Project support volunteer volunteer roles

The Organisation:
Founded in 1868, the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is the oldest charity dedicated to the Commonwealth. The RCS is a network of organisations and individuals across more than 70 countries in the Commonwealth and beyond who promote the value and the values of the Commonwealth.
His Majesty The King is the Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, and Her Majesty The Queen is the Vice-Patron.
The King succeeded The late Queen Elizabeth II, who had been Patron since 1952 when she was also Head of the Commonwealth. Queen Camilla had previously been our inaugural Vice-Patron since 2018.
The Honorary Vice-President is the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
The Royal Commonwealth Society is governed by an experienced Council
comprising the Executive Chair and Trustees.
The offices are in Guildhall, London, with team members based in Canada, Malta, Nigeria, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
In addition to branches, the Royal Commonwealth Society has an active network of over 450 Associate Fellows. Formerly Queen’s Young Leaders and other outstanding young people from all 56 Commonwealth countries, the Associate Fellows are reappointed annually based on their contributions to their respective Working Groups.

To find out more about the Royal Commonwealth Society, visit the website.
 
The Role:
To get the most out of being on the RCS’s Council, we are looking for those who have a passion for our aims and can commit to the time and effort required. Our trustees need strategic vision, independent judgement, and an ability to work effectively and actively as part of a small but dedicated charitable organisation. We are seeking an experienced Chair who can lead the Council in a collegiate and effective manner to deliver the most impact for the citizens of the Commonwealth.
To fulfil the duties of this role, we are looking for someone who has considerable board experience and a commitment to charitable endeavours. A background in the Commonwealth is not required. We are especially keen to hear from people from a wide range of backgrounds.

• Oversee the Council and the Society’s strategy and direction
• Management of finances of the Society
• Lead fundraising efforts
• Responsible for the governance of the Society
• Maintain relationships with external stakeholders

Person Specification:

• Chair experience would be highly desirable
• Board experience would be required
• Trustee experience of charitable organisations would be desirable
• High-level professional experience
• Interest in the voluntary sector and its contribution to society
• Commitment to good governance
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collegiate approach
• An interest in global affairs and an international outlook
• Experience of working with stakeholders and doing so with professionalism and discretion
• Confidence in being the high profile representative of a significant institution

Further Information:
For comprehensive information about the Royal Commonwealth Society, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Information Document.

How to Apply:
If you are passionate about joining the Royal Commonwealth Society and believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply with the following:

• An up-to-date 2 page CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 1 side of A4, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise and what you think you can bring to the role.
• 3 referees’ contact emails and telephone numbers. 

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited (part of the Russam group).

All applications should be sent to Trustees Unlimited.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter, Managing Partner - Charities.

Closing date for applications: Monday 5th May 2025
Interviews with Royal Commonwealth Society: Monday 19th May [online] and Tuesday 27th May 2025 [in person, at the Guildhall]. 

The role commences on 1st June 2025.

Please confirm the above dates are suitable in your covering letter. Please also highlight any potential conflicts of interest. References and other checks will be conducted.

Role Description: Charity Trustee Treasurer - Norfolk Ornithologists Association (NOA)

• Role Title: Trustee Treasurer
• Location: Norfolk, UK (Flexible, with meetings held virtually and in-person at Holme-next-the-sea)
• Time Commitment: Approximately 6-10 hours per month
• Reporting To: The Board of Trustees

NOA's Mission:

The NOA is a conservation organisation dedicated to the scientific study of birds and other wildlife, with four visitor reserves in Norfolk. We collect information which helps us to monitor and understand how birds and wildlife are coping year to year. Our work also enables people to encounter wildlife in a friendly and personal way. The results of the Association’s work are published yearly in its annual reports

Purpose of the Role:

The Treasurer plays a crucial strategic oversight role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the Norfolk Ornithologists Association (NOA). This role is focused on maintaining financial probity, providing clear financial guidance to the Board of Trustees, and ensuring that NOA’s financial practices are transparent, compliant, and well-managed. As a full Trustee, the Treasurer holds collective oversight and responsibility across all aspects of the organisation, not just in financial matters, ensuring that all decisions align with the organisation’s broader mission to conserve and protect Norfolk’s wildlife and habitats.

This is a high-impact volunteer position requiring strategic financial oversight rather than day-to-day involvement in operational tasks. The Treasurer will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees, providing leadership and contributing to decision-making on a wide range of organisational matters.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Oversight and Governance:

• Ensure the financial integrity of NOA by overseeing the organisation ’s financial reporting and controls, acting as the nominal account holder for our accounts.
• Review and approve financial reports and statements prepared by an outsourced team of bookkeepers, ensuring they are accurate, complete, comply with legal requirements, and are submitted to the Charity Commission before the end of October each year.
• Provide strategic advice to the Board of Trustees on financial matters, helping to ensure that financial decisions align with NOA's long-term goals and mission.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and charity law, including proper reporting to the Charity Commission, and that NOA’s registration is up-to-date.

2. Budgeting and Financial Planning:

• Support the creation of the annual budget, ensuring it aligns with NOA’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Advise the Board on long-term financial planning and sustainability, helping to identify opportunities for growth or savings.

3. Financial Strategy:

• Ensure NOA’s financial practices and resources are used effectively to support conservation work and the fulfilment of the organisation’s mission.
• Provide guidance to help NOA navigate financial challenges, ensuring appropriate use of reserves and funding.

4. Working with the Team:

• Work closely with the bookkeeper and the Warden team to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day financial tasks, such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll, without directly managing these processes.
• Ensure that the Quarterly Gift Aid claim is submitted to HMRC.
• Review financial records and key documents, including budgets, annual reports, and financial statements, in collaboration with the team.

5. Strategic Advice and Reporting to the Board:

• Report to the Board regularly on the organisation ’s financial health, making recommendations for any necessary corrective actions or strategic decisions.
• Advise the Board on the potential impact of external financial factors (e.g., funding sources, investments, and grants).

6. Supporting Fundraising and Financial Sustainability:

• Assist in fundraising strategy development, particularly with regard to long-term financial sustainability, including legacy donations and major fundraising initiatives.
• Help ensure that NOA’s funding sources are diversified and stable to support ongoing conservation projects.

Skills and Experience:

• Organizational and Financial Oversight: Strong organizational skills with an ability to assess and oversee financial operations. Experience in managing or advising on financial matters is highly beneficial, but the role does not require professional accounting qualifications.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically about NOA’s long-term financial health and sustainability.
• Attention to Detail: High attention to financial accuracy and integrity.
• Experience with Governance: Experience working within a board or governance structure is desirable but not essential.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain financial matters to Trustees and other stakeholders who may not have a financial background.

Time Commitment and Trustee Role:

As a full Trustee, the Treasurer will have a responsibility to attend regular Board meetings, which typically occur monthly, and the annual AGM.

Each Board meeting will last approximately two hours, and will be held predominantly at Holme-next-the-sea, occasionally virtual.

Trustees are expected to contribute actively to Board discussions, decisions, and the strategic direction of NOA. The Treasurer will also play a key role in shaping financial and strategic decisions across the organisation.

In addition to Board meetings, Trustees may be asked to serve on or contribute to specific subcommittees within the Board, depending on the organisation’s needs. These committees may include areas such as finance, fundraising, or conservation strategy. Participation in these committees is flexible but will provide an opportunity to have more focused involvement in particular areas of the organisation.

The NOA Board of Trustees:

The Board is composed of [insert number of Trustees, e.g., 6-10] Trustees with diverse skills and backgrounds, all working together to oversee and guide the organisation . As a Trustee, you will be expected to collaborate with the other Trustees, each of whom brings valuable expertise and experience to the organisation . The Chairman of the Board leads the Trustees, and each member is committed to advancing NOA’s mission through strategic leadership, governance, and oversight.

What NOA Offers:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of wildlife conservation in Norfolk.
• Flexibility in how you perform the Treasurer role, with an estimated time commitment of around 6-10 hours per month (including meetings and preparatory work).
• Collaboration with a passionate and dedicated team of Trustees and staff, with the chance to contribute to the strategic direction of NOA.
• A structured governance framework with opportunities for growth and leadership within the organisation .

How to Apply:

If you are interested in applying for this role, please submit a CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why you are interested in becoming the Treasurer of NOA to the Chairman, Steve Newman.

By joining the NOA as Trustee Treasurer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the ongoing success of NOA’s conservation efforts and its financial health, making a lasting impact on the future of wildlife in Norfolk.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

We are looking for two new trustees who can bring expertise from the philanthropic and talent management spheres, respectively.

The Organisation:
Founded in 1868, the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is the oldest charity dedicated to the Commonwealth. The RCS is a network of organisations and individuals across more than 70 countries in the Commonwealth and beyond who promote the value and the values of the Commonwealth. His Majesty The King is the Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, and Her Majesty The Queen is the Vice-Patron. The King succeeded The late Queen Elizabeth II, who had been Patron since 1952 when she was also Head of the Commonwealth. Queen Camilla had previously been our inaugural Vice-Patron since 2018. The Honorary Vice-President is the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.  The Royal Commonwealth Society is governed by an experienced Council comprising the Executive Chair and Trustees.

The offices are in Guildhall, London, with team members based in Canada, Malta, Nigeria, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. In addition to branches, the Royal Commonwealth Society has an active network of over 450 Associate Fellows. Formerly Queen’s Young Leaders and other outstanding young people from all 56 Commonwealth countries, the Associate Fellows are reappointed annually based on their contributions to their respective Working Groups.

The Role:
To get the most out of being on the RCS’s Council, we are looking for those
who have a passion for our aims and can commit to the time and effort
required. Our trustees need strategic vision, independent judgement, and an
ability to work effectively and actively as part of a small but dedicated charitable
organisation.
To fulfil the duties of this role, we are looking for someone who has
considerable experience in philanthropy or talent and human resource
management. A background in the Commonwealth is not required. We are
especially keen to hear from people from a wide range of backgrounds.

• Active and committed Member of the Council to give input into the Society’s strategy and direction
• Management of finances of the Society
• Contribute to fundraising efforts
• Responsible for the governance of the Society
• Serve as a representative of a significant charitable institution

Person Specification:

• Background or experience in philanthropy or talent/people management
• Board/trustee experience would be desirable but not required
• High-level professional experience
• Interest in the voluntary sector and its contribution to society
• Interest in global affairs and an international outlook
• Commitment to good governance
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collegiate approach