Treasurer (Trustee)

Role title – Treasurer
Hours – 1–2 days per month plus quarterly Board meetings
Location – Remote with some London Board meetings
Salary – Voluntary role
Travel requirement – Occasional
Contract type – Voluntary
Accountable to – Chair of Trustees, working closely with CEO and Board of Trustees
Start date – October 2025

About the Stephen Dodgson Charitable Trust

The Stephen Dodgson Charitable Trust was established in 2015 to celebrate and support the music and legacy of British composer Stephen Dodgson (1924–2013). Stephen Dodgson had a long, distinguished and multifaceted career as a composer, Professor at the Royal College of Music and Radio 3 broadcaster. His musical voice could be both playful and deeply evocative, and he was much loved as a mentor to younger generations of musicians that worked with and taught. Particularly renowned for classical guitar compositions, he wrote widely for multiple idioms including chamber, orchestral, choral, solo voice and operatic works and has been recorded by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Bernard Roberts piano trio, Karolos, Magnard and Perpetuo ensembles, and singers Ailish Tynan, Katie Bray, James Gilchrist, Marcus Farnsworth and Roderick Williams.

The Trust awards grants to musicians, ensembles, festivals, educational institutions and arts organisations that perform, record or promote Dodgson’s music in line with the Trust’s charitable aims. The Trust responds to external grant applications and we also curate our own artistic and commemorative projects. A small, dedicated Board of Trustees works closely with the Trust CEO to guide and support the organisation’s work, ensuring funds are used thoughtfully and make a lasting, meaningful difference to the classical music community.

Recent projects also include a beautiful centenary book, a collection of essays and fond reminiscences about Stephen Dodgson – the man and the musician – which came out in 2024.

About the Role

The Trust is looking for a Treasurer to join our Board and take the lead in overseeing the charity’s finances. This is a key role, offering the chance to make a direct impact on the Trust’s ability to support musicians and projects with confidence and transparency.

The Treasurer is responsible for both strategic oversight and hands-on financial management — from preparing budgets and reports to supporting the Chair, CEO and fellow Trustees in financial planning and risk management. This rewarding role will help many interesting and worthwhile projects come to fruition and includes plenty of opportunities to enjoy attending concerts and other similar events. (Recent events include two epic concerts featuring major Dodgson works at St John’s Smith Square, the opening night of this year’s Barnes Music Festival and a Snape Maltings performance of Dodgson’s four-act opera Margaret Catchpole.)

This role would suit someone with financial management skills or similar, and a fair knowledge of and interest in classical music, arts funding, and charitable work more generally. A good communicator who enjoys working collaboratively with others and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to promote music and musicians – especially young musicians ­ will thrive in this role.

Key Responsibilities

As a Trustee

• Help guide the Trust’s overall strategy and governance
• Ensure the charity’s funds are managed responsibly and in line with our objectives
• Contribute to grant-making decisions and long-term planning
• Act in the best interests of the Trust and support our mission and values
• Represent the Trust at sponsored performances and events

As Treasurer

• Maintain an overview of the Trust’s financial health
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations: bookkeeping, invoice payments, bank statement reconciliations
• Prepare quarterly bank account reconciliations and financial outlooks for the Board
• Ensure compliance with charity law and financial regulations, including annual reports to the Charity Commission
• Advise on budgeting, cashflow, reserves, and investment planning 
• Monitor financial risks and ensure appropriate policies and controls are in place
• Apply at least once a year to HMRC to claim Gift Aid on donations made to the Trust
• Keep Charity Commission and HMRC records up to date
• Work closely with the CEO in aligning financial decisions with impact and priorities, and maintaining contact with ongoing projects

Supporting the Chair

• Assist the Chair in providing leadership and direction for the Board, and enabling the Board to fulfil their responsibilities
• Ensure that the Trust pursues our objects as defined in our governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations
• Support the Chair in enabling well-rounded and strategic discussions among Trustees
• Work in partnership with the Chair and Trustees to support the CEO and freelance staff, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation

What the Trust Is Looking For

Essential:

• Financial management experience, ideally within or alongside the charity or arts sector
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain finance clearly to others
• Familiarity with accounting software (e.g. Excel, Googlesheets, Xero or similar)
• A sound understanding of financial governance and reporting requirements

Desirable:

• An interest in classical music or the wider arts
• Experience working with or advising a charity, arts organisation, or funding body
• A collaborative, thoughtful, and supportive approach

Time Commitment

• Attend 3–4 Board meetings per year (virtual or in-person, London)
• Ongoing oversight of financial matters (1–2 days per month)
• Occasional availability for guidance or working groups between meetings
• Optional attendance at concerts, festivals and other Dodgson celebrations.

Deadline: Deadline: 22nd September