Period poverty volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Bristol
CHASE Africa is a UK-based international NGO that supports local partners in East Africa to improve health and wellbeing in marginalised rural communities. We are looking for a Trustee with finance skills, to replace our current Treasurer. You will provide scrutiny and oversight of the work of CHASE Africa, with a particular focus on financial issues. You will use your financial knowledge and experience to monitor the financial administration of the charity and report to the Board of Trustees on its state of financial health and provide the board with the confidence and knowledge to make good strategic decisions.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with extensive financial expertise, who is seeking a voluntary position where they can apply their skills to a meaningful mission.
Since its inception 12 years ago, CHASE Africa has grown from scratch to an income in 2025 of over £830,000 – delivering over 1.5 million healthcare and family planning services to often isolated rural communities. We have a strong and highly motivated staff team and a thriving network of local partners that has expanded from Kenya into Uganda and, later this year, Tanzania.
CHASE Africa’s projects have already brought healthcare and empowerment to tens of thousands of lives, particularly for women and girls, mitigating poverty and helping protect local environments.It has the capacity and opportunity to greatly extend its impact – both geographically and in terms of numbers reached.
We are a small but dedicated team based in Somerset, committed to a collaborative approach to partnership. We're currently going through an exciting period of transition and growth, with a new CEO in 2022, a new charitable structure in 2023, and a new Finance Manager at the start of 2026. Your role will be vital in helping us achieve our future goals.
The Role
- Liaise with CEO and Trustees to ensure the financial viability of the organisation’s strategy
- Advise on the financial implications of CA’s strategic plan (3 year)
- Present CA’s financial position and broader context at Trustees Board meetings
- Support the finance manager with the production of an annual budget
- Ensure that the Board is aware of its financial duties and responsibilities and the need to comply with all legislation
- Take a lead in interpreting financial data for fellow Board members
- Ensure that all financial policies, procedures and the appointment of external financial advisors are reviewed on a regular basis
- Ensure relevant financial policies are in place as required by the charity commission
- Be willing to be available to support the charity’s CEO and Senior Finance Manager as needed
- Review the monthly management accounts report and cashflow with the CEO and finance manager
- Liaise with senior staff to ensure financial reports are user friendly for non-finance trustees
About You
- Good background in financial management and analysis
- Able to communicate financial information clearly and to people with different levels of financial and data literacy.
- Knowledge and experience of finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations.
- Have an excellent ability to interpret financial information and the confidence to raise questions and challenge
- Have a good understanding of, or be willing to learn, the rules and regulation around charity finance
- Have the ability to think creatively and strategically, exercising good and impartial judgement
- Knowledge of current accounting processes, tools and procedures
- High proficiency in Excel, Powerpoint for analysis and presentation
- Understands and accepts the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Trustees, and the difference between governance functions and management functions
- High level of integrity and sound judgement
- Commitment to CA’s vision, purpose and culture and its way of working
- Able and willing to devote the necessary time to the role
Additional Desirable
- CCAB/CIMA qualified professional or qualified by experience in financial management
- Awareness and understanding of the campaigning world and the health community in developing countries.
- An interest in international development and the issues we are supporting our partners to tackle in East Africa.
For full information, please see the attached information pack.
To apply for this post, please submit a CV and covering letter by email by the 27th March 2026. The cover letter should be no longer than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
to support partner organisations, in Africa, that enable access to family planning, healthcare and rights, while protecting the environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Chair of Trustees will:
-
Provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees and enable the Board to fulfil its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation.
-
Ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations.
-
Work in partnership with the Director to support employees and volunteers, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation; and to optimise the relationship between the Board of Trustees and the staff.
-
Facilitate the Board of Trustees in stimulating excellent, well-rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making.
Main Responsibilities of the Chair
The Chair of Trustees will be expected to:
In relation to the Board of Trustees
-
Formulate strategic plans and regular review of long-term strategic aims of the charity.
-
Develop organisational policies, define goals, targets and evaluate performance against agreed targets.
-
Approve the annual cycle of the board meetings, meeting agendas, chair and facilitate meetings, monitor decisions taken at meetings and ensure they are implemented.
-
Liaise regularly with the Treasurer to maintain a clear grasp of the charity’s financial position and to ensure full and timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the Board.
-
Lead and mentor other Board members to fulfil their responsibilities and enable access to training/coaching/information to enhance the overall contribution of the board.
-
Annually review the Board structure, role, staff relationships and ensure implementation of agreed changes/developments are carried out.
-
Encourage team working among Board members and encourage them to identify and recruit new trustees as required.
-
Create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with trustees and the Director through review and self-reflective evaluation of contributions and effectiveness of the board.
In relation to the Director
-
Assume guardianship of the legal and financial integrity of the organisation.
-
Consult with the Director on matters of strategy, governance, finance and HR.
-
Oversee the Director’s activities in the context of the implementation of the Board’s strategy and policies.
-
Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the organisation.
-
Receive regular informal progress reports of the organisation’s work and financial performance through the Director.
In relation to the community and code of conduct
-
Represent the organisation as a spokesperson at appropriate events, meetings or functions.
-
Lead the Board in fostering relations with potential clients and potential funders/donors.
-
Act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.
-
Facilitate change and address conflict within the Board of Trustees, within the organisation and liaise with the Director to achieve this.
-
Undertake review of external complaints as defined by the organisation’s complaints procedure.
-
Ensure adherence and compliance around key policies to e.g. Hiring Policy,Health & Safety and in all decisions and discussions of the Board and its sub-committees.
-
Attend and be a member of other committees or working groups when appropriate in role as Chair.
-
In order to perform the above role, the Chair should have reasonable access to all staff and information, in line with the board’s fiduciary duties.
In relation to Child Protection
-
Uphold the charity’s Child Protection Policy, and ensure its rigid application to all of the Board’s duties and endeavours.
-
Place child safety at the forefront of all deliberations, and adopt a diligent awareness of any area in which child safety might be at risk.
-
Report any and all potential violations of the charity’s Child Protection Policy to the Board of Trustees immediately.
Qualities of a Chair
The Chair of Trustees is expected to demonstrate the following qualities:
Essential
-
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
-
Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
-
Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.
-
Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.
-
Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.
-
Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.
Desirable
-
Prior experience of committee/trustee work.
-
Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation - disability care and poverty alleviation.
-
A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.
-
Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance, charity fundraising.
-
Leadership skills exercised through a period change.
Time Commitment
-
The Board meets at least 4 times a year and the Chair is expected to be available 4 times in a year.
-
In addition to Board Meetings, other contact – usually electronic or by telephone – will be necessary.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.