Finance Volunteer Roles

Balance (Support) CIO is creative and innovative charity providing a range of support services to people with learning disabilities and enduring mental health needs living in the boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Wandsworth Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster.

We are seeking a new Treasurer who can build on the already considerable work the charity has undertaken to assert the independence, skills and abilities of people who are too often marginalised and forgotten by their wider communities. You will have considerable experience in a finance and accounting role, as willingness to get to grips with the financial governance obligations of a charity and drive the charity financial sustainability in a measured and assured manner.

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups and teams, all of which help our feline friends in a different ways. They take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve, help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our volunteer treasurers maintain the finances of local groups and teams, ensuring they hold the funds needed to continue their vital work. Cats Protection relies solely on donations from generous members of the public, and our volunteer treasurers help make sure these funds are spent in the most effective way.  

What can you expect to be doing?

• Preparing budgets
• Keeping accurate financial records
• Reporting financial records via ‘Cashlog’ (Cats Protection supplied software)
• Paying invoices and volunteer expenses
• Being part of a team which ensures there are sufficient funds to meet expenditure
• Updating and advising others on income received, expenditure and available funds
• Managing and monitoring donations made to the group
• Following financial procedures e.g. Gift Aid returns and VAT claims

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by overseeing the finances of a local volunteer groups or team. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Experience or knowledge of accounting, book keeping and/or good numeracy skills
• The ability to collect and present information clearly and logically
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to use own initiative  
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Bodmin Keep is over 160 years old and is the historic home of the Army in Cornwall.  This former headquarters of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry houses the museum, with more than three hundred years of military history, a library and meeting rooms. Each of the 12,000 collection items has its own story to tell. Stories about the battles that have been fought, weapons that were used or personal letters that were written on the battlefield.

Our aim is to educate, entertain and inspire a broad range of people of all ages. We want to develop the museum so that it is recognised as a leader in Cornwall and in the nation’s military heritage. We also aim to make a real contribution to the wellbeing and economy of our local community and county, and to our military family.

We are now looking for some new Trustees to join our Board and help us to fulfil these aims and aspirations.  The Trustee role can be very rewarding and enjoyable offering an opportunity to serve the community whilst learning new skills.  The Trustees role is to focus on the strategic direction of the charity and to ensure effectiveness and accountability.  We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are excited about our work and can bring relevant experience/knowledge of the heritage sector, veterans, volunteering, managing finances, income generation or visitor services. For further information about us and how to apply, please download our Information Pack and visit our website.

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups and teams, all of which help our feline friends in a different ways. They take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve, help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our volunteer treasurers maintain the finances of local groups and teams, ensuring they hold the funds needed to continue their vital work. Cats Protection relies solely on donations from generous members of the public, and our volunteer treasurers help make sure these funds are spent in the most effective way.  

What can you expect to be doing?

• Preparing budgets
• Keeping accurate financial records
• Reporting financial records via ‘Cashlog’ (Cats Protection supplied software)
• Paying invoices and volunteer expenses
• Being part of a team which ensures there are sufficient funds to meet expenditure
• Updating and advising others on income received, expenditure and available funds
• Managing and monitoring donations made to the group
• Following financial procedures e.g. Gift Aid returns and VAT claims

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by overseeing the finances of a local volunteer groups or team. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Experience or knowledge of accounting, book keeping and/or good numeracy skills
• The ability to collect and present information clearly and logically
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to use own initiative  
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

We are looking for a Finance professional to bring their skills and expertise to our Board.

What will you be doing?

The Treasurer plays a central role in the strategic management of the organisation. 

The purpose of this role is to monitor the financial administration of The Bridge and advise the Board and CEO on financial matters, in line with best practice and in compliance with the governing document and legal requirements.

What are we looking for?

• Qualified accountant. 
• Skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences. 
• Ability to explain financial analysis clearly and make recommendations to the Board. 
• Willingness to be available to staff to provide advice and guidance on financial matters. 
• Good interpersonal, leadership and influencing skills to communicate effectively with the Board, management team and external stakeholders. 
• Existing Trustee experience is desirable but not essential. 

Having an interest in our cause is crucial for all Trustees. You will be committed to work we do but do not need to be knowledgeable as we will induct in this area

What difference will you make?

The Charity’s finances are in a very sound position and it's an exciting time to join us as we are looking to grow and expand our services. 

The Treasurer will play a vital role on the Board and help to ensure that we continue to provide support to people who are homeless in Leicester

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting The Bridge with their trustee recruitment. 

Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. 

To apply please send your CV/LinkedIn profile along with a supporting statement explaining why you are interested in the role, the skills and experience you will bring to the Board and what you would hope to get out of the role. 

Oxfordshire Youth

Oxfordshire Youth is a boundary-breaking youth development charity, passionate about creating a future for and with young people that gives them the best possible opportunity to realise their potential. Oxfordshire Youth supports the youth sector across the county, working with grassroots leaders; it delivers innovative youth leadership programmes; and it provides a transformational supported accommodation service for young people. In everything it does, OY aims to meet the needs and aspirations of young people. All the charity’s work is grounded in best practice safeguarding and youth work principles and practice.

Charity Trustees

The Charities Act 1993 defined charity trustees as those responsible under the charity’s governing document for controlling the administration and management of the charity. This is the case regardless of the terminology used to describe the role. The trustee board at Oxfordshire Youth usually comprises up to twelve trustees, although there is no formal limit on the number of trustees, including the following roles:

● the Chair of the Board of Trustees

● the Deputy Chair and CEO Line-Manager

● the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee

● the Safeguarding Lead and Chair of the Safeguarding,Quality and Impact Sub-Committee the People and Development Lead and Staff Liaison Trustee

The Role of the Board

At its most fundamental the role of the trustee board is to receive assets from donors, safeguard them and apply them to the charitable purposes of Oxfordshire Youth. The trustee board must always act in the best interests of Oxfordshire Youth, exercising the same standard of duty of care that a prudent person would apply if looking after the affairs of someone for whom they have responsibility. Trustees are ultimately and legally responsible for everything Oxfordshire Youth does. Trustees fulfil this responsibility by agreeing the strategy, agreeing organisational policies and implementing appropriate monitoring and control mechanisms to ensure and evidence compliance. Trustees appoint the CEO and, on recommendation by the CEO, appoint the Senior Leadership Team to manage all operational matters and the operational team in line with the approved strategy, policies and control mechanisms.

Duties of a Trustee

The statutory duties of a trustee are:

● Ensure that Oxfordshire Youth complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations

● Ensure that Oxfordshire Youth pursues its objects as defined in its Articles of Association

● Ensure Oxfordshire Youth applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. For example, it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be

● Contribute actively to the board of trustees by giving firm strategic direction to Oxfordshire Youth, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

● Safeguard the good name and values of Oxfordshire Youth

● Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organization

● Ensure the financial stability of Oxfordshire Youth

● Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds

● Appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor performance

In addition to the statutory duties listed above, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, asking difficult questions and providing advice and guidance on new initiatives. Trustees must ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.

Treasurer Role Purpose

To provide high level oversight of the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.

Key Responsibilities

● Attend bi-monthly Trustee meetings; chair bi-monthly Finance. Audit and Risk (FAR) Sub-committee meetings and report to the Board on financial matters. The first point of contact on the Board for any matters relating to Finance.

● Work with the Head of Finance, CEO, Finance, Audit and Risk Committee members and other Trustees to ensure the financial viability of the organisation.

● Support fellow Trustees to be aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.

● To have oversight of accounting policies, procedures, processes and record keeping including advising on best practice.

● Appraising the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.

● Sign off annually on the organisation budget and annual accounts.

● Lead on appointing auditors

● Work with Finance Lead, EO, Finance, Audit and Risk Committee members and trustees to set the financial strategy for the organisation.

Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at Oxfordshire Youth prior to their first board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend the six annual board meetings, five of which last approximately three hours (typically 6-9pm). One meeting is an annual strategic planning board away-day or residential held each year. Papers, proposals and reports are distributed one week in advance of meetings. The Treasurer will also Chair the FAR sub-committee sub-committee which means 6 times a year for 2 hours.

Trustee Role Boundaries

Trustees in a decision-making capacity:

● As a board of trustees

● As a sub-committee

● Chair - delegated authority by the board to make decisions between board meetings with quorum of three, where necessary

● CEO Line Manager - delegated authority by the board to make decisions between board meetings where necessary

 Trustee roles outside of the above decision-making capacity:

Advisory role (i.e. offering advice in an area of expertise). In this capacity the Trustee is acting as Trustee but, as noted above, does not have decision-making capacity in their own right.

Volunteer role (i.e. participating in an operational working group). Here the Trustee is subject to the decision-making of the operational team-member who is in a position of authority. As a volunteer the Trustee is at liberty to withdraw.

Observer role (i.e. attending an OY workshop for young people or observing OY work). In this capacity they are acting as a Trustee but have no role beyond observing or information gathering for the purposes of strengthening their own understanding and / or board-level decision-making.

Champion role (i.e. spreading the message about the work of OY). In this capacity they are acting as a Trustee, helping to build the profile of the work of OY, with no decision making, but with the view of creating a positive image and sign-posting people to OY.

Who we are looking for

As a Treasurer, you will have:

● Knowledge and experience of current and fundraising and finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations.

● Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management (as necessary).

● Good financial analysis skills.

● Experience of advising others on financial matters, and being prepared to challenge

Each trustee should have:

● A commitment to the mission of Oxfordshire Youth

● A willingness to meet the minimum time requirement

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

● Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims

● Independent judgement, political impartiality, an ability to think creatively and a willingness to speak their mind

● Good communication and interpersonal skills including a willingness to use tact and diplomacy to challenge and constructively criticise

● Integrity

Oxfordshire Youth (OY) recruits outstanding talent to ensure we provide outstanding programmes services to the young people of Oxfordshire and the organisations who serve them. We are committed to creating a team of people that make diversity and inclusion the normal. Oxfordshire Youth are actively seeking to recruit candidates from Global Ethnic Majority backgrounds, and from candidates who may consider themselves to have lived experiences in the areas in which they work.

Oxfordshire Youth offers Trustees robust training to support them to succeed in their role and to broaden their knowledge on the youth sector, and other relevant issues.

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Treasurer

Salary: Travel expenses can be claimed

Hours:   x 5 Board meetings per year

Location: London

About us

The Board of Trustees at Advance are looking for a Treasurer.

At Advance, our vision is a world where women and girls lead safe, just and equal lives.

We are a women’s organisation, delivering systems change and trauma and gender-informed community-based support for women and girls affected by domestic abuse, including those in contact with the criminal justice system.

We work nationally through our innovative, best-practice approaches and systems change initiatives. We deliver wraparound frontline services across the South and East of England, including Greater London.

Our expertise lies in decades of providing specialist support by women and for women and girls, to achieve safety, justice and equality at the intersection of domestic abuse and the criminal justice system.

About the role:

Required Experience

We are looking for a qualified senior finance professional who has several year’s experience at Director of Finance / COO level. Whilst not-for-profit experience is desirable, it is not essential. More important is a passion to make a difference, the ability to see the bigger picture, but a willingness to roll your sleeves up at times, and an inclusive and optimistic outlook. You will be joining a dedicated and committed Board of Trustees and a highly renowned organisation that makes a difference to many thousands of women and children every day.

How to apply:

Please submit your up to date CV along with a covering letter to the Chair of the Board of Trustees email address  - PLEASE WRITE THE JOB TITLE IN THE *SUBJECT* 
 

· Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 21 July 2024@ 23:59

· Interviews are taking place on a rolling basis 

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe.  We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks.  We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups and teams, all of which help our feline friends in a different ways. They take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve, help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our volunteer treasurers maintain the finances of local groups and teams, ensuring they hold the funds needed to continue their vital work. Cats Protection relies solely on donations from generous members of the public, and our volunteer treasurers help make sure these funds are spent in the most effective way.  

What can you expect to be doing?

• Preparing budgets
• Keeping accurate financial records
• Reporting financial records via ‘Cashlog’ (Cats Protection supplied software)
• Paying invoices and volunteer expenses
• Being part of a team which ensures there are sufficient funds to meet expenditure
• Updating and advising others on income received, expenditure and available funds
• Managing and monitoring donations made to the group
• Following financial procedures e.g. Gift Aid returns and VAT claims

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by overseeing the finances of a local volunteer groups or team. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Experience or knowledge of accounting, book keeping and/or good numeracy skills
• The ability to collect and present information clearly and logically
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to use own initiative  
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our current volunteer treasurers usually spend between 2 to 4 hours per week in this role. More hours may be required at certain times, such as towards the end of the financial year but support is always available. 

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups and teams, all of which help our feline friends in a different ways. They take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve, help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our volunteer treasurers maintain the finances of local groups and teams, ensuring they hold the funds needed to continue their vital work. Cats Protection relies solely on donations from generous members of the public, and our volunteer treasurers help make sure these funds are spent in the most effective way.  

What can you expect to be doing?

• Preparing budgets
• Keeping accurate financial records
• Reporting financial records via ‘Cashlog’ (Cats Protection supplied software)
• Paying invoices and volunteer expenses
• Being part of a team which ensures there are sufficient funds to meet expenditure
• Updating and advising others on income received, expenditure and available funds
• Managing and monitoring donations made to the group
• Following financial procedures e.g. Gift Aid returns and VAT claims

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by overseeing the finances of a local volunteer groups or team. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Experience or knowledge of accounting, book keeping and/or good numeracy skills
• The ability to collect and present information clearly and logically
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to use own initiative  
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

The overall role of a treasurer is to:

• Maintain an overview of the organisation's affairs
• Ensuring its financial viability
• Ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

In small charities without paid staff the treasurer may take a greater role in the day-to-day finances of the organisation.

General responsibilities

• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, community interest company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects (the community interest company must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are).
• To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• To protect and manage the property of the community interest company and to ensure the proper investment of the community interest company's funds.
• If the community interest company employs staff, to appoint the chief executive officer and monitor his/her performance.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each board member should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the management team reach sound decisions. This may involve:

• Scrutinising board papers
• Leading discussions
• Focusing on key issues
• Providing guidance on new initiatives
• Other issues in which the trustee has special expertise

Additional duties of the treasurer

• Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs
• Ensuring that the community interest company has an appropriate reserves policy
• The preparation and presentation of financial reports to the board
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
• Liaising with any paid staff and volunteers about financial matters
• Advising on the financial implications of the organisation's strategic plans
• Ensuring that the community interest company has an appropriate investment policy
• Ensuring that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the community interest company
• Monitoring the organisation's investment activity and ensuring its consistency with the organisation's policies and legal responsibilities
• Ensuring the organisation's compliance with legislation
• Ensuring equipment and assets are adequately maintained and insured
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, e.g. The cic regulator and/or the registrar of companies
• If external scrutiny of accounts is required, ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the annual general meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required

Treasurer person specification

• Commitment to the organisation
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement
• Ability to think creatively
• Willingness to speak their mind
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

• Financial qualifications and experience
• Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes
• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences
• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board
• Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

About the organisation

One Place London is located in West London and is a community interest company engaged in Acting for Film and Music Recording workshops for young people aged 14-25, unemployed or at risk of getting involved in crime. 

Why we want you

This vital role supports local groups across the UK which are run by volunteers, offering friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's, their families and friends. As a pivotal part of the local volunteer team, you will help plan group spending for the benefit of people affected by Parkinson's in your community.

What you will be doing

• Be an ambassador for Team Parkinson’s - engaging with local staff, volunteers, and your local community, to ensure the group has the greatest possible impact on those affected by Parkinson's in your area
• Accurately record financial activity, keeping the group and the Parkinson's UK local networks finance team informed of the group's financial position
• With support from your local staff, stay up to date with Parkinson's UK's financial policies actively sharing them with the group and supporting the group to operate within them
• Provide regular reports to the committee on the financial status of the group including final accounts at the Annual General Meeting
• Deal with financial administration for the group, from annual reports to legacy spending, and ensuring volunteer expenses are paid accurately in line with our volunteer expenses policy
• Be a signatory on the group's bank accounts

The skills you need

• Previous experience in finance, accountancy or bookkeeping can be valuable, but is not essential
• Confident with numbers and able to take the lead on the group’s finances
• Have confident computer and email skills - be open to using new systems and other digital tools
• Have a commitment to the wider charity’s aims and values
• Be able to contribute to balanced decisions that take into account multiple views, and to do so in a collaborative, open and inclusive way with committee and local staff

What's in it for you

• Develop valuable leadership, teamwork and people skills
• Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson’s, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections
• Develop / maintain your accountancy or bookkeeping skills, along with administrative and communication skills - we are happy to provide references

Disclaimer

It's important that people affected by Parkinson’s can trust us with their personal information. As a Branch Treasurer you would be handling personal or sensitive data, so by undertaking this role you'll need to complete and maintain your data protection and confidentiality training. To be a signatory on a local group account, banks will perform a credit check and we will take up a reference. Volunteers cannot perform this role if they have been declared bankrupt.

Do you have a passion for driving change to improve people's lives? Do you work well within a team and want to give back to the community you live, work or study in? 

We are a local charity providing social welfare advice, information and support, through a wonderful team of paid staff and volunteers and we are looking to appoint a new Treasurer to join our board and help steer the organisation in the right direction.

In 2023/24 we:

• Helped over 15,000 clients to find a way forward with their problems

• Dealt with over 37,000 separate issues for those clients

• Gained just under £2M of extra income for clients to help during the cost of living crisis

We are seeking someone who can represent the different Cheshire West communities and has the energy and enthusiasm to help us achieve our goal of improving people's lives.  Age, background, origins or health conditions are no barriers for joining our team of trustees as we are actively looking to include a variety of different perspectives on our board to best serve our community. 

Prior experience as a charity treasurer is not necessary but we are looking for someone who has financial qualifications or experience and has some knowledge or experience of charity finances, fundraising, financial consequences and pension schemes.

You will need to be available to attend at least 5 board meetings a year (in person and remote), often in the evenings, plus one trustee development day each year and there are many opportunities for further involvement. The post of treasurer is a voluntary one but all reasonable expenses are reimbursed.  Volunteering should not affect state benefit entitlement.

Could you look after the finances for the local SSAFA service in your area? You don’t need a military background, just some basic I.T and finance skills. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Branch Treasurer?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into small local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a treasurer overseeing the divisions that, in turn each have a treasurer of their own. This is a key role involving financial planning and financial administration.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles and fundraisers.

One of the key ways we help people is by tapping into various sources of funding on their behalf. Monitoring and reconciling this flow of funding into and out of SSAFA accounts is important to ensure clients receive timely support and we are able to account for all charitable funds in our care.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. This flexible role involves using our on-line financial management system and on-line bank accounts and so can be done when and where suits you best. You will need to attend a number of branch committee meetings each year.

What would you be doing?

• Maintaining and reconciling local bank accounts and recording transactions
• Supporting divisions to manage their local finances.
• Making and recording all authorised payments
• Preparing year end accounts and financial statements including arranging an independent review
• Working with the branch secretary, advise on a local fundraising programme to cover branch running costs.
• Identify and manage the return of any surplus monies from grants as appropriate.
• Providing reports to the branch committee and to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Maintaining accurate records using our on-line finance management system
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a responsible role in a well-respected charity
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – treasurers webinar (with some pre-course learning), and financial management system training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Support from the branch Chair and the Finance team based as our central office.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses
• Support from the Volunteer Support Manager and the Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with some experience of financial administration
• Good written and spoken English.
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Willingness to use our on-line banking and on-line finance management system (this is covered in training)
• Reliable attitude: contact volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to gravel to meetings etc.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Could you help us run our fabulous Charity?

Dementia Friendly Keighley (DFK) is seeking people of all backgrounds, and ages to support the overall running of this essential organisation and help us on our journey to make Keighley, ‘Dementia-Friendly’. 

We are a small but impactful charity, at the heart of our diverse community, offering a much-used and well-respected service to people living with dementia and their family, friends and carers in the Keighley area. We are at the start of an exciting new era in our history and we need you to help us succeed!

We are looking for people to be part of our Board of Trustees. Don’t worry if you don’t know what that means, we can provide full training and support. Being a trustee is a very rewarding voluntary role and can help with career advancement in the charity or care sector.

We are especially (but not only) interested in people who might be starting a career in finance and would like to develop their skills and knowledge of the charity finance role.

If you are interested, please download the PDF and talk to us about arranging an informal meeting or conversation.