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The Nehemiah Project is a small charity that supports men with experience of addiction to break the cycle of addiction and crime. We do this through supported living, programmes, key worker support, rebuilding family connections and providing move-on support to aid transition to independent living. We currently operate from houses in Streatham and Croydon.

We are a Christian-based charity open to men of all faiths and none. We have a partnership with the British Association of the Order of Malta who provide expertise, funding and volunteer support.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Nehemiah Project (TNP) achieves its core purpose of breaking the cycle of addiction and reoffending. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that TNP has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable TNP to grow and thrive.

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of the Nehemiah Project' s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The Nehemiah Project is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

Treasurer Role

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with Chief Executive
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.
• Lead on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.
• Oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting corporate risk.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies, for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Chief Executive to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

What we are looking for?

• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists. Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors
• We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees. Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on TNP' s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee TNP' s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve TNP’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to TNP’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs. Keep abreast of changes in TNP’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of TNP' s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect TNP’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of TNP’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Personal skills and qualities

• To be sympathetic to and supportive of our Christian ethos. Practising Christian preferred.
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member. Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission

Trustee Role Overview

Term: 4 years, renewable up to 7 years, with possible extension in exceptional cases under the Memorandum and Articles.

Remuneration: Voluntary role; reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Meetings: Attend four Board meetings a year (in person in Putney, with remote option).

Strategy Days: Up to one per year.

Events: Four annual celebration events at our houses; Trustees are encouraged to attend where possible

Committee Membership

Trustees may join one of three sub-groups — HR, Finance, or Fundraising — which meet remotely four times a year, with occasional ad hoc support to working groups or the executive team. 

Financial Commitment No donation is required, though regular modest giving is encouraged.

More Information can be found in the Trustee Pack below.

About the board and Trustee role 

Trustees are volunteers who oversee the strategic direction of the charity and ensure its compliance with regulators and the law. They are also ambassadors for the charity; and they provide the staff team, which does the day-to-day work, with both scrutiny and support.

The full board meets quarterly. Two meetings focus on ‘business’ – approving budgets and policies, making key decisions, etc. The other two are more discursive, covering strategic issues.

We have four sub-committees: Finance Audit Investment & Risk, Impact & Income Development, Research & Policy, and Governance & People. Trustees are generally encouraged to join at least one sub-committee, which gives them more detailed insight into the charity’s work in that area. A number of trustees choose to sit on multiple sub-committees (there is no upper limit) and trustees are also welcome to attend any sub-committee, for example as a one-off, to see what happens or if they have an interest in a particular agenda item. Sub-committees also meet quarterly.

And there is usually one strategy day a year.

We currently have eight trustees on our board, with experience in public affairs, law, policing, business, research, marketing, inclusion and influencing government. We are looking to a recruit four further trustees. Our primary focus is to bring different perspectives to the board rather than skills, given that the delivery of the charity’s work is delegated to a skilled staff team. 

• One trustee with experience of research (of any type) – an attitude of curiosity, intellectual rigour and open-mindedness. 

• One trustee with professional experience of alcohol treatment (at any level) – the perspective of delivering compassionate support via treatment services, whether charity or NHS settings. 

• One trustee with experience of strategic charity finance – especially interest in weighing up long-term financial strategic choices (not month-to-month financial management: we have a finance team). 

• One trustee from any background. 

 All trustees are asked to bring a commitment to and passion for our vision, mission and values.

What we can offer 

1. Our board of trustees, and our charity as a whole, is warm and welcoming.

2. Everyone is entitled to have their views heard and we work hard to be inclusive of everyone.

3. We are well organised and professionally run.

4. We are a dynamic and fast-paced organisation, with a huge range of interesting work happening.

5. You will have opportunities for personal development and to attend a range of interesting events in your role as a trustee.

6. Finally, and most importantly, we are laser-focused on making as much difference as possible to end alcohol harm.    

Trustees’ Role Description and Person Specification 

Being a Trustee of Alcohol Change UK 

Our Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for the UK’s leading charity in the field of alcohol harm. We are a registered charity (No. 1140287) and a company limited by guarantee (No.

07462605). Our trustees are also members of the charity and directors of the company. Governance is in accordance with both charity and company law. This role description uses the term ‘trustee’ to refer to all three roles (trustee, member, director).

As well as overseeing proper governance, the Board is responsible for strategic decision-making, upholding the reputation of the charity and ensuring that it delivers on its charitable object to reduce alcohol harm. As a trustee you will share this collective responsibility and bring your personal perspectives, skills, experience and connections to bear.

This is an important time for the charity, as we are in the third year of our five-year strategy (Apr 2024 to Mar 2029). Our new trustees will play a key role in helping us deliver on this strategy and in particular navigating a major change in our financial position. 

The Duties and Responsibilities of Trustees 

Governing Documents 

Our primary governing document is the Memorandum and Articles of Association which sets out the formal duties and responsibilities of the trustees, directors and members. It is complemented by our Scheme of Delegation. We have also adopted the Code of Good Governance, and remain compliant with the rules of the Charity Commissioners and Companies House. 

General Duties and Responsibilities 

The following are general duties, based on documentation from the Charity Commission and Companies House: 

1. To act in the interests of the charity’s objects – that is, its cause and its beneficiaries. 
2. To act reasonably and prudently in all matters. 
3. To avoid personal views and prejudices affecting your decision-making. 
4. To protect – and actively promote – the property, interests and reputation of the charity. 
5. To set the strategic direction, provide strategic oversight, and make critical decisions. 
6. To always make decisions collectively as a board and in particular to actively support all board decisions (that are made in accordance with the charity’s constitution) regardless of your personal position on such decisions. 
7. To understand how the charity works, including being fully aware of the charity’s general risks and its financial position. 
8. To ensure compliance with all statutory requirements as set out by Companies House and the Charity Commission and by other relevant statutory bodies and legislation. 
9. To challenge and support the CEO and, through them, the broader staff team. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities 

The following additional duties and responsibilities have been adopted by Alcohol Change UK: 

1. To abide by Alcohol Change UK’s policies, such as those on equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding, code of conduct, conflicts of interest, GDPR, etc. 
2. To endeavour to achieve at least 75% attendance at Board meetings. In accordance with the governing documents, trustees missing three consecutive board meetings without reasonable cause will normally be asked to step down. 
3. To undertake training as required and to participate in an annual development appraisal. 
4. To join at least one of the charity’s four sub-committees. 
5. To represent Alcohol Change UK at events and to act as a positive ambassador for Alcohol Change UK amongst its key audiences. 
6. To understand and respect the boundary between governance and the operational matters that are delegated to the staff team. 
7. To respond to Alcohol Change UK correspondence in a timely manner. 

Person Specification

All trustees need the following:

1. Strong commitment to the vision, values and mission of Alcohol Change UK.
2. An ability to think strategically; that is, thinking of the big picture and the long-term, being impact-focused, and considering the relationship between internal and external factors.
3. An ability to work as part of a team, especially understanding and respecting the nature of collective decision-making.
4. Excellent communications skills, especially active listening, succinctness, clarity, positivity and tact.
5. Commitment to the 7 Nolan Principles on Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
6. Discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
7. A willingness to contribute your individual skills, perspectives, knowledge and experience without acting as representative of any particular interest.

Trustees are appointed for an initial term of three or four years, following which they may be re-elected for a second and third term of three years. 

Trustee roles are unremunerated but reasonable travel, accommodation, childcare and subsistence expenses are of course covered. 

Closing Date:

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and applications will be reviewed as they are received.

The Role:

We are currently seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board as Treasurer. It’s a voluntary role that requires a committed individual with financial expertise to take a collaborative approach, supporting our Trustees, our Head of Finance and Governance, and our management team to oversee the financial affairs of our charity and ensure that they are legal, constitutional, and within accepted accounting practice.

Our Organisation:

Greener and Cleaner delivers locally but thinks, and influences, nationally. Our vision is greener, healthier, better connected communities across the UK. We seek to achieve this through normalising 360-degree sustainable living, bringing the community together to make changes that can deliver a big impact. We have a non-judgemental peer-to-peer approach, so that all elements of the community feel empowered to take action in how they live, work, and play and in how they use their voice to push for change.

Treasurer Role:

The primary role is to ensure alongside other Trustees that they accept ultimate responsibility for the affairs of G&C and ensure that it is solvent, well run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for which it has been set up. As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls, and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements, as produced by the finance team or others where appropriate, to the Board of Trustees
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place. 
• Liaising with any paid staff about financial matters, as appropriate.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management. 
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems. 
• Drawing any major financial concerns to the attention of the trustee and the management team.
• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves in line with its reserves policy, and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity. 
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy and that investments and assets are maximised.
• Leading on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors. 
• Overseeing the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating, and reporting corporate risk. 
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies – for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Supporting other Trustees in understanding the charity’s financial position and decision making.
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the charity and its ethical fundraising policy.
• 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.

The Person We’re Looking For:

• A finance professional with a firm understanding of charity finance and some experience of fundraising and pension schemes.
• Knowledge of charity fundraising, bid writing, and/or other income generation and/or securing funding through creation or leveraging of partnerships and networks (at a national or local level).
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity and the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
• Clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with auditors.

In addition, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all Trustees.

Responsibilities of All Trustees:

• Demonstrating a commitment to G&C’s objectives
• Contributing to setting the strategic goals and monitoring performance by active participation in Board discussions and decision-making
• Actively assisting the charity to build their connections and partnerships for the purposes of most effectively delivering their goals and fundraising
• Ensuring that G&C complies with its governing documents, the law, and all other relevant documentation
• Helping to identify risks and ensuring appropriate controls are in place
• Helping the Board to make sound decisions by making available their own personal knowledge and experience
• Assisting the Chair to appoint and appraise the performance of the Senior Leadership Team members
• Sharing relevant skills and expertise with the Senior Leadership Team members
• Making all reasonable efforts to attend Board meetings, away days, development meetings, publicity events, and other such public functions as requested by the Chair
• Ensuring the charity’s focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion remains at the heart of its strategy and delivery

Trustee Person Specification:

In addition to the Treasurer role specific above, our Trustees will ideally also demonstrate the following:

• A commitment to the objectives and activities of G&C
• A willingness to devote time and effort to G&C beyond attending board meetings
• Have strategic vision, an ability to think creatively, and an appropriate level of financial literacy
• Understanding of and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of their position
• Have good independent judgement
• Be willing to effectively act as part of a team
• Adhere to the Nolan Principles of public office: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership
• A willingness to allow the Employee/s to make reasonable decisions and to act within the limits prescribed by the Board

To Apply:

To see the full job advertisement with details on how to apply, and to learn more about the role and our organisation, please see the attached supporting documents.