Treasurer (Honorary Officer and Trustee)

The Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) is a thriving charity both in the UK and globally. Its unique purpose is giving back to nurses and midwives in recognition of the enormous contribution they make to society.  The Treasurer role is vital to FNF, ensuring that the financial affairs of the organisation are both legal and constitutional. 

In return, FNF offers our Trustees networking opportunities with our inspiring alumni and partners from all parts of the health and care sectors.  In addition, our Trustees can attend our prestigious annual Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service which is held in the beautiful Westminster Abbey. 

Role Description

Position: Treasurer (Honorary Officer and Trustee)
Reports to: Chair of the Board of Directors
Location: London
Remuneration: The role of Treasurer is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed
Time Commitment: Four Board meetings and four Finance & Investment Committee meetings per year. Attendance at the annual Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service. Attendance at annual Presentation of Scholar Certificates.

The Treasurer is also expected to have regular meetings with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), and to remain in regular contact with the charity’s auditors and other stakeholders as required.

Objective

The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the Charity and ensuring they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice. You will ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place. You will report to the Board and the annual general meeting on the financial position of the organisation. You will oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits. In partnership with the FNF Team, the Treasurer (with COO) are responsible for the preparation of the annual financial review and accounts for approval by the Board and AGM.

Principle Areas of Responsibility

Objectives and Personal Development

• Be aware of and discharge the responsibilities of a Trustee of a Charity and a Director of a Company
• Contribute to strategic target setting and monitor performance to ensure consistency with the values of the Foundation and support the Charity to meet its charitable objectives
• Provide financial leadership to the Charity and its Board, ensuring that it has maximum impact for its beneficiaries
• Ensure the Board regularly reviews financial risks and associated opportunities, and satisfies itself that controls and systems are in place to manage and mitigate risks and take advantage of opportunities
• With the COO and members of the Finance & Investment Committee ensure financial accountability of the Board in fulfilling its duties to maintain the sound financial health of the Charity
• Represent the Trustees on any subsidiary trading company Board.
• Work within all agreed policies adopted by the Charity
• Ensure that the Charity’s financial strategy supports initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion
• Work with the Board and FNF team to create a compassionate and inclusive environment, encouraging diverse perspectives to contribute to innovation and ideas

Efficiency and Effectiveness

• Chair meetings of the Finance and Investment Committee effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making processes
• Provide direction to the Board on financial policies and strategic developments
• Monitor actions to ensure that financial decisions taken at meetings are implemented
• Work closely with the Charity’s auditors.
• Willingness to contribute to the continuous development of the Board (and FNF team) on financial issues

Relationship with the Chief Executive and Finance Team

• Establish and build a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with the CEO and the COO
• Ensure regular contact with the Finance Manager and develop and maintain a constructive and supportive relationship to enable open and safe discussion about concerns, worries and challenges
• Provide non-executive support to the COO
• Liaise with the CEO to maintain an overview of the Charity’s financial affairs, providing support and direction as necessary

Additional Information

The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Treasurer will be expected to perform any additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Strategic vision and an ability to think creatively, contributing to long term sustainable growth of the organisation.
• Sound, independent judgement and the ability to challenge constructively.
• The intellectual capacity to grasp issues outside personal experience and communicate opinions and contribute to discussions around such issues.
• High level numeracy, with the ability to understand budgets and charity finance.
• The willingness to act in the best interests of the charity and comply with the Nolan Principles of Public Life (Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honest and Leadership).
• The willingness to devote necessary time and effort to being a Trustee
• Commitment to live FNF values in decision making, leadership and collaboration
• A proactive, solution focussed approach to promoting inclusive ways of working
• A collaborative leader, open to diverse perspectives and an advocate for innovation

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

Experience

• A good understanding of financial management and accounting
• A strong business and financial acumen
• Strategic leadership at Executive level within an organisation
• Knowledge of the charity sector is essential
• Successful track record of achievement throughout career
• Representing and championing an organisation
• Proven experience in building strong effective relationships with team members and with diverse stakeholders

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of the charitable objects, mission and priorities of the Foundation and an ability to engage with them.
• Knowledge of the Foundation and its work and commitment to its ethos and mission
• Sound understanding of good governance of charities.

Tenure

The Treasurer will serve a one year tenure in the first instance, subject to an extension for an additional 2 terms (of 3 years).