Prospectus is delighted to be working with British Gas Energy Trust to recruit a HR and Governance Manager who will provide governance support on a day-to-day basis for the Trust's Boards and Committees and will provide support to the Chief Executive.

British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charitable Trust (funded solely from donations from British Gas) who contribute to the relief of poverty, with a particular focus on fuel poverty. The Trust runs two main funding streams, the first is a programme that helps families and individuals experiencing hardship who are struggling with gas and electricity debts by awarding grants to clear those debts; and secondly through large grants to not-for-profit organisations across the UK.

Please note this role is offered on a part-time basis (22.5 hours a week) and can be worked fully remote, from the UK.

The main responsibilities of this role include overseeing standards and procedures, undertaking risk assessments and assisting the development and implementation of productive and efficient policies. You will also strengthen HR functions and be responsible for on-going improvements such as the maintenance of shared drives, templates etc. alongside preparing letters, employment contracts and any other relevant correspondence.

To be successful as a HR and Governance Manager you will be pragmatic and be able to provide appropriate solutions in basic HR situations, have the proven ability to prioritise work effectively and know how to use initiative. You will have prior governance and administrative experience, such as minute taking, agenda setting and diary management and have knowledge of HR best practise.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

In order to apply, simply submit your CV and begin preparing a cover letter explaining why you would make a good fit for the role. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and arrange for a call to discuss the role further.

Our partner is an award winning UK based charity, which is promoting different solutions to the issues facing international aid and the WASH sector including standalone social impact businesses and programmes to improve hygiene, sanitation and nutrition for under-fives; designed to increase resilience and self-reliance and improve the lives and life chances of farmers, families, women, girls and young children.

We are recruiting a Head of Finance and Governance to support Chief Executive and provide strategic management and operational oversight of finance, HR and business support functions and to ensure that everything is done in the most financially effective manner and in compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.  The incumbent will be supported by qualified accountants in the UK and overseas and their local teams. 

This is a part-time role, which would suit an experienced accountant/company secretary, seeking to work flexibly.  The 2/3 days we anticipate this role requiring could be spread over 5 days, if the incumbent found this more convenient and all the requirements of the role can be met. 

JOB PURPOSE

• You will be the ultimate responsible person for all of the charity’s external and statutory financial reporting, including reports to funders, trustees and regulatory bodies, though the bulk of this work will be delivered by the finance teams in the UK and Africa.
• You will provide strategic budgetary and financial management support to the Chief Executive in London and the Managing and Finance Directors overseas, assisting them to develop compelling bids for fundraising and inward social investment and will liaise, if necessary, with the financial managers/reviewers of any potential funders/investors.
• You will provide advice and guidance on HR, contractual, corporate and statutory matters to the senior team in the UK and overseas, consulting/liaising if necessary with our lawyers, auditors, and other service providers in both countries.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Finance

1.1. Financial strategy

Supporting the development of financial strategies under a variety of scenarios for internal management, trustee discussion and presentation to potential funders/investors.

Leading on financial discussions with trustees and prospective funders/investors.

Developing the financial competence and confidence of PA/BW’s senior teams.

1.2 Financial oversight

Ensuring that monthly management reporting, budgeting and forecasting is accurate and timely and supporting the needs of management, trustees, project managers, funders and donors.

Reviewing the annual budget proposals raising issues, challenging assumptions and, ultimately, agreeing same with the local teams.

Reviewing the monthly financial returns submitted/presented by the finance teams querying anomalies and overspends and agreeing/requiring actions to be taken.

Updating the rolling forecasts of income and expenditure (reflecting actuals to date), monitoring the bank positions and using this to approve or reject requests for ongoing or exceptional expenditure.

1.3 Financial management

Maintaining up to date Financial and HR Policy and Procedures Manuals and responding to requests for variations thereto or divergence therefrom.

Being the principal signatory and authorised administrator for all UK bank accounts and approving changes to the mandate for bank accounts overseas.

Approving and signing off all cash transfers

2. Programme support

2.1 Programme budgeting

Preparing, discussing, reviewing and agreeing the financial budgets for individual projects and/or generic programmes.

Assisting the teams with costing, pricing, taxing and other financial sales related issues.

2.2 Programme reporting

Maintaining cumulative records of expenditure by funder and overseeing the preparation of funder reports and audit completion statements confirming the full dispersal of funds.

Submitting financial claims to statutory funders as and when required.

3. Corporate obligations

3.1 Statutory reporting

Being the principal point of contact between the external auditors the Treasurer and the board.

Agreeing the annual audit timetable and priority audit areas with the external auditors

Reviewing the draft statutory accounts produced by the local finance teams, agreeing the split between restricted and unrestricted programmes, calculating carried forward balances and agreeing same with auditors.

Confirming the appropriate use of restricted income, writing the trustees’ annual review, securing an unqualified audit report, responding to the annual audit letter, convening and managing the AGM.

Reviewing and signing off all statutory filings and ensuring compliance with all regulatory restrictions and statutory obligations.

3.2 HR and legal

Ensuring compliance with all legal, statutory and regulatory requirements in the UK and all other countries of operations.

3.3 Trustee management

Preparation of board papers and management of board meetings.

PERSON SPECIFICATION (Desirable)

Educated to degree level or equivalent

Relevant financial, HR and legal experience and qualifications

Familiarity with complex donor reporting and of managing restricted/unrestricted funding

Experience of working in an international and highly regulated environment

Awareness of investor relations in a social investment and entrepreneurial context

Understanding of managing business support systems, including ICT and procurement

A thorough knowledge of HR systems and processes

An understanding of staff management and a willingness to support staff development

Experience of managing organisational development and systemic change

Excellent written and oral communications skills

RTW in the UK essential