Independent Member - Finance Committee

THE ROLE

The role of the Independent Member is to provide the Finance Committee with knowledge and experience to making key decisions in respect to the organisation’s affairs, ensuring its financial viability and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained in accordance with the Association’s Bye-laws and in compliance of legal requirements.

Main Responsibilities

·       To assist the Finance Committee with the review and monitoring of The Scout Association (TSA)’s financial policies and making recommendations to the Board where appropriate.

·       To assist the Finance Committee with recommending the annual budget and financial plan to the Board for TSA and its trading subsidiaries; reviewing performance against this and contributing to the development of the Association’s long term financial plan and strategy.

·       To assist the Finance Committee with TSA’s investment policy and asset allocation; the review and recommendation of a rolling strategy for all property and land owned by TSA and to contribute to the development, operation and performance monitoring of all National Centres.

·       To contribute to the development of TSA’s Fundraising strategy and monitor performance against this.

·       To support the Finance Committee in monitoring financial and deliverable performance against TSA’s Digital and Digital Technology strategies.

·       To assist the Finance Committee in recommending to the Board the appointment of external auditors and meeting with auditors to discuss audit plans, fees, and key findings from the audit.

·       To contribute to the detailed review and approval of TSA’s statutory accounts.

·       To consider decisions and recommendations that involve substantial expenditure outside of budget.

·       To assist the Finance Committee in the monitoring of TSA’s insurance arrangements and the financial impacts of TSA’s Pension Schemes, Development Grants Board and other TSA funds and making recommendations to the Board where necessary.

THE PERSON

Skills

·       Communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences including, senior staff, volunteers, other Committee members, and others.

·       Effectively contribute in meetings.

·       Quickly assimilate a broad knowledge of Scouting’s purpose, policies, activities and structures.

Experience

·       All round management experience with some element of either pensions/ investments/ insurance expertise.

·       Experience of working in Finance, Financial qualifications (or working towards a qualification).

·       An interest in charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes.

·       Experience or knowledge of working or volunteering with charitable youth organisations.

·       Looking ahead, there is the potential for the Finance Committee to evolve into a broader Audit and Risk Committee. While this role is currently focused on financial oversight, we would welcome applicants who bring additional experience or understanding of internal controls, risk management, and audit practices.

 Characteristics

·       Commitment to The Scout Association’s Purpose and values.

·       Sufficient time available for the role.

Other essential criteria

The Finance Committee will meet at least four times a year (generally two meetings online and two face to face in Central London), with the requirement to read papers and contribute to occasional discussions and specific issues between meetings. The appointed candidate should expect to spend around two days per quarter on The Scout Association’s work after the induction phase.

Appointment term

These appointments would normally be for three years (subject to a 6-month review), extendable by mutual consent for a further three years.

Remuneration and expenses

In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role, although the Association will reimburse fully for all reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing duties in accordance with the Association’s Expenses Policy.