Chair and members of the board of trustees volunteer volunteer roles

Volunteer Opportunity – Treasurer Trustee
Independent Arts Isle of Wight

Do you have financial skills and experience that could help strengthen creativity, wellbeing, and
community connections across the Isle of Wight?

Independent Arts is seeking a Treasurer Trustee to join our Board and help support the charity’s
continued growth and sustainability.

Independent Arts works with people of all ages and backgrounds, using creativity and
participation in the arts to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, build confidence, and
strengthen communities. We believe that creativity can have a positive impact on people’s lives,
and we are looking for someone who shares our values and wants to make a meaningful
contribution.

As Treasurer Trustee, you will play an important role in helping the Board oversee the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring strong financial governance and supporting informed decision-making. You will work alongside fellow trustees and staff to help ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable and able to continue delivering its valuable work across the Isle of Wight.

We are looking for someone who can offer:
• Experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, business planning, or financial
management
• The ability to understand and explain financial information clearly
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to Board discussions
• Commitment to good governance and the aims of Independent Arts
Previous charity trustee experience or a professional accounting qualification would be
welcome but is not essential. We encourage applications from people with relevant skills and
practical experience from a range of professional and personal backgrounds.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the local community
• Experience of charity leadership and governance
• The chance to use your professional skills for social good
• The opportunity to work alongside a passionate and committed Board and team
• A chance to support creativity, wellbeing, and inclusive community development across
the Isle of Wight

Time commitment
This is a voluntary role. The Treasurer Trustee will be expected to attend quarterly Board and
finance committee meetings and review papers in advance, with additional time required to
support the CEO in financial planning, Board and annual reporting activities.
Independent Arts is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications
from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and communities.
 

About us 

We are the UK’s leading specialist medical society for rheumatology and musculoskeletal professionals. We support our members throughout their careers, allowing them to progress, collaborate and innovate so they can deliver the best care for their patients, improving the lives of children and adults with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease. 

Our vision, mission and values 

Vision 

People with rheumatic conditions across the lifespan receive the highest quality outcomes and live well. 
 

Mission 

To champion the specialty, influencing change and building a thriving community of best practice. 

 
Values 

The values which guide our approach are: 

• Celebratory – we celebrate the achievements in rheumatology 

• Inclusive – we support everyone in the rheumatology community  

• Sustainable – we work to reduce the impact of our activities on the environment   

• Leading – we use our profile to drive change and support those working in the specialty  

• Collaborative – we always seek to work with others to have a greater impact  

Who might be interested in this opportunity 

To be our new Honorary Treasurer, experience in strategic level finance is needed, but you might not have a finance qualification. This would be an exciting role for someone looking for an opportunity to support an organisation diversify their income streams and build on the strong financial foundations already in place. You don’t need to have previous experience as a Trustee as we’ll provide a full induction and training, and we have experienced Trustees on our Board. 

BSR is a high-performing award-winning organisation about to create our next strategy (2028-2033). We strive for continuous improvement and as a trustee you will be instrumental in helping us define what our impact should be and ensure we achieve our goals. We work alongside the complex and changing environment of the NHS and want to ensure that the rheumatology voice is heard and that the specialty designs and dictates its own future – an approach the Board will own. Our trustees support our drive to be financially sustainable, motivating our work on income generation and overseeing our investments. You will be part of a Board committed to constructive discussion, effective decision-making and respectful of everybody’s contribution.

Purpose of the Treasurer role

The Honorary Treasurer is a trustee of BSR and the Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee (FRC) and the Audit Committee. They are part of the Remuneration, People and Culture Committee. The Treasurer is also a Director on BSR’s trading subsidiary, BSR Enterprises Ltd. 

Members of the Board of Trustees make up the governing body of the society.Trustees are responsible for ensuring BSR remains true to its charitable purpose and objects set out in its governing documents and for meeting BSR’s legal and financial duties as a registered charity. BSR is also a registered company limited by guarantee and therefore all Trustees automatically become company directors registered at Companies House.All trustees share responsibility for monitoring BSR’s finances. 

Main responsibilities of the Treasurer

• To chair the Finance and Risk Committee, ensuring that BSR operates within the financial guidelines set by the Board, the Society’s governing documents, the Charity Commission and current legislation.

• To be part of the Remuneration, People and Culture Committee.

• To chair and document the annual Audit Committee following BSR’s annual financial audit 

• To support the Board of Trustees and SMT in meeting its strategic responsibility for BSR’s financial resources.

• To be actively involved in the financial security and on-going support of the development of the BSR’s financial aims and objectives.

• To present the financial accounts to the membership at the Annual General Meeting

• Support the FRC to carry out their duties to: 
  • ensure the charity keeps proper accounts 
  • review the charity’s financial performance 
  • review policies for finance and investment 
  • ensure that the charity has robust and effective financial controls in place 
  • liaise with the BSR staff team and with the charity’s auditor 
  • identify financial and other risks facing the organisation and recommending appropriate action 

Time commitment

At present, the post requires approximately 2 days per quarter, split over a range of duties, including:

• Preparing for all Board and FRC meetings- reading meeting packs and sending any queries in advance (variable, but approximately 2-3 hours per quarter) 

• Meeting with the COO in advance of each committee meeting to ensure the meetings run smoothly and efficiently (60 minutes each quarter) 

• Attending the Board of Trustees meetings (four times a year- each meeting is 3 hours, either online or in person)

• Chairing the Finance and Risk Committee meetings (four times a year- each meeting is 2 hours, held online)

• Attending the Remuneration, People and Culture Committee meetings (twice a year- each meeting is 1 hour, held online)

• Chairing the Audit Committee (once a year- one hour, held online) 

• Attending BSR Enterprises Ltd meetings (two a year – each meeting is 30 minutes, held online) 

• Attending the Annual General Meeting (once a year, held online)

• Attend an annual Trustees and SMT away day (once a year, in person) 

Trustees may also be asked, from time to time, to:

• Attend events and other meetings on behalf of BSR

• Attend training relevant to their role

• Be available between board meetings for advice and to make decisions via email

• Be available for other ad hoc requirements

Induction, training and support  

• BSR has a finance team who carry all out all day-to-day finance functions and provide quarterly management accounts to the Finance and Risk Committee. The new Treasurer will have support from this team, and from the COO both during their induction period and throughout their term in office. Support is also provided by the CEO and the Chair of Trustees. 

• A comprehensive induction is provided for all new Trustees, including access to external financial training for members of FRC 

• We use a values behaviour framework to support all our volunteers to thrive in their role 

• Specialist financial advice and support is provided by external auditors, investment house fund managers and an investment specialist firm.

• The FRC completes an annual review of their performance as a committee, and undertakes further training as required 

• The opportunity to shadow Board meetings before taking up post 

Term of office

The Treasurer role term is for three years, with the possibility of extension for a further 3 years with approval from the Board.

How to apply 

Please upload a cover letter, setting out how you meet the person specification and why you are interested in the role along with your CV via our website by 5pm on Friday 14 August.

We expect interviews to take place (online) w/c 7 September 2026.

Person specification 

1.  Strategic finance experience  
2.  Ability to consider the implications of corporate risks at a strategic level 
3.  Be able to explain complex financial information in an accessible way 
4.  A commitment to BSR, its charitable objectives and values   
5.  An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship   
6.  A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the Treasurer role   
7.  Ability to think and apply knowledge strategically   
8.  Integrity, sound independent judgment   
9.  Willingness to listen and learn to make effective decisions   

BSR is committed to encouraging inclusion, equality and diversity. We are actively trying to increase the diversity of our staff team and volunteer roles. We try to reduce as many barriers as we can for those with a disability, which you can find out more about from our website. We welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including those from minoritised communities, and those with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives.

Make a Smile is seeking a motivated and organised Chapter President to lead one of our local Chapters. This is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing committee operations, supporting volunteers, and ensuring the smooth running of all Chapter activities.

About Make a Smile

Make a Smile is a charity dedicated to bringing joy to children through character visits, events, and community engagement. Each Chapter is run by a volunteer committee, and the President plays a central role in guiding and supporting that team.

Role Overview

The Chapter President is responsible for the overall management, development, and compliance of their Chapter. You will lead the committee, coordinate activities, and act as the main link between your Chapter and the national Board of Trustees.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading teams, solving problems, and making a meaningful impact in their community.

Key Responsibilities

• Local Leadership
• Oversee the day‑to‑day running of the Chapter and support committee members in their roles.
• Provide direction, guidance, and oversight across volunteer recruitment, events, fundraisers, and costume management.
• Chair committee meetings and ensure tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
• Identify when committee members need support and step in with advice, delegation, or hands‑on help.
• Complete and maintain the Chapter Development Plan and work towards improving Chapter performance each year.
• Ensure all activities comply with the charity’s constitution, handbook, and legal requirements.

National Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact between your Chapter and the Board of Trustees.
• Submit a monthly report on Chapter progress, challenges, and key decisions.
• Attend the monthly Charity Leadership Meeting to share updates and contribute to national planning.
• Implement national guidance and changes communicated by Trustees.
• Manage your Chapter’s allocated budget and support fundraising targets.
• Ensure all required paperwork is kept up‑to‑date, including logs, finances, and post‑event forms.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to motivate and support a team.
• Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Confident decision‑maker with a collaborative approach.
• Passionate about Make a Smile’s mission and working with volunteers.
• No prior charity leadership experience required — full training and guidance provided.

What You’ll Gain

• Leadership and management experience.
• Opportunities to develop strategic planning and organisational skills.
• A chance to make a real difference in your community.
• Experience working closely with a national charity board.
• A rewarding role where you help create magical experiences for children.

Summary

As Chapter President, you will:

• Lead and support your committee.
• Ensure effective operations and compliance.
• Drive Chapter development and improvement.
• Represent your Chapter at national level.
• Lead by example and uphold the values of Make a Smile

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances
• providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.