Commercial management accountant volunteer roles

Join Richmond Foundation as a Non-Trustee Grants Committee Member and help shape a fairer, healthier future for our community.

Richmond Foundation is a long-established local charity with a proud history of supporting residents through grant-making, property management, and community initiatives. We are seeking new Non-Trustee (volunteer) members to join our Grants Committee and contribute to our vision: Everyone in Richmond has opportunities to build healthy and fulfilling lives.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to add Non-Trustee members to our Grants Committee to increase the breadth of knowledge and to provide different fresh perspectives into our grant making. We welcome applications from individuals who share our values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, agility, and ambition.

We are aiming to have six members of the Grants Committee with at least one being a non-trustee member, who will participate alongside our Trustees.

Our goal is to recruit people from a wide range of backgrounds, with different expertise, experience and knowledge. We want to make our committees more diverse and representative of the groups and people we support. You can read more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here.

We are keen to receive applications from people who:

• Are aged between 16 and 35
• Are from lower-income socio-economic backgrounds
• Have lived experience relevant to our work
• Are disabled or have a long-term health condition
• Are from communities experiencing racial inequity

We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to support applicants at any stage.

The role of a Non-Trustee Grants Committee Member

This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Richmond Foundation team to participate in important decisions around awarding funding and to influence policy and strategic direction.

Terms of appointment

Appointments will be for a two-year term, with the possibility of renewing for an additional two-year term.

You will need to:

• Uphold Richmond Foundation’s vision, mission, objectives, and values
• Attend at least four Grants Committee meetings per year at our central Richmond location (1.5 hours from 5:00pm to 6:30pm)
• Prepare for meetings by reading all relevant documentation and reviewing minutes
• Attend relevant training and at least one event/visit hosted by a grant-funded organisation each year
• Attend our annual AGM meeting in November

Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic direction and expert guidance on our developing grants portfolio
• Maintain oversight of grant giving activities to ensure: it is in line with our strategic objectives and within agreed budget; grant giving practices are in line with agreed policy, legislation and good practice
• Receive and feedback on impact and other reporting
• Provide support and challenge to the Grants Director and team
• Occasionally attending internal briefings and training and other relevant external events on behalf of Richmond Foundation
• Contribute relevant specialist experience

General experience:

• Contribute to the discussions and decision-making that take place during meetings from a general point of view, as someone who has knowledge and experience relevant to the work of the committee
• A keen interest and understanding of the charitable sector
• An understanding of, and commitment to, safeguarding and diversity, equity and inclusion in the charitable sector and how this relates to grant-making
• Ability to take an independent view which varies from that of other committee members
• Relevant knowledge, perspective, insight, and understanding gathered through lived experience

To support you, we will:

• Provide background information to be discussed in an introductory session and supported by the Trustee and Committee Member Handbook
• Give initial training about Richmond Foundation and our grantmaking, with further training and support to enable you to fully take part in committee meetings
• Ongoing annual training and access to document library
• Link you with a Richmond Foundation Trustee who will act as a buddy. Before each committee meeting, they will offer support with preparing for the meeting and discuss any key issues with you
• Cover reasonable childcare, carer and travel costs if these are required to enable you to attend committee meetings

How to Apply

If you are interested in making a difference in Richmond and can contribute your time and expertise to help us deliver our charitable objectives, we would love to hear from you.

Full details, person specification and requirements, and application instructions are available in the Non-Trustee Grants Committee Member Recruitment pack.

Richmond Foundation are hosting a Webinar and Q+A for interested applicants on 18 March 2026. This will be an opportunity to learn more from our CEO, Chair and Trustees and ask questions. Details will be posted on our website.

The application deadline is 10:00am on Monday 13 April 2026

Interviews: Scheduled in May/June 2026

Term Commences: 23 September 2026 (with a short induction period beforehand)

The Alice Ruggles Trust is a leading charity dedicated to tackling stalking through education and training, campaigning, and prevention. We are seeking a Trustee with finance skills to replace our current Treasurer, who has undertaken the role for several years.

Alice Ruggles, aged 24, was murdered in 2016 by an ex-boyfriend following a relentless campaign of stalking. The Alice Ruggles Trust was set up by Alice’s parents to help prevent what happened to Alice happening to others, and ultimately to bring stalking to an end.

We are small but entering a period of significant expansion in response to government initiatives in relation to domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, and stalking. This is a challenging but also an exciting time for us.

We are seeking an experienced finance professional, preferably with experience in the charity sector, who will maintain an overview of the Alice Ruggles Trust’s financial affairs and play an essential role in the strategic planning of the Trustee Board in the months and years to come.

Treasurer for Age Concern Twyford & District

Do you have an interest in helping our charity that supports older people in our community?

If you have a head for financial matters, you could add to and assist our trustees’ management of our finances.                      

Initially set up in 1988, we are an independent local charity (Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. 11163722) that promotes and maintains independent living for older residents in and around our local community. We are not affiliated with any similar organisations, but work closely with other Wokingham Borough-based charities and support organisations.

We provide a Day Centre with activities, lunches and optional take-home meals, activities including arts, singing and dancing, plus a range of support services including assistance with form-filling, handypersons and a listening ear to support families.

In 2024/25, our income was £250k, a small rise on previous years, and our services and facilities remain well-used and very well-appreciated in our community.

The Role

We are a small and collaborative trustee team, working closely with the staff in the centre to provide a service to our local community. Our Board includes some people with experience and skills in the services we provide to older people or other professions, and we’d expect trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

Although we’d welcome your financial qualification, that’s not a requirement, as our finances aren’t complex. An understanding of how charity finance works would be beneficial of course, with the ability to communicate financial information clearly, especially to other trustees, being important. Support from our employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day finances.

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as advice from local charity-support organisations is always available. Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist help as a new trustee, including access to external training.

​We are a charity not a commercial business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for fresh expertise and experience from a variety of backgrounds to our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our Board and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

​The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

​We ask for about five hours per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc., although that time commitment will rise at year-end and for our AGM.
You will need access to digital communications, as some our charity’s business is run that way.

This appointment is being assisted for us by involve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who can supply you with a detailed Role Description and Skills Specification, and offer advice about trusteeship, even assist your application. Click "Apply Now" below to find out more.

The Reading for fun charity 

Chair of Trustees of World Book Day

Location: London (hybrid)

Remuneration: Voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed

Time commitment: One day per week

Term: 3 years (may be appointed for a second term, maximum 6 years)

Closing Date for applications: 6th March 2026

About World Book Day

World Book Day (WBD) is a small national charity with significant reach and profile, consistently punching above our weight.  WBD champions reading for fun because it seriously improves lives.  In fact, it is the biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful future.  With the spotlight in this National Year of Reading on reversing the decline in children's reading, now is an exciting time to join us. 

As our current strategy enters its final phase and our 30th anniversary approaches, a new Chair would work with our board and executive team to develop and lead our new strategy and to leverage our existing strengths to realise the potential for growth in our impact. The new Chair will also support WBD's income generation activities, through attending events and philanthropy meetings and supporting corporate partnership opportunities, promoting WBD through their networks and championing donations.

This is a rare opportunity to help more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop a lifelong habit of reading for fun and access the improved life chances this brings them.

What we are looking for

World Book Day's new Chair may come from a commercial, educational, public service or other background. In addition to the qualities required for a trustee, they should have the following qualities:

· A commitment to World Book Day's vision and values

Knowledge and experience:

· of senior strategic leadership (e.g. as a Chair or Committee Chair, trustee, non-executive director or senior executive)

· of charity governance and financial oversight

· of supporting, line managing and evaluating the performance of a senior leader

· to support our plans to increase and diversify WBD's income

· to work effectively with WBD's varied stakeholder landscape

· complementary or adjacent to WBD's activities, purpose and strategy

The ability to:

· lead by example

· communicate skilfully and effectively

· be an influential, inspirational and supportive leader who builds confidence and consensus

· develop partnerships and strategic alliances

· act impartially, fairly, with tact and diplomacy and respect confidences.

World Book Day welcomes candidates drawn from a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics.  We would like our trustees to be reflective of our society and WBD's beneficiaries.  We actively encourage applications from those currently under-represented on our board: non-binary, all ethnic groups other than white British and LGBTQ+.

For a full role description and details of how to apply, please see the recruitment pack below.  The deadline for applications is 6th March 2026.

We are currently looking to recruit an external trustee to join our Board of Trustees and also act as chair to the Finance and Audit Sub-Committee. We will also require the trustee to support our whistleblowing policy, acting as the nominated trustee contact for whistleblowing concerns.  You’ll champion openness and ensure the organisation has safe, fair, and effective processes for raising and handling concerns.

Your SU is overseen by our Board of Trustees, and our trading subsidiary (CUSU Services Ltd) is overseen by our Commercial Services Board . They are both made up of a collection of our elected Officers, students, university staff and external professionals that ensure the Charity and the Trading Subsidiary remain sustainable in terms of finance, legality and reputational status.

You will be expected to attend Board meetings 4 times per year – these will be a mix of in person and Teams meetings. You will also be expected to support at least one sub-committee of the Trustee Board (3-4 times per year) as well as complete training and induction. You will need some time to allow for prereading of reports and other documentation before meetings. 

Trustee meetings are typically held on a Friday afternoon 1pm-4pm. Most of the meetings are online, although you would be offered travel expenses for any face-to-face meetings (and hybrid meetings are usually offered if you do need to join remotely.) There is also a strategy day once a year as well as the occasional social activity!

For this trustee role, we are looking for an experienced professional ideally with third-sector governance experience. In addition to being a member of the Board of Trustees the trustee will be required to chair the Finance and Audit subcommittee and should possess a strong finance background with analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex financial information.

We are especially keen to encourage applications from people currently under-represented within the organisation, including but not limited to those from the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and those from a Global Majority background. We hope that by enhancing our diversity we can extend our organisational creativity and problem solving through the different perspectives and life experiences which diversity brings.

Please note that this is an unpaid voluntary role.

For further information there is a full recruitment pack and role profile available to download or visit our website for more information.

The Nehemiah Project is a small charity that supports men with experience of addiction to break the cycle of addiction and crime. We do this through supported living, programmes, key worker support, rebuilding family connections and providing move-on support to aid transition to independent living. We currently operate from houses in Streatham and Croydon.

We are a Christian-based charity open to men of all faiths and none. We have a partnership with the British Association of the Order of Malta who provide expertise, funding and volunteer support.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Nehemiah Project (TNP) achieves its core purpose of breaking the cycle of addiction and reoffending. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that TNP has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable TNP to grow and thrive.

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of the Nehemiah Project' s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The Nehemiah Project is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

Treasurer Role

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with Chief Executive
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.
• Lead on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.
• Oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting corporate risk.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies, for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Chief Executive to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

What we are looking for?

• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists. Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors
• We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees. Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on TNP' s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee TNP' s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve TNP’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to TNP’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs. Keep abreast of changes in TNP’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of TNP' s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect TNP’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of TNP’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Personal skills and qualities

• To be sympathetic to and supportive of our Christian ethos. Practising Christian preferred.
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member. Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission

Trustee Role Overview

Term: 4 years, renewable up to 7 years, with possible extension in exceptional cases under the Memorandum and Articles.

Remuneration: Voluntary role; reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Meetings: Attend four Board meetings a year (in person in Putney, with remote option).

Strategy Days: Up to one per year.

Events: Four annual celebration events at our houses; Trustees are encouraged to attend where possible

Committee Membership

Trustees may join one of three sub-groups — HR, Finance, or Fundraising — which meet remotely four times a year, with occasional ad hoc support to working groups or the executive team. 

Financial Commitment No donation is required, though regular modest giving is encouraged.

More Information can be found in the Trustee Pack below.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Health Sciences University in their search for two Independent Governors. 

Health Sciences University (HSU) stands at the forefront of health and care education, research, leadership and practice. Formed in July 2024 through the merger of AECC University College and the University College of Osteopathy, HSU brings together a proud legacy of innovation and global leadership in health education, spanning over a century.

With a diverse community of around 2,500 students and over 400 staff, HSU offers more than 30 courses across allied health, sport and exercise sciences, psychology and mental health, chiropractic, osteopathy, and healthcare leadership and management. HSU’s commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in their growing portfolio of apprenticeships, accredited CPD, and masterclasses, supporting the health and care workforce across the UK and internationally.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of our university, ensuring we continue to thrive in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.

About the Governor Opportunities: 

We are seeking to appoint two new Independent Governors who have significant senior level expertise in finance, accountancy and risk. In addition to their Board roles, candidates will join either our Finance and Performance Committee or our Audit and Risk Committee as a result of existing members retiring at the end of their terms of office. 

We anticipate that to demonstrate the required competencies for the role, suitable candidates will have experience of 

• Working at a senior level in a complex, regulated environment with multiple stakeholders and
• Hold a professional financial qualification such as CIMA, ACCA and ACA (ICAEW)

 Candidates will: 

• Provide strategic oversight into how the University can strengthen its long-term financial resilience and prepare effectively for future opportunities and risks. 
• Help the Board to critique and articulate the commercial value and strategic implications of potential growth, capital investment appraisals, diversification opportunities, mergers and acquisitions.
• Maintain a strategic perspective while interrogating risk management processes, decision making and financial assumptions. 
• Contribute to the development of institutional strategy and provide informed oversight of progress against agreed objectives and measures of performance.
• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to the University’s vision, mission and values and the wider social purpose of health sciences education and clinical services.

Trustee

We are seeking three committed Trustees to join a national fostering Board at a pivotal time, supporting strategic growth and championing foster care across the UK.

Position: Trustee (Volunteer)
Organisation: The Fostering Network
Location: UK wide. Particular interest in Wales and Northern Ireland
Hours: Approximately 10 to 15 days per year
Term: 3 years, renewable for up to two further terms
Remuneration: Voluntary role. Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed
Closing Date: Monday 23 February 2026
Interview Dates: W/C 16 and 23 March 2026

About the Role

This is an opportunity to join the Board of Trustees at a national fostering charity, following the launch of a new organisational strategy and the appointment of a new Chair in 2025. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction, ensuring strong governance and supporting the organisation to deliver meaningful change for children and young people in foster care.

Key responsibilities include:

· Providing strategic oversight and constructive challenge at Board level

· Supporting delivery of the five year organisational strategy

· Acting as an ambassador for the charity and its values

· Contributing to effective governance, risk management and financial oversight

· Building strong relationships with fellow Trustees, senior leaders and stakeholders

· Attending Board and committee meetings, both in person and online

About You

You will bring personal experience of the foster care sector and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

· Are based in Wales or Northern Ireland

· Are qualified social workers working within fostering services

· Have skills in finance, particularly qualified accountants

· Have experience in commercial or business development

You will demonstrate sound judgement, strategic thinking, discretion and the ability to contribute confidently within a Board setting.

About the Organisation

The UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation. Founded 50 years ago by foster carers, it works across all four nations to influence policy, improve practice and strengthen the fostering community. At the heart of its work is a belief in the power of relationships to transform lives.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Trustee, Non Executive Director, Board Member, Independent Board Member, Social Work Leader, Finance Director, Commercial Director, Strategic Advisor.

Grow Cardiff is a grassroots charity creating life-changing community gardens across the city. As we expand our reach, we’re looking for a new Treasurer to guide our financial health and governance as a key member of our board of eight trustees. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and will provide a full induction.

The Role
As Treasurer, you’ll provide strategic oversight and financial stewardship to ensure our small but growing organisation stays resilient and impactful. You’ll work closely with our Director, Chair, and Admin & Finance Officer, supporting everything from budget setting to risk management and audit preparation. You’ll also play a key role in demystifying financial matters for our Board

Core Responsibilities

• Monitor and report on the charity’s financial health
• Oversee internal accounts, annual statements, and financial controls
• Help develop financial policies on reserves, budgeting, and risk.
• Advise on financial implications of strategic plans
• Liaise with external accountants and auditors
• Support board learning and decision-making with accessible financial insight
• Work collaboratively on systems like Xero

Who We’re Looking For

• We’re after a finance professional (active or recently retired) with:
• Commercial or SME finance experience (charity finance a bonus)
• Strategic thinking and risk management skills
• An ability to communicate financial info clearly to non-specialists
• A willingness to be hands-on and collaborative.

Your Commitment
​Estimated time: 4–6 hours/month including: 

• Board meetings: every 8 weeks (currently first Wed of the month, held in the Dusty Forge community centre, Ely)
• Monthly check-ins with the Director (remote possible)
• 1–2 half day away days per year with the board

Why Join Us?
You’ll shape the future of a dynamic, community-focused charity making a real and lasting difference to people’s lives in Cardiff. We’re warm, committed, and value diverse perspectives. This is a chance to use your skills for public good—and learn a lot along the way.

Next Steps?
Please contact us for an informal chat about the position.

This is an exciting time to join the Endometriosis UK trustee board, as the organisation expands and develops to achieve the changes that are needed to support those affected by the disease and to drive down diagnosis time. We are looking for a new Treasurer to build on this momentum to strengthen our organisation and bring about change for those with endometriosis. We have a skills-based board, with Trustees having one or more identified skills, with the overall membership of the Board providing the complete set of skills. 

Endometriosis UK is the largest UK charity for those with endometriosis. Endometriosis UK works to:

• Provide support to those with endometriosis and their families and friends

• Provide clear, objective information about the condition and its treatments

• Raise awareness amongst health professionals and the general public about the condition

• Support research into endometriosis.

This is an unpaid role. Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be paid.

Time commitment:

• Five meetings a year, including preparation for meetings, reading papers etc; and attendance at an annual strategy day and AGM (held on the same days as Board meetings).

• Trustees have the opportunity to take part in Board sub-groups and project groups to develop aspects of the organisations’ work. Current sub-groups include the Finance Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Group. Trustees are also invited to attend Endometriosis UK events.

We are recruiting for one new treasurer to join the board. We are particularly looking for:

• Personal or professional experience of diversity and inclusion issues

• Marketing and digital marketing

• Communications and social media

• Campaigning and achieving change

• Experience of working in Primary Care

• Charity finance experience

• Currently living in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales

Personal experience of living with, or having a close family member with, endometriosis, is vital on our Board. Whilst we look favourably on applications from those in the endometriosis community, we already have Trustees with first hand lived experience and new trustees do not need to have endometriosis. 

We also particularly welcome applications from trustees from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to diversity.

The role will start at a Board meeting on 28th November 2026, when our current Treasurer reaches the end of their 6-year term of office. Prior to the roles starting, the incoming Treasurer will have the opportunity to observe a Board meeting in September, and induction will be planned in October.

Working Chance is a unique, pioneering, award-winning national charity that supports women with criminal convictions into employment. We support women to create independent purposeful lives through helping them to build careers, we break cycles of reoffending and we inspire employers to embrace inclusive hiring.

This is an exciting time for Working Chance as we start developing our new three-year strategy which will come into effect from 1 September. The new strategy will see us taking an ever bolder stance on speaking up for women with convictions, solidifying our position as a thought leader on how to improve the employment rate of these women, and moving into providing consultancy for employers seeking our guidance and input on their recruitment and employment practices.

We are looking for an inspiring and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our Board at this exciting point in our development. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a highly respected and impactful charity, while championing a mission that addresses inequality, social justice and economic inclusion.

As Chair, you will work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow trustees to ensure strong governance, clear strategic focus, effective oversight and financial sustainability, while acting as an ambassador for Working Chance and its values. Download the Appointment Brief to learn all about the role, the charity and the recruitment process, and if you think you might be the person we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 9am on Monday 16 March

The Organisation

Rethink Mental Illness is a leading mental health charity in England, dedicated to supporting people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives, regardless of how challenging circumstances may feel. The charity works to create lasting change across health and social care systems, public attitudes, and the everyday experiences of people living with mental illness across the country.

People with lived experience of mental illness are central to everything Rethink Mental Illness does. Their insight shapes trusted advice, information, and more than 200 services, including housing and employment support, carer services, and legal advice. These voices also drive campaigns to challenge discrimination and influence legislative change, while their diverse experiences help ensure services are inclusive and accessible. Rethink Mental Illness believes that people severely affected by mental illness can have a good quality of life and is committed to making this a reality.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of Trustees of Rethink Mental Illness as Chair of the Audit and Assurance Committee. This role operates alongside, and does not replace, the broader responsibilities and duties of charity trusteeship.

Responsibilities of the Audit & Assurance Committee Chair

Leadership and Direction

The Chair will:

• Chair all meetings of the Audit and Assurance Committee and provide effective leadership and direction.

• Maintain a clear understanding of the committee’s duties and responsibilities.

• Commit the necessary time and bring strong business, financial, communication and leadership skills.

• Demonstrate excellent working knowledge of corporate governance, accounting practices, internal control functions and risk management frameworks.

• Champion open and constructive discussion, while maintaining appropriate discipline and ensuring meetings are effective and complete their agendas.

• Be prepared to ask challenging and, where necessary, difficult questions with tenacity.

• Ensure committee members understand their responsibilities and feel able to raise matters of concern.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Chair of Trustees, Vice-Chairs, Treasurer, Chief Executive and executive team, External Audit Partner and Internal Audit Lead.

• Plan the work of the committee in conjunction with the executive team, agreeing a rolling forward plan and agendas in advance of meetings.

• Review the effectiveness of each meeting, seeking feedback from members and attendees.

Governance

The Chair will:

• Ensure the committee maintains its independence and avoids assuming responsibilities beyond its remit.

• Act as the Charity’s Whistleblowing Champion, ensuring regular review of the effectiveness and operation of the Whistleblowing Policy.

• Lead oversight of external and internal audit arrangements, including appointment and performance review.

• Ensure the committee holds at least annual private sessions with the CFO, External Audit Partner, Internal Audit Lead and the Treasurer (ex-officio member).

• Promote and participate in regular formal self-assessment of the committee against appropriate professional standards.

• Ensure that the committee’s work and key issues are clearly communicated to the Board.

Development of the Committee

The Chair will:

• Work with the Honorary Officers Committee to ensure an appropriate balance of skills and experience within committee membership.

• Meet at least annually with each committee member to review engagement, gather feedback, address performance issues and identify development needs.

• Foster the right culture within the committee, encouraging constructive challenge and positive questioning.

• Ensure appropriate induction and training support is provided for both new and existing committee members.

The Person

Rethink Mental Illness is seeking individuals who can confidently balance strong commercial awareness and financial sustainability with a deep commitment to the charity’s purpose and values, bringing a thoughtful perspective that looks beyond profit alone.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A good understanding of the mental health sector and the wider challenges facing charities supporting people with severe mental illness.

• Strong financial literacy, with qualified accountant status desirable, and experience overseeing financial reporting, risk management, internal controls and audit.

• A strong understanding of charity governance, with experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector desirable.

• An analytical and constructive approach, with the confidence to provide appropriate challenge while supporting collaborative, values-led decision-making.

Rethink Mental Illness warmly welcomes applications from people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages and from disabled people, and actively encourages applications from groups that are underrepresented.

How to Apply

Applicants are invited to submit:

• An up-to-date CV, including details of two referees (who will not be contacted without prior permission).

• A supporting statement outlining how they meet the criteria in the person specification and their motivation for applying.