occasionally additional (short) meetings are required to make decisions timeously – these will always be scheduled by arrangement with members.

To be considered for this role 

You should have the skills and experience outlined above and be committed to the aims of VfL. You should be able to articulate the contribution you believe you can make to furthering these aims.

Our Vision for 2025

Business Development

• 1 in 6 UK care homes will be a member of VfL’s UK List. 1 in 100 will be VfL accredited. The first port-of-call for help and advice for those supporting older veg*ns.

Research and Policy

• A key voice in the 'choice and dignity' debate about care homes and their residents.

Supporter Services

• Responsive to the wishes, hopes and aspirations of all veg*ns in later life across the UK. Their first port-of-call for help and advice. Actively supporting the trends for reduction in meat consumption across all age groups.

To apply 
Please send a covering letter along with a CV of no more than 2 pages FAO Chair, Dr Barbara Sharp. We usually offer an informal chat about the role to applicants in the first instance prior to a formal recruitment process including interview.

Family Volunteering Club creates and runs child-friendly volunteering sessions supporting a range of causes, enabling children aged 0 - 9 to participate positively in their community, building their confidence, sense of belonging and skills. We are introducing them in an age-appropriate way to societal issues, and also to the idea of volunteering from a young age, instilling a sense why it's important, fun and positive to help people and causes around them!

We began in south London and now also run programmes in Abergavenny, Stevenage and will be launching in Fenland in 2025. We are on an exciting journey of growth to create programmes in villages, towns and cities across the UK, benefiting hundreds of families every week.

We are now seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. The Treasurer will play a crucial role in overseeing the financial administration of the charity, ensuring economic stability, and providing strategic financial guidance. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong background in finance and accounting who is passionate about contributing to a meaningful cause.

Treasurer

 

We are looking for a Treasurer to lead this charity’s board’s oversight of charitable funds, you will be pivotal in ensuring the organisation demonstrates excellent stewardship of resources and is financially sustainable for the future.

Position: Treasurer

Location: Remote or London-based office

Duration: Max term: 96 consecutive months

Remuneration: Unremunerated - reasonable expenses can be claimed following the expenses policy

Expected time commitment:

Four Board meetings per year and one annual general meeting

Four FRAC meetings per year

Four RAPMC meetings per year

Other duties – approximately 1 day per month

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

About the Role

We are looking to appoint a Treasurer for this exciting organisation. This is a particularly exciting time to join us, as we put in place a new three-year strategy to bring greater clarity and focus to developing the organisation’s role.

We are looking for a Treasurer who will be a charity trustee (company director) and ensure that the public interest and charitable objectives run through all that we do. We will launch our three-year strategy in the Autumn of 2024 and the next step is to craft a clear and achievable delivery plan to sit alongside this strategy which will be accompanied by a medium-term financial plan.

Your background in financial leadership will be an ideal experience to chair the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee (FRAC) and provide support to our finance team.

Key responsibilities include:

 

· Meet with the Chief Executive and relevant staff to prepare for FRAC and board meetings and discuss other financial matters.

· Seek assurances that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs.

· Advise on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans.

· Keep the board of trustees informed about its financial duties and responsibilities, including the organisation’s free reserves position and target.

· Oversee the preparation of budgets, management accounts and financial statements, and ensure processes are in place to ensure that the statutory accounts are disclosed in the form required by the Charity Commission and Companies House.

· Ensure that the accounts are externally audited and any recommendations from the auditors are implemented; as financial spokesperson, make a formal presentation of the accounts and audit report to the board of trustees and members, drawing their attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way; liaise with the auditors on specific issues such as the management letter and related board representations.

· In liaison with the communications team act as financial spokesperson and draft external briefings for the organisation.

· Ensure that processes are in place to ensure appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place, including an appropriate reserves policy.

· In relation to investments, ensure there are processes in place to check that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity, and monitor the organisation’s investment activity ensuring it is consistent with the organisation’s policies and legal responsibilities.

About You

You will need to have the following skills and experience:

· An understanding of the wider talking therapies environment, regulatory frameworks, and professional associations.

· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

· A commitment to the organisation and its charitable objectives.

· Financial qualification (ACA / CIMA) or equivalent.

· Strategic and analytical financial experience.

· Board-level experience in the Public, Private or Third Sector.

· Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills with experience working in an influential role and the ability to explain financial information to a variety of audiences.

· Demonstrates good, independent judgement; can also act with impartiality, fairness and respect confidences.

 

About the Organisation

The employer is the leading professional body for psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Alongside professional support for our members, we are the leading research, innovation, educational and regulatory body working to advance psychotherapies, and emotional and mental wellness for the benefit of all.

This is an exciting time to join as the organisation is currently consulting on a new organisational strategy, to be launched in autumn 2024.

You may have experience in areas such as Treasurer, Accountant, Trustee, Finance Trustee, Finance Treasurer, Finance Manager, Business Accountant, Board, Volunteer, Governance, Manager, Strategic Planning, Accountancy, Trusts, Grant, Volunteer, Board Member, Chair

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the organisation and for all decisions made by the Board. They set the strategic direction for the organisation, ensuring alignment to our values, and are responsible for setting organisational policy, defining goals, agreeing the financial plan, evaluating performance, and ensuring that strong relationships are maintained between the Trustees, foodbank staff and our team of volunteers.

Key tasks:

• To manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity.
• To ensure the board regularly reviews its structures, roles, relationship to staff and implementing changes if and when necessary.
• To develop a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.
• To work alongside the Treasurer and the board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined and made publicly available when necessary.
• To ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• To help promote the organisation to a wide audience of potential funders and beneficiaries and community stakeholders.
• To ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• To act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• To prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.
• To provide ad hoc support to the staff team and volunteers from time to time.
• To act at all times in accordance with the foodbank’s trustee code of conduct.

The Trustees may also undertake additional work for the charity between meetings subject to their availability and skill set.

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst supporting the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• A commitment to the work of Ely Foodbank.
• A knowledge and passion for your local community.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
• Sound, independent judgement, and the ability to think creatively.
• Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn, develop and collaborate.
• It is not necessary to have previous board experience as training and support will be provided. This role could support someone taking their first steps to develop wider board level and governance experience

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, religion or beliefs, disability, ethnic background, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. We also encourage those with lived experience of poverty to apply.