Community Matters Finance Officer Volunteer Roles
Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Upbeat Communities achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity, and they also ensure we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the leadership team to enable Upbeat Communities to grow and thrive, and through this, empower refugees to thrive.
Through regular meetings, strategy days and written reports provided to the board, trustees are able to set the direction of the organisation, develop its strategic objectives and support and keep the staff team accountable in delivering on these
strategic goals.
Trustee meetings are currently held every 2 months either in person in Derby or online (hybrid). We have an annual strategy away day and trustees are also invited to be part of our sub-committees. Trustees are requested to be available to attend occasional ‘unscheduled’ meetings or engage in email communications which address urgent business as it arises, join working groups when needed and spend time preparing for meetings by reading and considering the papers circulated before meetings.
Benefits of Being a Trustee
We believe being a trustee of Upbeat Communities offers a number of fantastic
benefits:
- Strategic decision-making that positively impacts the lives of over a thousand
- asylum seekers and refugees every year
- Supporting an innovative, talented and passionate staff team as they develop
- our work and explore new services and ways of working
- Being part of a committed and focused trustee team working to see the charity
- grow
- Using your skills, experience and passion to contribute to an effective and wellfunctioning
- board
- Opportunities to learn new skills and experiences to contribute to your own
- personal development
Duties
Any individual acting as a trustee for Upbeat Communities would be required to
carry out the following:
- Promote the vision, mission and values of the charity
- Ensure Upbeat Communities and its representatives function within all legal and
- regulatory requirements applicable, and in line with its constitution, continually
- striving for best practice in governance
- Determine the overall direction and development of Upbeat Communities
- through good governance and clear strategic planning
- Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their
- implementation
- Oversee Upbeat Communities’ financial plans and budgets and monitor and
- evaluate progress
- Review and approve the charity’s financial statements
- Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively
- Provide support and challenge to Upbeat Communities’ Chief Executive in the
- exercise of their delegated authority and affairs
- Contribute to regular reviews of Upbeat Communities’ own governance.
- Attend Board meetings, and be adequately prepared to contribute to
- discussions.
- Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and
- protect the charity’s interests, avoiding any personal conflict of interests
- Take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a
- material risk to the charity
- Maintain confidentiality about all aspects of the trustee’s business
Finance Specific Duties
- Lead on the strategic financial management of the charity at board level
- Liaise with our outsourced finance team (including our Finance Director)
- Chair the finance sub-committee (which meets 6 times per year ahead of every
- board meeting)
- Maintain a clear grasp of the charity’s financial position and ensure full and
- timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the board
- Support the board of trustees in financial decision making processes
- Review and approve annual budgets
- Advise on banking and investments
- Take an active role in the financial audit process
- Contribute to the financial management of our trading subsidiary (Upbeat
- Enterprises Limited)
Empowering individuals and families to thrive as they rebuild their lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you be willing to volunteer your time and expertise to join the Hospice as a trustee member of our Board of Trustees? Garden House Hospice Care’s Trustee Recruitment Initiative aims to identify and encourage people who want to help make a difference to those in our community affected by life-limiting illnesses.
We are looking for new trustees to join our Board who are energetic, talented, and committed people, with good leadership, interpersonal skills, used to being in a people-focused environment, and who can formulate and implement strategy. These opportunities reflect our succession policy which encourages a healthy turnover at Board level. We believe that this brings new ideas and experiences to the charity and ensures that, in future, we continue to improve in order to provide as much care and support as possible to those who would benefit from our services. We strive to be an inclusive and diverse Board and welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups.
We are looking for people able to take up the role at any time over the coming six months but if you would prefer a later start date, perhaps due to existing commitments, please still apply now. We are particularly keen to attract interest from people with relevant senior experience from the following sectors:
Finance & Accounting: You will have Financial Management/Accounting experience, helping us to maintain an overview of the organisation’s affairs ensuring its financial viability and that proper financial management/records and procedures are maintained. You will have the skills and expertise to analyse proposals or plans pertaining to the development, growth, or diversification of the organisation and to examine the financial consequences of those proposals/plans.
Clinical: If you have experience as a doctor, nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist or any other clinical role we would love to hear from you.
If you would like to find out more about this opportunity, then please see the Role Profile and Information Pack attached. To register your interest and discuss the role further please complete the expression of interest form by hitting Apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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- Role: provide financial oversight, analysis and strategic guidance to the CEO and board
- Liaises with: Chair, CEO, trustees, committees, external supporters
- Location: Cambridgeshire area/remote
- Voluntary role: reasonable expenses paid
- Term: negotiable, e.g. interim/three years/extendable by re-election
- Application closing date: 31 May 2024
Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our professional counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time to deliver talking therapies both online and in person.
We deliver around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access therapeutic support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training to organisations and businesses large and small.
We are searching for an experienced treasurer/finance specialist who can support our board, committees, and the CEO as we move through our next strategic stage of consolidation, then growth. Although long-established and successful, Evolve is reshaping itself and your financial expertise will be instrumental in positioning our charity to successfully meet the ever-growing demands and opportunities for supporting good mental health in our communities. Please note, a background in counselling is NOT a prerequisite for this role.
Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month.
For further information or an informal discussion of interest, please contact Kevin Bottrell, Chair of Trustees.
Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to Kevin Bottrell, Chair of Trustees.
Our Chair will review and assess expressions of interest and will then call for applications in the form of a CV and letter setting out the applicant’s motivations, which will be assessed by a panel of trustees under conditions that maximise our commitment to EDI principles. Applicants may be asked to interview, and appointment will be made at a meeting of the board of trustees and ratified by the membership at AGM.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a finance professional or someone with experience of financial management to join our Board and Chair our Finance Committee. You do not need to be a qualified accountant or have specific knowledge of charity finance although this would be an advantage.
Groundwork delivers practical action to create a fair and green future in which people, places and nature thrive. We work with local communities and businesses to build capacity to tackle hardship, achieve a just transition to net zero and help nature recover in a way that reduces inequality and leads to better work and healthier, happier lives by:
- Connecting people with each other, with opportunity and with nature;
- Building knowledge and confidence to that people feel more in control of their future;
- Delivering social, economic and environmental outcomes in an integrated way.
We are recruiting for a new Finance Committee Chair to join our Trustee Board. As a Trustee of Groundwork Yorkshire, you will play a crucial role in setting the strategic direction of the charity and ensuring good governance. As Chair of the Finance Committee, you will maintain an overview of the charity’s financial affairs and ensure the wider Board is well briefed on financial matters.
We want to expand the diversity of our board. We welcome applications from women, people of colour, people with disabilities and those aged 45 and under, and applications from other underrepresented or marginalised groups.
We are a friendly and welcoming board in need of some new perspectives and diverse voices around the table to help us continue to Change Lives and Change Places with those who need it most.
To find out more about the role and our organisation, take a look at our candidate pack.
Want to apply?
Please visit our website.
Closing Date: 5pm on Friday 7 June 2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for people from all walks of life, ages and experience To represent, fundraise, promote and elevate the boroughs of Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest, East Bank and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
The Foundation for Future London is recruiting 3 unpaid roles: Finance Trustee and 2 Trustees to join the Board Ambassadors, a new voluntary role made up of East London’s most dedicated, passionate advocates
Job Description:
The Photographic Collections Network (PCN) is seeking an interim Treasurer with expertise in accountancy and/or charity finance and reporting to join our board of Trustees.
We are on the journey to becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), and this will bring great opportunities for us to expand our reach and provide support for the UKs photographic collections and heritage. We are looking for people to help us to build this potential so we can better deliver on our aims. Are you the person that can help lead this change?
You will oversee the financial matters of the Photographic Collections Network in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements, and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The interim Treasurer will ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, and are appropriate for the charity.
PCN welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and would love to hear from applicants who belong to groups underrepresented in the charitable sector.
Job requirements:
Our ideal candidate for the interim Treasurer would have accountancy qualification or an equivalent level of experience and expertise in accountancy and charity finance and reporting. A person working in Finance, Governance, Legal, with Charity experience either through an executive or previous Trustee role would be suitable. The candidate Ideally would have professional experience with organisational Governance and Financial management. A background in the photography or understanding of collections sector is not necessary but an enthusiasm and interest in the charitable sector is. If you have any of the skills listed above, we would love to hear from you.
Job responsibilities:
You will oversee the financial matters of the Photographic Collections Network in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements, and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.
The interim Treasurer will work with the Board to ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, as we progress in our journey to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Please follow the link to download the Job Description
Would you like the opportunity to join the Board of a housing association whose purpose is to work with a co-operative ethos to help people & their communities to flourish?
Co-op Homes (CHS) is a housing association which owns some 300 properties across London and the South East. We're also a managing agent for 30 other community housing organisations and housing co-ops, providing services to over 2,000 residents. Our unique proposition lies in our ability to provide expert housing management services to housing co-operatives and other small, resident-led housing organisations, enabling them to maintain their autonomy.
Board member opportunities
CHS is governed by a Board of Management made up of paid members who meet regularly throughout the year to direct policy and make major decisions on housing matters. The Board is also responsible for ensuring that we are managed efficiently, effectively and in line with the requirements of the law, regulatory bodies, best practice and value for money.
We have an active Board, currently made up of five members, bringing a variety of skills and backgrounds. Our Chair has been in the role since 2021 and we appointed a new Managing Director within the last year.
We are now looking to recruit two new board members. One who can bring strategic finance expertise and another with building asset management experience.
- Strategic finance: As a provider, we offer a unique set of services that have particular challenges. We are looking for an experienced senior finance professional to help us balance the risks and benefits involved in relation to our portfolio and scrutinise our finances strategically for the longer term.
- Building asset management: We are looking for expertise in property management. This will include repairs and maintenance, health and safety legislation and regulations, strategic asset management and decarbonisation.
We would very much welcome applications from people who combine relevant expertise with lived experience of social housing or experience of living in a housing co-operative, as we know you would bring a unique insight to the role. For the same reason we would also welcome applications from minority groups.
As a board member at CHS, you’ll have the satisfaction of joining a dynamic organisation passionate about making a lasting difference to lives and communities. We are looking for people who share our vision and values. Previous board experience is not required.
How to apply
Eastside People is supporting Co-op Homes in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, which should indicate why you are interested in applying for a Board member role and how you meet the role requirements.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can make the application process work for you.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 24 May. Online shortlisting interviews will take place the next couple of weeks. Face-to-face interviews with the recruitment panel at CHS will take place on Thursday, 13 June 2024.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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The Honorary Treasurer is a director of Healthwatch Bucks with specific responsibilities to:
1. Lead the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to protect the financial integrity of Healthwatch Bucks.
2. Provide support and guidance on financial matters to the Chief Executive and their Team.
3. Represent Healthwatch Bucks with key stakeholders as required.
Financial Integrity
The Honorary Treasurer leads the Board in protecting the financial integrity of Healthwatch Bucks by:
● Chairing the Finance Committee and, on its behalf, making recommendations to the Board.
● Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities, ensuring understanding of financial planning and budgeting and current and forecast finances.
● Monitoring and reporting the organisation’s financial health regularly to the Board in line with best practice, complying with its Articles of Association, financial legislation, statutory requirements, contractual obligations and necessary insurance cover.
● Ensuring that the organisation has and complies with up-to-date financial policies and processes including Risk Management, Reserves, Business Continuity and Financial Management & Internal Controls.
● Monitoring cash flow to ensure financial sustainability.
● Ensuring that financial transactions and reporting meet the conditions of contractual and other agreements with commissioners, funders, partners and sub-contractors.
● Acting as signatory or co-signatory in accordance with the scheme of delegation in the Financial Management and Internal Control processes.
● Presenting the financial accounts at the Annual General Meeting and overseeing the preparation of the accounts for statutory submission.
Support & Guidance
The Honorary Treasurer shares the duty of all Board Members to ensure effective policy making, strategic planning and monitoring of the performance of Healthwatch Bucks. Additionally, the Treasurer has specific responsibilities supporting the Chief Executive to ensure that:
● Financial planning processes are maintained and that available financial resources are appropriate to the aims of the organisation.
● Healthwatch Bucks has an effective strategy for generating and accounting for commissioned and donated income to achieve its objectives and manage its expenditure.
● The Board receives all necessary advice on the financial implications of strategic plans and projects.
● The Board is presented with budget statements, management accounts and financial information at all key points in the planning and budget cycle and that issues are outlined in a coherent and easily understandable way.
The Financial Management and Control Policy is kept up-to-date and implemented throughout the organisation.
● Proper procedures are followed for preparing, presenting and filing the annual financial statements.
● The recommendations of external financial advisors are reported to the Board and acted upon.
● Equipment and assets are appropriately recorded, depreciated, maintained and insured.
Representation
The Honorary Treasurer will, as appropriate:
1. Liaise with staff and contractors responsible for the financial activities of the organisation.
2. Represent Healthwatch Bucks with commissioners and sub - contractors, partners, Healthwatch England, bankers and members.
3. Act as a spokesperson or signatory for the organisation.
4. Liaise with the independent examiner on the annual management letter and related Board representation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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We are looking for a team player with experience of finance and fundraising best practice, preferably within the charity sector, to join our Board of Trustees As we continue to expand our services, our new Treasurer will help us to develop our procedures and strategies to ensure we maintain good governance. Applicants must also be prepared to take on the wider responsibilities of becoming a charity Trustee.
This is a hands on role which requires close working with our CEO, Finance Manager, Chair of Trustees and Accountants. You will help us to review and implement new financial processes and budgeting procedures, develop new investment and fundraising policies and ensure that we operate in line with best practice. As a Trustee you will also contribute to the organisations wider mission and strategy and oversee the running of the Charity.
If you are looking to use your skills to give back to your local community or to support a cause that you are passionate about and have experience in financial management or in establishing sound financial procedures, we want to hear from you. This is an opportunity to make an immediate impact within a growing charity.
Please note that we have a full time Finance Manager who manages our day to day finances so our Treasurer will not be responsible for book keeping or other administrative functions.
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining why you would like to be a Trustee. For more information or to discuss your suitability as our Treasurer, please contact our CEO.
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WK Foundation is a recently registered charity in South London, seeking to add trustees to their board to reflect the communities the charity serve. Our work is dedicated to reconnecting low income urban communities with sustainable food pathways, with the aim of breaking the cycles of poverty that are perpetuated by dysfunctional food systems. The board are particularly interested in candidates who identify as Black Caribbean or have mixed racial backgrounds, such as mixed race Black Caribbean/White or Pakistani/White British.
Our board is female led (Chair & CEO are female), and consists of a clinical phschologist, social entrepreneur, trained counsellor & HR practicioner, and regenerative food specialist. We are a friendly but professional bunch who start meetings with a moment of reflection and prayer, record excellent minutes and stick (for the most part) to a pre-agreed agenda and schedule. We are big on creating a culture that combines support and listening with action, accountability and forward movement and our vibe is positive, and inclusive.
We are currently re-developing our holistic hospitality training programme called Nourish, for an October 2025 launch. Nourish provides hands on skills training, work experience and employment opportunities, as well as employment progression and support for young adults from low income context facing disadvantages. We work with young adults for up to 12 months.
Our work is underpinned by our regenerative food practises and is run in accordance with our Christian faith values & principles.
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If you have experience working, volunteering or living in community settings similar to those experienced by our trainees, and/ or experience in organising, training, mentoring, finance or legal experitse then please let us know!
Previous board experience is not a requirement, nor is any level of seniority in any given industry – WK
Foundation hopes to benefit from the insights of Trustees from all walks of life.
We are committed to building a diverse team, and seek to be representative of those we are supporting, so we
would especially like to hear from applicants who are from minority groups in the UK. We also recognise the
importance of lived experience in all roles within our organisation, and therefore welcome applications from those with lived experience of disadvantage.
Given the requirements of this role and WK Foundation Limited’s objectives and purpose as set out in its Articles of Association, it is a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010 that the applicant for this role actively supports the Christian faith.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Whether you are an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level we would like to hear from you.
What will you be doing?
We are looking for people to join our board of trustees to help take Cheltenham Almshouses and Aid forward. We would particularly welcome those with experience of building maintenance and development of new properties, health and safety, finance and investment, risk control, social care and marketing.
Many of the properties we own are of older stock and there is a constant challenge to keep the buildings well maintained and up to standard, in line with health and safety requirements whilst providing comfortable and affordable living.
We have recently built four new wonderful apartments within a conservation area and may possibly in the future look at extending our current stock of properties with more new builds.
We have a healthy balance sheet and would look to new trustees to guide the charity with new investment opportunities.
At present we have little presence on social media and would welcome a trustee on board who could help us in this field and ultimately give us the presence we so need. By maintaining a wait list this reduces the risk of void apartments and subsequent decrease in income.
We provide housing to many people who are working but cannot afford the market rents, for those retired who want to live in well maintained, peaceful communities. Some of our beneficiaries may need help with more personal matters such as benefit applications, liaising with social services, the clerk will deal with these aspects directly but additional knowledge of areas such as benefits and pensions would be immensely valuable to our beneficiaries, some of whom may not have any family members nearby to support them.
Many thanks for your time reading this.
What are we looking for?
- Communications and Marketing
- Building and conservation, property and maintenance
- Health and Safety within housing
- Finance
- Leadership
- Legal
What difference will you make?
This is an amazing opportunity to give a small amount of time, whilst knowing you are making a real difference to the lives of our residents.
With you on board as a trustee we can ensure that the Almhouses continue for many, many more years, helping those less fortunate by providing safe well maintained homes in wonderful communities, while ensuring the long term financial stability, governance of the charity and to help formulate the vision for the future.
Before you apply
Please apply through Reach in the first instance. Interviews will be in person at a convenient location, representatives from the board of trustees will be present with the Clerk.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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As a collection tin volunteer, you will play a vital role in supporting us to raise our profile and fundraise within your community.
You will look after the Magpas Air Ambulance collection tins within a designated area, replacing full tins and returning them to an agreed location. You can also help us by finding new locations in which to place tins. These collection tins are an important part of how we raise money, raising approximately £20,000 per year.
As a collection tin volunteer, you will be expected to:
- Represent Magpas Air Ambulance in a respectful and friendly manner
- Understand the work of Magpas Air Ambulance, having basic knowledge and enthusiasm for our service
- Wear your Magpas Air Ambulance ID badge, ensuring it's visible at all times
- Travel to your collection tins (on two or four wheels). Where motorised vehicles are used, you must hold a full UK driving license, have a road-worthy vehicle with up-to-date road tax, MOT certificate (where applicable) and fully comprehensive insurance.
- Establish the regularity of required tin collections in your area, keep a log of your activities and feedback to the Supporter Care Officer
- Proactively replace full collection tins as needed and deliver them to an agreed location within one working day of collection
- Place new tins in locations within your area, ensuring they are accurately labelled with the location and organisation's name
- Inform the Supporter Care Officer of any new tins placed or any changes, helping us to ensure records are accurate and kept up to date
- Follow all Magpas Air Ambulance policies and procedures, including reporting any accidents and incidents
- Recognise, respond to, and report any safeguarding issues or concerns
What to expect from us:
- Regular support and advice from our staff team
- Expenses covered in line with our volunteer policy
- On-the-job training specific to your role
- Events where you can meet other volunteers and share ideas
- Impressive skills to add to your CV and a reference if/when you need it
- The opportunity to meet like-minded people
- We are an equal opportunity organisation and welcome volunteers with diverse abilities
As well as joining the Magpas Air Ambulance family, you will make new friends and be an important connection within your community, representing the work of a lifesaving team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Oxfordshire Breastfeeding Support (OBS) is a small charity (a charitable incorporated organisation or CIO) providing free direct breastfeeding support to the families of Oxfordshire - via a mixture of virtual one to one appointments, in-person sessions, Zoom groups, a private Facebook group, antenatal workshops and work targeted at groups that are under-represented. Although founded as an independent charity in 2018, OBS’s work is a continuation of 12 years of breastfeeding support under the Baby Café umbrella. OBS is well known and respected in the community, with strong and valuable relationships with other service providers in the NHS, Local Authority and voluntary sectors. OBS is committed to being an actively anti-racist organisation, with a focus on social justice, equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome people of all backgrounds, gender identities and life experiences to become trustees.
OBS is seeking to recruit a trustee to act as treasurer of trustees for a period of 2-3 years. In addition to the responsibilities of a general trustee, treasurer of the trustees will:
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Provide financial leadership to the board of trustees, offering valuable insights and recommendations on financial planning, budgeting, and investment decisions.
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Oversee the development and implementation of the charity's financial policies, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practices.
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Prepare and present financial reports at board meetings, providing clear and concise updates on the charity's financial performance and projections. This would include preparing an annual budget and monthly management accounts.
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Monitor and assess the charity's financial health, identifying risks and opportunities and recommending appropriate actions. This would also include ensuring restricted funds are recorded and monitored appropriately to ensure than any grant terms are complied with
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Ensure transparency and accountability in financial matters, promoting ethical practices and adherence to financial policies.
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Prepare annual financial statements in accordance with Charity Commission regulations, and ensure timely completion of annual review
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Support the fundraising team in financial planning for campaigns and initiatives, aligning financial resources with strategic objectives. This would also include assisting in the preparation of the financial information for grant applications and assisting with preparing reports at the end of the grant period to show compliance with financial restrictions of any grants
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Keep abreast of financial trends, legal requirements, and best practices in the charity sector, sharing relevant insights with the board and staff
This work is likely to involve around 10 hours per month,
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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We are currently seeking a Chair to join our dynamic charity board as our current chair is coming towards the end of their term.
We are a highly engaged board who is passionate about ensuring our charity makes a big difference to Lewisham residents, especially to the most vulnerable people. We work in a collegiate way, respecting the diverse viewpoints board members bring to the table and hold ourselves to high professional standards.
The Chair will work closely with the CEO, staff, volunteers and other Trustees to support Citizens Advice Lewisham in making a difference in the lives of people who live and work in the Borough.
General Trustee duties and responsibilities
Each individual member of the Trustee Board has a responsibility to contribute to the discharging of the board’s duties. They do this by:
● Governing the charity in the best interest of the clients and in line with the governing documents.
● Actively contributing to setting policy and strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance and ensuring effective oversight of the charity’s activities. This includes visiting Citizens Advice Lewisham to get to know the team and being aware of the service in action.
● Taking responsibility for their own learning and development.
● Monitoring whether the service complies with its governing document and how well the advice needs of the local community are being met.
● Supporting the development of Citizens Advice Lewisham through agreed projects and managing risk.
● Maintaining confidentiality about any sensitive or confidential information received.
Chair specific responsibilities
Plan the board meetings including the dates and the agenda, supported by the CEO.
● Facilitate the trustee board meetings by leading the meeting, ensuring that agenda items are discussed, enabling all members to contribute their views and take part and seeking clarification where necessary.
● Ensure that decisions and actions taken at board meetings are carried out.
● Ensure that the board decisions are made within the remit of the Citizens Advice membership agreement, governing documents and policies.
● Monitor attendance and commitment of all trustees.
● Provide or arrange for training or support for trustees if needed.
● With other trustees and the CEO, recruit a trustee board with a diverse range of skills, experience and knowledge with an aim to promote trusteeship to underrepresented groups that represent the local community.
● Ensure that all trustees receive an induction and the training needed for them to fulfil their role.
● Be proactive in recruiting successors to key positions such as Chair, Treasurer etc.
● Arrange or provide support and supervision for the CEO including an annual appraisal.
● Together with the Treasurer, ensure proper management and control of local Citizens Advice finances.
● Together with the CEO, represent the local Citizens Advice in relationships with funders or potential funders, local events and in the community.
● Work together with all trustees and ensure that the board is able to:
● Set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of the local Citizens Advice.
● Monitor the financial position of the local Citizens Advice ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives, ensuring that there are clear lines of accountability for day to day financial management.
● Monitor whether the Citizens Advice service complies with its governing document and meets the required standards.
● Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.
● Ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers.
● Review its own work and how effectively it operates including action for improvement.
● Work on specific projects to further the strategic objectives of the local Citizens Advice.
General Trustee skills and qualities
● Ability to meet time commitment.
● Commitment to clients and ensuring the impact of Citizens Advice Lewisham in the local community.
● Ability to fulfil governance role, specifically to manage risks, ensure oversight and strategic development of the charity.
● Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
● Willingness to gain knowledge of local needs and resources.
● Commitment to the aims, principles and policies of the Lewisham CAB service, including those relating to equal opportunities, independence, and research and campaigns.
● Ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as Trustees and employers.
● Willingness and ability to learn and to develop.
● Ability to think creatively and strategically, and exercise good, independent judgement.
● Ability to build productive respectful relationships with other Trustees, staff and volunteers.
● Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the charity’s beneficiaries, staff and the Trustee board.
● Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
● Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
● Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop.
Chair specific skills and qualities
● Preferable experience in trustee board governance.
● Excellent interpersonal skills.
● Good leadership skills.
● Ability to facilitate and lead meetings.
● An understanding of the responsibilities and liabilities as trustees.
● Ability to be non-judgmental and respecting views, values and cultures that are different to your own.
● Good numeracy skills to understand financial accounts with the support of the treasurer.
● An understanding of the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice.
Time Commitment and availability to attend required meetings
a) As Chair
● Quarterly governance committee meetings (each 11⁄2 hours plus prep).
● On average half a day per week working with the organisation on chair matters.
b) As Trustee
● Quarterly evening Trustee Board meetings (each 21⁄2 hours plus prep).
● One annual Trustee Board awayday (weekend – 5 hours plus prep).
● Liaison with CEO and colleague Trustees by phone, e-mail or Skype (occasional).
● Day-time visits to our offices to understand our work and engage with staff/volunteers (occasional).
● Two annual stakeholder events (one evening event, one mid-week all-day event).
● Liaising with other trustees and CEO via email and phone in between meetings.
● Where required, leading independently on key projects.
● Any further day time visits and meetings that may arise during the year.
What’s in it for you?
● You will contribute to making a positive impact for people in Lewisham.
● You will meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers.
● You will build on your governance, leadership and strategy skills.
Remuneration
This is an unpaid voluntary role and reasonable expenses will be covered by advance agreement.
Diversity
We seek candidate Trustees from all backgrounds so that our board represents the diversity of our community. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
As services are delivered in a small geographic area applicants should ideally live, work or study in, or near, Lewisham or have some local knowledge of the area.
How to apply
Application: Please send us a CV highlighting relevant skills and experience you will bring to the role along with a completed Application Form
Closing date: 31 May 2024
Interviews: 17 June 2024
Contact: If you would like to have a conversation with someone about this role, please get in touch with the Head of Business & Development who can set up a chat with the Chair or CEO.
Disclosure: Applicants must complete the Disclosure and EDI Form as part of their application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a Trustee who can help us strengthen and deepen our reach with stakeholders, communities, and funders.
Ideally you will have some professional experience within the third sector or a personal connection with what we do. However, wherever you are now, you will recognise how significant our organisation is within our community and will share our desire to further strengthen our impact and ensure we continue to be a sustainable provider of services to people with complex needs.
Key Attributes We Seek in Trustees:
· Commitment to the YSS Mission: A keen belief in YSS's mission of fostering independence and empowerment is vital. We believe our Trustees should be driven by a passion for effecting positive change in people's lives.
· Integrity and Ethical Conduct: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability is non-negotiable. Trustees must embody honesty and ethical behaviour in all endeavours.
· Strategic Thinking: Effective trustees possess strategic foresight and the ability to analyse complex issues. They contribute valuable insights to shape YSS's long-term direction and goals.
· Leadership Skills: Demonstrating strong leadership qualities is essential. Trustees should inspire others, foster collaboration, and proactively identify opportunities and challenges.
· Financial Awareness: Understanding financial matters is crucial for fulfilling a Trustee’s financial responsibilities to the organisation. Trustees should actively review financial reports and plans to ensure YSS's financial health.
· Diversity and Inclusion: YSS serves diverse communities, and we value diversity in our Trustees. Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion is paramount.
· Effective Communication: Trustees should possess strong communication skills, articulating ideas clearly and engaging with stakeholders effectively.
· Collaborative Approach: Operating through collaboration is a hallmark of YSS. Trustees should be team players, working collaboratively towards common goals.
· Adaptability and Resilience: Trustees should be adaptable and resilient in navigating change and uncertainty while staying focused on the organization's mission.
· Commitment and Availability: Serving as a trustee requires dedication of time and energy. Trustees must commit to attending meetings, participating in discussions, and engaging in relevant activities.
Principal responsibilities
· Provide strategic direction.
· Monitor performance.
· Ensure compliance.
· Safeguard reputation and values.
· Ensure financial viability.
· Contribute to MD's appointment, support, and performance monitoring.
· Participate in appraisal, recruitment, and disciplinary panels.
Desirable Areas of Skills and Experience:
· ICT and digital transformation
· Legal
· Safeguarding
· Criminal Justice
· Social Care or Social Enterprise
· Accountancy and financial planning/reporting
· Organizational Management
· Human Resources
· Community Development
· Balancing conflicting views sensitively
· Networking and relationship-building
· Commitment to the charity's vision and values
· Strong leadership with credibility and enthusiasm
· Effective decision-making and independent judgment
Summary of the Role: As a Trustee, you'll be responsible for setting strategic aims, objectives, and direction. You'll ensure YSS achieves its objectives, represents stakeholders' interests, and act as an ambassador for the charity.
Structure, Governance, and Management: YSS is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Board delegates responsibility for day-to-day management to the Managing Director, aided by the Senior Management and Leadership Team.
Strategy: YSS has a broad 3-year strategy linked to our organizational Theory of Change. Bi-annual strategic reviews are undertaken by the Trustees and Senior Management Team.
Priorities for 2024-2025:
· Implementation of impact measurement metrics
· Creation of staff and service user forums
· Focus on income sustainability and relationships with local authorities and funders
· Further development around our social value strategy
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.