Director of finance and organisational effectiveness volunteer roles

Finance Trustee - Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is seeking a trustee with financial experience to help shape the future of our high-performing advice charity.

With offices in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford, plus outreach centres across the region, we support a population of 225,000 people. Last year, we helped 14,000 clients with 60,000 issues and secured over £7 million of additional income for them. We are here for everyone to help people move on with their lives.

As a trustee, you will join a well-known, respected charity, influence strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to meaningful change. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with other professional, dedicated trustees, gain valuable experience, build on your leadership and strategy skills, and increase your employability. Previous Board experience would be an advantage, but is not essential.

You will guide the Board and the Chief Executive Officer on the key assumptions and financial implications of budgets and plans. You will use your financial knowledge and understanding to oversee the financial management of the charity and advise the Board.

You will monitor the charity’s financial performance and support the CEO and financial team in areas such as budgeting, clear and accurate financial reporting and financial compliance. This is an opportunity for you to:

· join a respected national charity

· make a positive impact for people in your local area, and

· gain valuable board experience and build leadership and strategy skills.

The time commitment is four in-person Board meetings and four or five remote committee meetings a year, a Board Away Day and an involvement of 1-2 days per month with the Finance Team. 

What do you need to become a trustee?

Trustees don’t need specific qualifications, but we expect all trustees to have 
six core skills: 

● Insight into the organisation: considering CASL’s objects and its public 
benefit strategically 
● Challenging constructively: clarifying facts; stimulating thought 
● Analysing issues: being objective; evaluating risks; using evidence; 
planning ahead 
● Weighing up opinions: using evidence; balancing long- and short-term; 
prioritising value 
● Interpersonal skills: communicating clearly; listening actively; 
supporting a healthy culture, and 
● Confidence and self-awareness: collaborating with others; treating 
everyone with respect.

In addition, as Finance Trustee you will need:

● financial literacy, including experience of creating and managing 
budgets 
● ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly, and 
● strong analytical skills. 

For this role, we also value:

● experience of working in finance, accounting and/or audit 
● experience in charity finance, SORP, or nonprofit financial management 
● familiarity with financial software, and/or 
● experience of Board or committee work.

Finally, competent trustees should have these six personal qualities to some 
extent, and demonstrate them in their behaviours: 

● Committed - motivated, dedicated, persevering; plays an active role. 
● Responsible - accountable, independent, reliable; accepts collective 
responsibility. 
● Trustworthy - ethical, principled; is a critical friend and focuses on 
continuous improvement. 
● Collaborative - team-oriented, approachable; builds relationships and 
seeks consensus. 
● Confident - independent; contributes constructively and expresses 
opinions courageously. 
● Thoughtful - curious, adaptable, open-minded; appropriately challenges 
the status quo. 

Purpose

The Chair leads the board of Trustees, ensuring the charity is well-governed, fulfils its mission, complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, and operates in the best interests of its beneficiaries. The Chair works closely with the Executive Director to provide strategic leadership, support, and challenge.

Background to the Charity

For the past forty years, CHIRP has enabled thousands of people to report safety concerns through our confidential reporting service without fear of identification or harming their careers, contributing to safer environments in the air and at sea. This service has evolved to meet changing needs and is still providing a unique, vital and valuable service to people working in the aviation and maritime industries.

Over the past year a new strategy has been developed focusing on:

- unlocking the barriers to reporting for those who are working in the most challenging situations;

- building coalitions for system change in safety culture and practice;

- embedding best practice safety cultures with employers; and,

- engaging new and future generations.

We also seek to further the impact of the charity by ensuring future sustainability.

We have an excellent, highly motivated team, a committed and skilled Board and a well-earned reputation for being a trustworthy and willing organisation there to help and make a difference, all of which makes this is an exciting time to join the board in this leadership role. Guided by the values of trust and integrity, safety and accountability, a just culture and expertise and collaboration we know we can make an even greater difference in improving safety culture, practice and learning. To do this, and building on the excellence of the past, we will need a Chair who is collaborative, courageous, visionary and strategic, who understands the fundraising and financing challenges of today’s charity sector and who comes with experience of building sustainability and resilience. These foundations will enable the charity to achieve its ambitious plans for future growth.

If these opportunities are what you are looking for and your values align with ours, then please read on for more details about the role and the commitment we are seeking.

Principal responsibilities

Strategic leadership

· Ensure the charity has a clear vision, mission, and strategic plan, and that these are regularly reviewed.

· Lead the board in setting and monitoring the charity’s strategic direction.

· Safeguard the charity’s values and reputation.

Governance

· Ensure the board fulfils its duties under charity law, company law (if applicable), and the charity’s governing document.

· Promote high standards of governance and encourage all trustees to actively contribute.

· Ensure the board operates effectively, with appropriate policies, procedures, and controls in place to manage risk and promote the objectives of the charity.

· Ensure that the board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

Board Leadership

· Chair board meetings effectively, encouraging open, balanced discussion and consensus decision-making.

· Ensure meetings are focused, productive, and quorate.

· Support recruitment, induction, and development of trustees.

· Manage trustee performance and address underperformance where necessary.

Relationship with the Executive Director

· Build a partnership with the Executive Director based on shared purpose, offering support and challenge in the interests of the charity.

· Understand appropriate separation of governance and management.

· Conduct the Executive Director’s annual appraisal and support their professional development.

 External Relations

· When required act as an ambassador for the charity, representing it to funders, partners, government, and the public.

· When appropriate support fundraising, advocacy, and profile-raising activities when appropriate.

Additional information

The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.

The Organisation

Founded in 1946, United Bible Societies is a global fellowship of 156 Bible Societies working across more than 240 countries and territories, united by a shared mission: to make the Bible available and accessible to everyone, everywhere, in a language they understand and a format they can use.

Together, Bible Societies translate, publish, distribute, and support meaningful engagement with Scripture through a wide range of programmes and initiatives. Today, more than 6 billion people have access to the Bible in their heart language, with United Bible Societies having contributed to 70% of the world’s full Bible translations.

As the service organisation for the Fellowship, United Bible Societies Association provides strategic and operational support to help Bible Societies thrive in their local contexts. This includes translation and publishing expertise, international grant management, governance support, and organisational development.

As UBS celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2026, the organisation continues to look ahead with ambition and commitment to its vision of “the Bible for everyone.”

The Role

We are pleased to present this opportunity to join United Bible Societies Association as an Independent Board Member and Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee. This is an opportunity to play an important role in supporting the governance, financial stewardship, and strategic direction of a global Christian organisation with significant international reach and impact.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Chairing the Finance & Audit Committee, including setting agendas and leading discussions across committee meetings each year.
• Playing a full and active role as a member of the Board of Trustees, contributing to the overall governance and strategic direction of UBSA.
• Overseeing financial governance, risk management, audit, and internal control arrangements across the organisation.
• Supporting and providing constructive challenge to the Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer.
• Monitoring the organisation’s financial health and ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and governance requirements.
• Ensuring appropriate controls are in place to manage risk, safeguard assets, and address conflicts of interest appropriately.
• Helping shape the effectiveness and composition of the Finance & Audit Committee to ensure an appropriate balance of skills and experience.
• Supporting the mission and values of the organisation and, as a Christian, being committed to the furtherance of Bible ministry within an inter-confessional context.

The Person

We are seeking a passionate, values-driven leader, inspired by our mission and ready to contribute their expertise, time, and insight. As an independent Board member you will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees to guide United Bible Societies Association through an evolving global landscape and help deliver meaningful, sustainable impact across the Fellowship.

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate the following:

• A committed Christian of any denominational background, with a passion for the Bible.
• Openness and respect for the diverse traditions within the Christian Church.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in a strategic leadership role, ideally within an international context and familiarity with UK or comparable regulatory environments.
• Experience of committee work and strong understanding of good governance.
• Strategic thinking skills, sound independent judgement, and the ability to approach challenges creatively.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
• A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to exercise authority effectively within a collegiate Board environment.
• Openness to differing perspectives and the ability to engage constructively in robust discussion and debate.
• Experience in risk management, with an ability to balance prudent governance with faith-driven purpose.
• Independence: no prior service as a Board member or employee of a Bible Society.

About CSE

The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) supports people and organisations across the UK to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. We undertake practical work to support households and communities to act on energy, alongside original research and analysis to inform local and national policy.

We are one of the UK’s leading sustainable energy charities, with a 45-year track record of award-winning impact, innovation and influence, as most recently detailed in our 2024–25 Impact Report available on our website.

About the role

Our Board of Trustees is critical to our continuing success. Trustees work collaboratively, providing support, insight and constructive challenge to help shape CSE’s strategy and ambition, and enhance our effectiveness and charitable impact.

Due to the planned stepping down of some of our board members, we are recruiting up to four new trustees to join the board and provide effective governance and support in the next phase of CSE’s development.

Who we’re looking for

All applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in and commitment to CSE’s work and charitable objectives.

We are particularly seeking new trustees who bring expertise in at least one of the following areas:

• Knowledge and understanding of the community energy sector, including the challenges and opportunities of delivering local or community energy projects, and how these connect to national policy
• Expertise in organisational development, with a good appreciation of issues associated with employment law
• Experience of finance, accounting and audit, for example through holding a role with financial responsibility in an organisation or from having set up, grown or led a business
• Strong knowledge of voluntary and community sector (VCS) networks, including practical experience of community organising and an understanding of the role grassroots organisations play in affecting social change

We would also welcome applicants who bring:

• Broader expertise directly associated with at least one of CSE’s work programmes (fuel poverty advice and support, housing energy retrofit, community action on energy, local net zero delivery, future generations, or fairness in the energy system)
• Understanding of the causes and impacts of fuel poverty, and the solutions required to tackle it
• Knowledge of the UK energy system, including the policy and regulatory environment, and the transition to a fairer, more flexible, decarbonised energy system
• An understanding of the national policy environment underpinning CSE’s work, including experience of influencing national energy policy

We are keen to widen the range of perspectives represented on the board and welcome applications from young people, people from under-represented groups, disabled people, and people with lived experience of CSE’s work.

If you are interested but unsure whether you meet all of the criteria, we would encourage you to apply or get in touch for an informal conversation.

Find out more and apply

For more information on the role, including the full person specification and how to apply, please see the trustee candidate pack on our website. 

Closing date: Midday on Wednesday 10 June 2026.

Could your leadership skills help shape the future of a Hopian?  Hopian is a registered charity that provides advice and support for adults and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse through the provision of refuge accommodation and community support services.  We also provide support and access to counselling for people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation.

The Role of Trustee and executive Trustee roles are voluntary positions. A Trustee for the Board is expected to meet the requirements of the board in line with the charities governing documents, governing good practice and legal requirements.  We also have a vacancy for a Treasurer should you be interested please visit our Hopian website - recruiter link below for further details.

Trustee Responsibilities :

The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for the success of the charity. A Trustee is a Board Member and has a number of responsibilities in order to ensure robust management of the charity including:

• Make decisions objectively in the interests of the charity.
• Implement Hopian’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Lead on the aims and objectives of Hopian by raising awareness of domestic and sexual abuse, and child sexual exploitation and abuse and its impact on individuals and their families.

Trustee Duties :

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e., the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects) .
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• To work in the interests of the charity and not for personal gain.
• To ensure that the Board Members takes proper professional advice on matters in which it does not have competence.
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Tasks:

• To work with other Board Members to form an effective governing body for the charity.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings.
• Ensure that the charity’s focus places services users centrally.
• To understand and be committed to the mission of the charity.
• To maintain a long-term overview of the charity and its work.
• To make strategic and major decisions about the charity objectives, policies and procedures.
• To attend sub-group meetings as appropriate.
• To participate in other tasks that may arise from time to time such as interviewing for new staff, helping with appeals and fundraising.
• To keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work.
• To monitor and evaluate the work of the charity on a regular basis. This includes receiving reports from staff, staff supervision, receiving feedback from service users and other agencies .
• To ensure that the charity is a good employer of its paid and voluntary staff .
• Provide opportunity for staff to meet with the board.

Person Specification

We are looking for a  Trustee who has an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship. It is expected that a Trustee takes ownership to develop and maintain this understanding and application of duties. In addition to having:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Experience & Knowledge

• Understanding and evidence of commitment to equal opportunities and diversity statement 
• Be objective and unbiased 
• Be supportive and approachable 

Time Requirements

To be able to attend scheduled committee meetings each year and read papers for each board meeting. To be available to for consultation, support and guidance on an ad hoc basis. Much of this contact will be via online, telephone or email.