Audit and risk committee member volunteer roles

We are looking for a new Board member with financial expertise to chair our Finance and Audit Committee, support our work, and bring new skills, expertise and ideas for the future of our organisation.

At Nottingham Contemporary, we believe in the power of contemporary art to inspire, challenge and bring people together. Our vision is to be a leading international contemporary art gallery, known for our innovative exhibitions, events and local engagement programmes. We are in an important moment in Nottingham Contemporary’s history as we deliver a transformative process of rearticulating our purpose and shaping our future. This includes securing our long-term financial standing by developing and working towards ambitious and entrepreneurial income generation strategies and building on new and existing partnerships, members and supporters.

We are looking for someone with strong financial understanding and experience to join our Board as a trustee and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. This role is key to supporting Board members with financial decisions and understanding, providing a link between the Board and the Finance and Audit Committee and working closely with the Director and Senior Leadership Team.

Time commitment: We would normally expect trustees to prepare for and take part in 4–5 Board meetings per year. In addition, you will be expected to prepare for and chair up to 5 Finance and Audit Committee meetings per year. All trustees support the development of key pieces of work and are invited to voluntarily attend the 3 exhibition openings per year and other fundraising, networking and promotional functions. In total, this is estimated as a time commitment of an average of 1 day per month.

Payment: The role is an unpaid voluntary position. Reasonable travel expenses incurred taking part will be met. 

Access: Information about our access statement and facilities can be found on our website.

Benefits: We offer mutually devised mentoring and training opportunities, based upon the needs and interests of new trustees. The role can provide opportunities for the development of experiences and networks in the cultural sector and beyond. 

Closing date: Wednesday 1 October 2025

Interviews: Wednesday 22 October 2025

For more information, including the job description and person specification, please see our website.

About the role

We are seeking applications from suitably qualified individuals to become members of the Finance Sub-Committee of our Board of Trustees. As a member of this group, you will offer strategic financial advice to our Board of Trustees and to our Provincial Team - the canonical leadership team of our province of Central Europe and the Islands. The work will include advising on all aspects of the Society’s finances including our properties and investments. This is a new committee reflecting our desire to improve our financial governance.

The Committee will oversee the work of our existing investments committee and a financial advisory group.

Commitment

After an initial induction day, we anticipate that the group will meet three times each year for a two-hour period. Meetings will be a mixture of online and face to face meetings in Hammersmith, London.

This is a voluntary position. We will pay all reasonable expenses including travel and refreshments at meetings.

Term Length

We are seeking an initial commitment of 3 years.

About you

We are looking for experienced Board or Committee members with a background and expertise in finance, property, risk or audit at a senior level.

As a member of our Finance Committee, you will help the Society in England and Wales to ensure that we have effective financial governance arrangements and will help to monitor our financial performance.

We invite scrutiny and challenge of our financial affairs and sound advice to our trustees and leadership team.

We expect that applicants will respect the Catholic beliefs and ethos of the Society.

Skills and Expertise

We are seeking to recruit individuals with a wide range of skills and experience

• Relevant financial or property management qualifications e.g. accountancy qualification

• Experience of service on a finance committee or Board of Trustees

• Knowledge of Charity law and accounting practice

• Experience at a senior level of financial management, scrutiny and planning

• An understanding of investments and management of an investment portfolio

• An understanding of organisational risk and risk management

• Understanding of audit practice within charities

• An ability to understand budgets and to review audited accounts

• A collaborative approach and a supportive nature.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

About us

The Society of the Sacred Heart is an order of women religious in the Catholic Church. As a registered charity in England and Wales, the Society undertakes work in the fields of education, spirituality, justice and peace. In addition to the care of our sisters, the Society makes use of its resources to support the work of other charities, educational institutions and faith groups. You can read more about our history and our work on our website. Our care home provides care and support for up to sixteen of our thirty seven sisters in England and Wales. The remainder live in community and individually, with the majority in London. The Society has a long tradition of working successfully in partnership with lay colleagues and we currently employ a range of lay staff in areas such as care, health, safeguarding and finance.

How to apply: To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter that outlines how your skills, experience and qualifications match those set out in this pack.

External Adviser
Location: London (Hybrid)
Time Commitment: 8 – 10 days per year
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses covered)

Our client is the largest UK membership organisation and professional body representing nursing staff and students. With a long-standing reputation for policy influence, professional development, and campaigning, they are committed to championing their members and improving outcomes for the people they care for. They are also a values-led organisation, proud to foster an inclusive and supportive working environment.

They are now seeking an experienced and independent professional to serve as an External Adviser to the Group Audit Committee. This role plays a crucial part in supporting effective governance across the organisation and its affiliated bodies, including a charitable foundation and a publishing arm. Working alongside the Committee Chair and senior leadership, the Adviser will help ensure robust oversight of internal controls, audit activity, and risk management. The Committee meets quarterly, with some additional time for preparation and wider engagement.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Sound knowledge of governance and risk management in large or complex organisations, including regulatory frameworks

• Experience of financial oversight, including interpreting audit findings, risk registers, and financial controls

• Independent judgement and the confidence to offer constructive challenge and contribute to effective decision-making

• A collaborative and inclusive approach, supporting an open culture and contributing specialist insight to the Committee’s work

• A personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and alignment with the organisation’s values

Our client welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and will provide reasonable adjustments as needed throughout the recruitment process.

To apply, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' to view the role on the Prospectus website.

Who They Are

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust is a UK charity that has been supporting older people for over 35 years. Its vision – better lives for older people – remains as relevant today as at its founding. Through integrated retirement communities, ExtraCare offers an alternative approach to later living that challenges societal perceptions of ageing.

Its holistic model, underpinned by research with Aston and Lancaster Universities, has delivered proven benefits for both residents and wider society. As pioneers of supported independent living, the Trust prides itself on delivering best-in-class retirement living and advocating for older people.

Since 1988, ExtraCare has developed retirement villages and smaller housing schemes, with a consistent focus on enabling residents to enjoy happy, healthy, and fulfilled lives within vibrant communities. Today, it is the UK’s leading not-for-profit developer of housing for over-55s, operating 14 retirement villages and four smaller schemes, supporting more than 4,329 residents in 3,778 homes.

The Role

ExtraCare is seeking a new Chair of the Audit & Assurance Committee to lead the Committee in providing rigorous oversight of risk, governance, and financial controls, ensuring the charity operates with integrity and in full compliance with regulatory requirements. The charity welcomes applications from individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds to help enhance the diversity of the Board.

Person Specification

• Senior leadership or Board-level experience, and/or prior service as Chair or member of an Audit Committee.

• Strong business acumen, including strategic financial planning and awareness, with a sound understanding and background in audit and finance. A relevant financial qualification is desirable but not essential, provided at least one other Committee member holds such a qualification or background.

• Working knowledge of the Audit Committee’s role, internal and external audit processes, audit practice, and risk management frameworks.

• Sound governance knowledge and experience operating with a high level of accountability in a regulated sector.

• Ability to chair meetings impartially, effectively, and inclusively.

• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

Who They Are

The Society of the Sacred Heart is an international order of women religious within the Catholic Church. In England and Wales, it is a registered charity working in the fields of education, spirituality, justice, and peace. Alongside caring for its members, the Society also uses its resources to support other charities, educational institutions, and faith-based organisations. Further information about the Society’s history and work can be found on its website.

The Role

The Society is seeking experienced Board or Committee members with senior-level expertise in finance, property, risk, or audit.

As members of the Finance Committee, appointees will contribute to ensuring that effective financial governance arrangements are in place and will assist in monitoring the Society’s financial performance. They will be expected to provide rigorous scrutiny, constructive challenge, and sound financial advice to the trustees and leadership team.

Applicants should be respectful of the Catholic beliefs and ethos of the Society.

Commitment

Following an induction day, the Finance Committee is expected to meet three times a year for two-hour sessions. Meetings will be held both online and in person at the Society’s offices in Hammersmith, London.

This is a voluntary role. All reasonable expenses, including travel and refreshments, will be covered.

Term Length

An initial commitment of three years is sought.

Skills and Expertise

The Society is looking to recruit individuals with a broad range of skills and experience, ideally including:

• Professional financial or property management qualifications (e.g. accountancy)

• Experience of serving on a Finance Committee or Board of Trustees

• Knowledge of charity law and accounting practice

• Senior-level experience of financial management, scrutiny, and planning

• Understanding of investments and portfolio management

• Awareness of organisational risk and risk management

• Familiarity with audit practice within charities

• Ability to interpret budgets and review audited accounts

• A collaborative and supportive approach

Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.

Location: Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire (Hybrid meetings)
Unremunerated, reasonable expenses covered.

PFH has a long and proud tradition of providing superior yet affordable housing options for older people in Hull and East Riding. We are truly a values-based organisation, providing good quality homes and a strong delivery of health and wellbeing services to our residents. We are proud to be small and local, and constantly challenge ourselves to consider what it means to be ‘more than a landlord’ by playing a positive part in our residents’ wellbeing as they move through new stages of their lives. 

We have an opportunity for an experienced non-executive director to join us to ensure we continue to challenge our offering to our residents and keep us pointed in a positive strategic direction. Our Board members will be expected to join a committee commensurate with their skills. We are always aiming to demonstrate governance excellence. We will judge your application on its merits, and we are open to a broad range of skills. Ideally, as we have recently appointed some first-time board members, we are now looking for a senior leader, who has previous non executive experience within a similar setting. If you are looking to contribute to a creative and forward-thinking organisation that supports older people to live without compromise, we offer a collegiate and supportive environment and a great experience that we’re excited to talk to you about. 

Please review the recruitment pack on our website for further information and details of how to apply. 

Applications should be received by 17:00hrs on 19 September 2025.

If you would like to discuss the role please contact Racheal Hoult.

The University of Derby is seeking two independent governors to join its Governing Council. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience in either commercial development or higher education leadership to help shape the future of a dynamic and ambitious institution.

Location: Derby

Time commitment: Approx. one day per month

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 22nd September

Who we are

The University of Derby is located in the heart of England and offers industry-relevant, expert teaching from foundation and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate study and research. Our combined higher and further education offering is spread over campuses in Derby, Buxton, and Chesterfield, and we have invested more than £200 million in some of the best university facilities in the UK over the past ten years.

We achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research, and with around 17,000 people choosing to study with us every year, we depend on the dedication of a team of academic, professional, and support services staff.

The University boasts world-leading research that demonstrates real-world impact and has recently received the prestigious TEF Gold for learning and teaching and student experience, which places the University of Derby in the top 20% of universities in England.

The University of Derby is working towards its 2018-2030 Strategic Framework and is seeking two candidates to join the Governing Council who possess leadership experience, a passion for contributing to the development of educational opportunities, and have the necessary insight needed to steer the University through to its future goals. The people appointed to these roles must have a commitment to contributing to the success and future potential of our students.

About the role

The Governing Council and its Committees:

The University’s Governing Council is both the governing body of the University and the board of directors of the company. Membership comprises of a majority of independent governors (Lay Members) alongside representatives from the University’s staff and student body. The Governing Council undertakes its duties through the work of its sub-committees, which are:

• Audit and Risk (ARC)
• Performance, People and Resources (PPRC)
• Enterprise, Skills & Industry Engagement Committee (Skills)
• Nominations
• Remuneration
• Student Affairs

Governing Council responsibilities include:

• Determine the educational character and academic direction and integrity of the University
• Approve the mission and strategic aims of the University
• Ensure the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability
• Ensure that the University fulfils its legal obligations
• Ensure that there are procedures for handling internal grievances, conflicts of interest, fraud and corruption; and to ensure that staff can raise matters of concern
• Ensure that processes are in place to monitor and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the University
• Monitor and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the Governing Council itself
• Conduct its business in accordance with best practice
• Ensure that students benefit from a valuable learning experience

Click here to view further information about the Governing Council’s responsibilities.

Time Commitment

The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewable for a maximum of nine years (subject to recommendation from the Committee Chair and Governing Council’s Nominations Committee).

There are five Governing Council meetings and two strategy days per year, which are held in person, usually in September, November, February, April, and July.

Attendance at five of those meetings (at least one of which would be a strategy day) as a minimum is usual.

Governing Council Meetings are usually four hours long and include a seminar session. Before meetings, preparation time will be required to read through committee papers, organise thoughts, and ensure contribution to the debate.

Governing Council Members are required to complete mandatory training modules and induction and are invited to attend networking events and University graduation ceremonies.

In return for your commitment, you will benefit from being part of a successful and ambitious University seeking to maximise opportunities for its graduates. You will also have the opportunity to build professional networks, collaborate with other governors and further build your non-executive profile and impact.

Who we are looking for

As we continue to progress through our 2030 strategic framework and deliver on our ambitions, we are seeking to appoint two new Independent Members of our Governing Council. Those appointed will contribute their time, insight, and expertise to provide support, challenge, and scrutiny—acting as critical friends and ambassadors for our organisation.

You must have the ability to contribute to strategic thinking and be familiar with compliance challenges, preferably within a regulatory environment. Whilst you may not have previously served on a committee or board, you must be adept at working in a non-executive capacity, taking the pulse without being hands-on.

Commercial Development

The University of Derby is seeking to appoint a Member of Governing Council who will also gain membership of the Skills Committee. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in skills development, enterprise, innovation, and industry engagement, and will play a key role in supporting the University’s strategic aims in these areas. The person appointed will contribute to shaping the University’s approach to partnerships that enhance both institutional development and student outcomes. By helping to align the University’s skills agenda with the needs of industry and society, they will support the development of agile, future-ready graduates equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Higher Education Expertise

The University of Derby is also seeking to appoint a Member of Governing Council who will also join our Audit and Risk Committee – ideally, someone with a background in or closely related to higher education. The successful candidate will bring experience and insight of industry backed curriculum innovation, quality assurance, policy, regulation, or strategic leadership. This appointment is an opportunity to help shape the University’s future direction, contributing to its mission of delivering high-quality, inclusive, and industry linked education.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 22nd September. 

The Honorary Treasurer is a key voluntary post within Mountain Training England and the wider network of related mountaineering organisations. As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer shares the responsibility for overseeing the management of the organisation and implementing the strategic objectives of its members.

The Treasurer has an oversight role over all aspects of financial management, working closely with other members of the Board of Trustees to safeguard the organisation financially. They act as an informed reference point for the Chair and other Trustees.

Although it is the Treasurer’s responsibility to ensure proper financial records and procedures are maintained, much of this work is delegated to the Finance and Audit Sub-committee and paid staff.

Our annual statement of accounts can be seen at Companies House.

Role of Mountain Training England Treasurer

• The Treasurer oversees the financial matters of Mountain Training England in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements of the Charities and Companies Acts and reports both quarterly to the Board and to the Members at three Council meetings per year about the financial health of the organisation.
• The Treasurer ensures that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are in place.
• The Treasurer takes the lead on the formulation of policies for finances, reserves and investments.

Specific Responsibilities

• To oversee/verify and present budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements to the Board and Members after discussion with the Finance Committee. 
• To ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• To ensure that full and accurate accounts and records are kept.
• In conjunction with the Executive Officer maintain sound financial management of MTE’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.
• To ensure compliance with relevant legislation e.g. Companies and Charity legislation and contractual agreements with external agencies such as funders and statutory bodies

• Chairing the Finance and Audit Committee in line with its terms of reference and reporting back to the Board.
• Present the annual statement of accounts to the Members at the Annual General Meeting.
• To liaise with designated staff about financial matters.
• Advising on the financial implications of MTE’s strategic and operational plan.
• Ensure that the annual accounts are compliant with the current Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.
• Ensure any recommendations of the independent examiner are implemented.
• Contribute to the fundraising strategy of the organisation.
• Advise on reserves policy and investment policy.
• Ensure that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of MTE or partner organisations.
• Ensure that MTE has sufficient liquidity to meet its future commitments.

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE

Considerable experience as a treasurer of similar sized organisations

Some experience of walking, rock climbing or mountaineering.

OR experience of controlling a budget in a small-to-medium-sized (SME) organisation/business

Have an interest in the development of the Mountain Training awards

Financial accounting and reporting experience

Experience of working with charity or educational body accounts

Recognised accountancy qualification e.g. ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, AAT etc

DESIRABLE

Knowledge of Charity SORP

An understanding of Equity/Inclusion applicable to financial resources

Commitment

As Treasurer you will chair the Finance & Audit Committee, which meets quarterly. You will also be expected to attend four Board meetings and a minimum of one of three Members’ Council meetings per year.  Attendance at the AGM is expected to present the annual statement of accounts to members.

Occasional attendance at MTUKI Council meetings and Finance Planning Group meetings is required.

Term

Trustees serve for a maximum of three years and are re-elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. At the end of the first three-year term of office Trustees are eligible for re-election for one further term of three years. From time to time the positions of Treasurer, Vice-Chair and Chair become subject to renewal. The Trustees nominate these positions from the Board and the Council votes to approve them at the AGM.

Expenses

Reasonable travel, parking and subsistence expenses are paid to Trustees, in line with MTE expenses policy.

Enjoy a good book?

Passionate about the role which literature plays in our lives? 

Interested in using your skills to support Scottish literature in Edinburgh and internationally?

Excited by the prospect of working with the Board and Executive to shape our strategic direction?

Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust is looking for two or three individuals to join the Board of Trustees of the world’s first City of Literature as we look to our future after our 20th anniversary.  

You will be joining an organisation at the heart of Edinburgh’s literary community and an international network of UNESCO Cities of Literature. Literary cities are granted the designation if they can boast a proud creative tradition and demonstrate a commitment to placing stories, literature and reading at the heart of civic life.

If you have experience, knowledge, or interest in the following, please get in touch:

· Financial management (including willingness to take on a leadership role as Chair of our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee)

· Accountancy skills

· Publishing

· Bookselling

· Tourism

Any additional experience in the following areas would also be welcomed:

• HR
• Marketing
• Technology
• Governance

We welcome applications from across all ages, communities and backgrounds. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

The new appointments will be for an initial period of up to three years. The posts are not remunerated but some expenses are covered as per our Board Members’ Expenses Policy.

Time Commitment:

The Board of Trustees meets five times each year.

Meetings are generally 6 -8pm on Mondays in Edinburgh and in a hybrid format

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meets quarterly ahead of Board meetings.

There is an annual half-day board planning session.

Outwith Board meetings, there are individual meetings as required and the opportunity to attend events of interest in the sector.

The overall time commitment for the role is estimated at 8 -10 hours per month.

Application Information

Our Trustee Information Pack contains information about the role, requirements and the application process.

To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining why this position is of interest and what you believe you can offer.

If you have any questions or you would like an informal chat, please do get in touch with our Director, Dr Harriet MacMillan.

Can you support our trust in its innovative approach?  Do you share our values of inclusion, innovation & impact? Are you excited about Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter? What would it mean for you?

What will you be doing?

EMAT needs a committed and enthusiastic trustee, with experience in holding senior leaders to account whilst sharing their professional experience and expertise.  Our recent skills audit shows our board to have a broad and deep skill base and we are now looking to build upon that with colleagues that have specific interest and or experience in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. 

Any new governance #EMATters will ideally be local to, or have strong links to Northamptonshire and / or Milton Keynes and will have capacity to attend at least 6 x 2 hour meetings in person at our central office in Grange Park (Hybrid attendance is available when necessary).   We would particularly welcome those that have additional capacity to then attend opportunities throughout the academic year, to really get to know the trust, it's academies and all those that work and learn within them. 

What are we looking for?

We would welcome applications from committed and enthusiastic members of our local community (Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes) who have a passion for education and opportunities for young people.

We are particularly interested in those with lived or professional experience of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. Previous experience of governance is not a pre-requisite but is welcomed. 

Trustees must be confident to speak within a group and express their opinion and share their expertise.

What difference will you make?

As a member of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose that every child will be the best that they can be. 

In joining a well established and effective board you will contribute to supporting our trust in its innovative approach. We have exciting projects focusing on inclusion and equality, that will benefit from your experience as well as an ongoing cycle of continuing improvement and pursuit of Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter?  What would it mean for you?

Our trustees have a trust level responsibility but are strongly encouraged to network and interact with our local advisory boards so that they have a strong understanding of each of our academies when discussing and challenging finance, risk, safeguarding, teaching and learning and 'beyond the classroom' services.  

Before you apply

Please express your interest through Reach in the first instance.  We can then have an informal conversation, either in person or on teams about the role, before we ask you to complete an application form and our safer recruitment process. 

Are you a qualified human-focused medical professional with an interest in multi-species medicine? Are you innovative, with creative insight & a vision for progressive medical practice? If so, we would welcome your application to join our Board of Trustees.

Our ideal candidate:

• A qualified medical professional with expertise in human medicine and a strong interest in multi-species medicine and innovative healthcare practice.

• Understands trustee commitments and responsibilities.

• Can contribute to strategic discussions through effective communication and judgment.

• Is non-judgmental and respectful of diverse experiences, views, and cultures.

• Is committed to the aims and values of Humanimal Trust and can work collaboratively to enrich the vision and strategy of our growing organisation.

We welcome applications from individuals with a range of perspectives, experience, backgrounds and skills.

What’s in it for you?

• A unique opportunity to drive innovative change and have a positive impact on millions of human and animal lives.

• Development of career enhancing skills and experience, including governance and leadership skills.

• The opportunity to build interdisciplinary relationships with a team of passionate trustees, staff, and volunteers.

Summary of responsibilities

• Drive strategic planning, provide leadership and oversee delivery of results.

• Approve business plans and budgets, agree targets, and monitor performance.

• Ensure board members have required skills through appropriate recruitment, induction and development processes.

• Ensure effective audits and approve annual accounts.

• Support the CEO and ensure good management.

• Ensure productive relationships are maintained.

• Ensure a high standard of corporate governance and behaviour.

• Be clear about the most significant strategic risks ensure mitigation steps are in place.

• Empathy with the aims of the organisation, its values and behaviours.

Appointment term: A minimum term of three years, with the possibility of two consecutive terms, so six years in total.

Time commitment: Quarterly Board meetings, c.2h per meeting, plus preparation.

Preferred background, knowledge and experience: A qualified medical professional with expertise in human medicine and a strong interest in multi-species medicine.

The built and natural environment have profound impacts on the health and wellbeing of people and the environment. We believe therefore that our work is more important than ever.

To help support and inform that work we have a Policy Council, which we are looking to broaden the skills and range of perspectives on.

You do not need to be an expert in town planning – it is more important that you believe in the importance of the work we do. But, to help strengthen the range of expertise and perspectives on the Policy Council we are particularly interested in people with relevant experience in, or policy knowledge of, one or more of the following areas:

• Healthy place-making
• Planning law and parliamentary processes
• Affordable housing
• Economic development, investment and/or viability
• Heritage
• Energy efficiency, building design and retrofit

Inclusion is a core value of our organisation and we are passionate about promoting diversity and representation in our Association. We positively encourage applications regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identification, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

To find out more about the TCPA and how to express your interest in these roles please see the recruitment pack and visit our website.

TREASURER (TRUSTEE)

Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:

• Can this be stopped?

• How do I (or my child) live this life?

Our charity exists to address both questions. We are the only significant national funder with the efficiency, capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss. We have a clear ambition – to save sight and to change lives.

We are now seeking a new Treasurer. This is an exciting point for us, and our new Treasurer will be central in enabling us to achieve our ambition.

We have a clear focus and vision, as well as a strong Board and senior leadership team, all of whom are ambitious for the potential impact we can make. We do not want this opportunity to pass us by and that’s what makes this such an important and exciting role for the right person.

As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to steer the course of our charity and our sector, shaping our strategies, and advocating for meaningful change. You will be help us be a driving force behind world leading research into sight loss prevention, and transformative initiatives that enhance the quality of life for countless individuals.

If you want to be part of something that will really make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

“I extend a heartfelt invitation to those who share our commitment to making a profound difference in the lives of individuals affected by sight loss. Our journey towards a future where eye diseases are prevented and the challenges faced by the visually impaired are overcome requires the collective effort of dedicated individuals. We are seeking trustees who are not only passionate advocates for our cause but also possess the vision, expertise, and dedication to guide and govern our organisation. Your unique perspectives and skills will play a pivotal role in shaping and defining our impact for years to come.”

Dr Heather Giles, Chair

ABOUT US

Our single, unifying mission is to save sight and change lives.

It is a mission that reflects two urgent questions everyone faces when they receive a diagnosis of sight loss: ‘How do I stop this?’ and ‘How do I live my life?’

Answering these questions guides our strategy as we progress a five-year plan with solid and lofty aspirations.

Our principal role is as a grant-maker. We award grants to the scientific community that could lead to scientific breakthroughs and treatments to stop eye diseases from progressing. In the future, we believe research can prevent people from losing sight and reverse sight loss. We invest to advance treatments that will cure eye disease and protect and grow the community of world-class scientists, technologists, and data scientists who can deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

We have funded innovations that directly impact people who are blind or partially sighted, from music classes for children to projects that take eye tests into at-risk communities. We invest in programmes, organisations and activities that deliver equity for and with blind and visually impaired people.

OUR FINANCES

The charity is in a strong position financially, with a high level of reserves that we intend to draw down over the coming years as we focus on investing in sustainable growth and increasing our impact. Compared to many charities, we have well diversified income streams, predictable costs, and are in the fortunate position to hold a sizable portfolio of investments. Our plans for the short and medium term are to invest in our income generation infrastructure, and to significantly increase the amounts of funding we can put to our charitable purpose.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

As the most senior leaders in our charity, trustees play a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction, amplifying our impact, and ensuring the fulfilment of our mission to save sight and change lives. You will serve on the main board and will also chair our Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources (FARR) committee.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Planning

- Provide leadership and strategic guidance to the charity, aligning efforts with the mission and values of the organisation.

- Collaborate with the board, executive team, and stakeholders to develop and implement long-term strategies that advance the charity’s impact and sustainability.

Governance

- Ensure effective governance, decision-making, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.

- Work closely with board members, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration and open communication, harnessing different views and opinions.

Engagement

- Represent the charity at public events and networking opportunities to promote our mission and raise awareness about our cause.

Evaluation and Accountability

- Collaborate with the board to evaluate performance, ensuring alignment with the charity’s goals and objectives.

- Ensure the charity is accountable to donors and beneficiaries, that is financially robust and sustainable, and that is effective risk management in place.

Key Responsibilities of the Treasurer

- Chair the Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources Committee, ensuring effective scrutiny and oversight.

- Provide strategic financial leadership and ensure that appropriate financial controls and risk management frameworks are in place.

- Ensure compliance with statutory reporting and regulatory requirements in partnership with the executive.

- Act as a trusted advisor to the Chief Financial Officer and offer guidance to fellow trustees on financial matters.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Specialist experience

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

- A recognised financial qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

- Experience of senior financial leadership – ideally as a CFO, COO, FD, or equivalent

- A sound understanding of finance, audit, and investment management

General attributes

Knowledge & experience

- An understanding of governance, and experience on a committee or board.

Skills & abilities

- Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term planning and vision to deliver impact.

- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.

- Entrepreneurial instincts and a healthy understanding of risk balanced with ambition using sound judgement.

Styles & behaviours

- High ethical standards and commitment to upholding the charity’s values, as well as a passion for advocating on behalf of individuals with, or at risk of, sight loss.

- Collaborative, highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing difference perspectives.

- Solution-focused, with an ability to see the big picture and be pragmatic.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Remuneration 

This role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.

Time commitment

While the exact time commitment may vary based on the charity’s needs and priorities, we anticipate the following general expectations:

- A minimum of four Board meetings per year

- A minimum of four subcommittee meetings per year

- Preparation for meetings, review of materials, and other trustee engagement as appropriate.

- Annual strategy day with full Board and executive team.

- Meetings with members of the executive leadership team as appropriate.

- Representing the charity at high profile events, functions and public engagements to enhance its reputation and partnerships.

Location

At present Board meetings are held in central London. Subcommittee meetings are held remotely.

HOW TO APPLY

If you have questions about the role and would find it helpful to have an informal conversation, please contact us at our trustee recruitment inbox and we will be happy to arrange a call.

To make an application, please send your CV and a supporting statement (max two pages) to our trustee recruitment inbox outlining your motivation for applying and how you meet the attributes outlined in the personal specification.

We hope you will consider making an application. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things.

We’re looking for our next Chair of the Finance Committee (FinCom) and Trustee.

London-based ¦ Voluntary ¦ ~1–2 days/month plus 10 scheduled meetings each year

At the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), we’re proud to be the UK’s largest charitable childcare social enterprise. With 43 nurseries, 1,000+ staff and a £37m turnover, we’re on a mission to change the world one child at a time - especially in London’s most disadvantaged communities.

We’re looking for a senior finance leader to join our Board of Trustees as Chair of FinCom, with Treasurer responsibilities. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who’s already served as a Trustee or Non-Executive Director and is ready to step into a leadership role with real influence.

What we’re looking for:

• A qualified accountant with senior-level finance experience (likely a current or former Finance Director)
• Someone who brings rigour to audit, risk, and financial oversight, and can lead strategic conversations at Board level
• A credible, thoughtful partner to our Finance Director - able to challenge, support, and collaborate on everything from acquisitions to reserves
• A confident chair and facilitator, who creates a positive, inclusive space for discussion and decision-making
• Someone with gravitas who’s interested in wider business and wants to advise (not run) ours. You understand the numbers, and bring commerciality and pragmatism
• A calm, grounded presence with high emotional intelligence, curiosity, and a genuine passion for our mission

Why join us?

• Use your skills to make a real difference to children and families across London
• Join a collaborative, professional, and down-to-earth Board and exec team
• Be part of a warm, values-led organisation that welcomes your ideas and energy

Interested?

If you’re the kind of leader others rally behind - calm, credible, and committed to making a difference - this is your opportunity to step into a role that matters.

Further details about the role can be found in our online info pack. We’re reviewing applications and progressing people in August – so don’t wait too long to express your interest. We’re hoping you will join us for key business meetings in September as part of the transition from our current FinCom Chair.