Finance and governance manager volunteer roles

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES - CROSSROADS CARE SURREY

Are you a commercially experienced leader looking for an opportunity where you can truly make a lasting difference?

Crossroads Care Surrey are looking for an exceptional Chair of Trustees to lead their board, a strategic thinker and experienced commercial leader with the drive, vision and track record to help them grow boldly and wisely.

As the Chair of Trustees, you will be at the heart of Crossroads Care Surrey’s most ambitious period of growth. You will help shape the commercial strategy, hold the senor leadership to account, and ensure they have the governance, confidence and direction to achieve their goals.

To be considered for this role, you will require the following:

• Proven track record of commercial growth leadership
• Senior board or executive leadership experience
• Strong financial literacy and business acumen
• Strategic thinking with a delivery focus
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style
• Integrity and commitment to the charity’s values

What's in it for you:

• Leading a well-established charity through an exciting growth phase 
• Shaping strategy and drive sustainable commercial growth 
• Working closely with the CEO to influence direction and performance 
• Being a visible ambassador and raise the organisation’s profile 
• Making a real, measurable impact for unpaid carers across Surrey

Crossroads Care Surrey has been one of Surrey's most trusted charities for over 40 years, providing vital support to more than 1,500 families every year.  They are now at an exciting turning point, embarking on a strategy of self-funded growth that will allow them to reach more unpaid carers, develop new services and build a more resilient future.

This role is subject to a DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer.

This unremunerated role is open to all.  To apply for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the Charisma website.

If you would like to have an initial discussion with Sandra Smith, of Charisma Charity Recruitment, prior to submitting your application.

Closing date for applications:  2nd Aug 2026

However, applications are being reviewed and actioned on a rolling basis. The advert could close before the closing date, so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Client Interviews: rolling 

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Sabre Education is an award-winning international NGO which, since 2004, has been providing children in Ghana with the best possible early childhood education by partnering with the government to implement play-based learning at scale.

To support our ambitious growth strategy both in Ghana and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Sabre is seeking to recruit
1-2 new Africa-based trustees for our Board, in response to recent retirements.

The Trustee position is a voluntary role requiring a minimum of four formal Board meetings a year (half day each) and occasional other meetings or events as they arise. A minimum three-year commitment will be required.

Trustees are responsible for the overall strategic direction and oversight of the charity, and provide support and guidance to the strong management team, holding it accountable to agreed objectives. The Trustees also collectively ensure effective governance, and compliance with company and charity law. As the ultimate decision-makers, they ensure the charity fulfills its purpose and manages resources responsibly.

This is an active Trustee group. Individually, Trustees are expected to contribute their skills, knowledge and experience to guide the charity, and to further its objectives. From time to time, Trustees will be asked to represent Sabre Education at external functions, or support Sabre’s work through engagement with key stakeholders and through their own networks.

We are looking for Trustees with the following profiles:

• Proven strategic leadership experience
• Strong communication skills and collaborative style
• An understanding and appreciation of good governance, compliance and risk management
• Lived experience in Africa, in particular Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Desirable: Professional skills and experience in at least one of the following core contexts:
  • Experience in scaling international programmes or organisations
  • Finance / Business Management

We are actively recruiting Africa-based candidates.

This is a pivotal moment for Sabre, and we are looking for Trustees who will actively engage – bringing challenge, insight and energy to help shape and deliver our next stage of growth and impact.

Purpose of the Role

To join the board as a Volunteer Finanical Director, bringing governance knowledge and strategic thinking to strengthen board effectiveness, uphold the CIC's obligations, and ensure all decisions are made in the best interests of the community we serve.

Role and Responsibilities

1. Guide the Board

• Attend two to three board meetings per month, virtual or hybrid, and come prepared to contribute
• Help ensure decisions are made properly, recorded, and followed through
• Review and respond to decisions outside of meetings within 48 to 72 hours
• Support the review of policies and raise questions when something needs attention
• Support the development of projects and programmes by contributing ideas, strategic thinking, critical insight, and creative, innovative approaches, while bringing energy, boldness, and enthusiasm.

2. Keep Us on Track

• Contribute to strategic decision-making, policy approval, and organisational oversight
• Monitor organisational performance and support the Managing Director in delivery accountability
• Flag risks early and help ensure resources are used well and in line with our mission
• Keep the needs of the communities we serve at the centre of every decision

3. Be a Critical Friend

• Challenge and support the Managing Director with honesty and care
• Ask the questions that need to be asked, even when it is uncomfortable
• Help us grow in a way that is sustainable and grounded in our values

4. Champion What Matters

• Be an ambassador for Zion Wellness in how you show up and speak about us
• Participate in bi-directional mentorship exchanges with young people on the programme
• Ensure safeguarding, inclusion, and community interest are never an afterthought

What We Are Looking For

You will bring:

• A strong professional background in finance, budgeting, and strategic financial planning
• Confident, values-led leadership with the ability to represent the CIC's mission at board level
• A background in leadership, social impact, or community outreach
• Experience in creative direction, entrepreneurship, or project leadership
• Understanding of organisational strategy, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development
• A genuine commitment to systemic change and the communities we serve

It would be great if you also have:

• Governance experience such as trustee, governor, or board-level involvement, though this is not essential
• Experience in a charity, CIC, or grassroots organisation
• Training and induction will be provided for the right candidate

Please Note:  

This role is open to graduate and university students (aged 18+) who are looking to gain real leadership and governance experience. If you are early in your career and passionate about community impact, we want to hear from you. Ongoing support will be provided.

The Gas Safe Charity is seeking to appoint up to three new Trustees to fill vacancies arising from recent resignations.  The charity has a turnover of around £500k and was established in 2009 as a result of the award of the Concession Agreement for gas registration services to Capita plc, establishing the Gas Safe Register.

The Charity works with key partners to provide direct assistance to vulnerable people at times of need and works with trusted intermediaries in the public and voluntary sectors to promote a greater understanding of the signs and symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

As a Trustee and Director, you will take a strategic overview of the charity’s activities.  There are six Board meetings a year, plus an Awayday.  Trustees are also expected to be on one of the Review Groups overseeing the charity’s projects.

We would like to hear from you if you have skills and experience in the following areas:

· Marketing and communications

· Finance

· General non executive director experience with the ability to focus and advise on broad strategy and projects run by the charity.

The charity is keen to broaden the diversity of the Board and would welcome candidates who can contribute a diversity of representation and thinking, including people from minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.

Trustees are appointed for an initial three year term, which may be extended to a maximum of nine years.

ABOUT CHILDREN WITH VOICES

Children With Voices is a grassroots children's charity with over 25 years of experience supporting children and families across London. Based at Fawcett Estate Community Hall in Clapton, Hackney, we run a Community Food Hub, alternative education, SEN support, and community programmes including Jumping Beans. We have supported over 100,000 families and are recognised nationally for our work.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

As we grow, we need an experienced Operations Manager to help us run well behind the scenes — so everything on the frontline can keep delivering. This is a meaningful voluntary leadership role for someone with professional experience in operations, HR, or management who wants their skills to count for something real.

You will work closely with the CEO and senior team to ensure the organisation runs efficiently, compliantly, and in line with our values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Oversight

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day operations to ensure efficiency and alignment with organisational goals

• Support departments to stay aligned, compliant, and focused on delivery

• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, maximise resources, and improve impact

HR Oversight

• Oversee HR policies, compliance, and staff wellbeing in line with UK employment law and safeguarding requirements

• Support recruitment and onboarding — fair, inclusive, and safeguarding-compliant

• Provide HR guidance to managers and staff; escalate to external expertise when needed

• Maintain oversight of volunteer engagement and HR record keeping

Finance Oversight

• Supervise the Finance Coordinator (10 hrs/week) and provide accountability for financial administration

• Monitor budgets, financial reports, and expenditure in line with charity governance standards

• Ensure accurate, timely reporting to the CEO and Trustees

• Liaise with accountants, auditors, and external advisors as required

Leadership & Governance

• Work alongside the CEO, Trustees, and senior team to align operations with organisational strategy

• Provide assurance of compliance with safeguarding, data protection, charity law, and employment legislation

• Model organisational values of safeguarding, equity, inclusion, and community impact

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Experience in operations, management, or a related professional field

• Working knowledge of HR processes and UK employment law

• Financially literate — comfortable with budgets, reports, and financial summaries

• Familiar with charity governance, safeguarding, and compliance requirements

• Confident, values-led, and able to hold accountability with care

• Highly organised, reliable, and able to manage competing priorities

• Committed to equity, inclusion, and community impact

This is a voluntary senior leadership role — unpaid, but with real scope and real responsibility. We are looking for someone who brings professional-level experience and wants to use it in the service of children and families in Hackney.

Help4Homeless is looking for experienced professionals to join our Governance Committee and help guide the strategic direction of our youth-led charity.

This is a genuinely low-commitment opportunity focused entirely on governance and strategic oversight. There are no operational duties, fundraising targets, or delivery responsibilities, just informed decision-making and supporting the long-term development of the organisation.

We value practical thinking, good judgement, and people who care about making a meaningful difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.

What you’ll do

• Attend one short monthly governance meeting (online or occasionally in person)
• Contribute to strategic discussions and organisational planning
• Offer professional insight within your area of expertise
• Support good governance, accountability, and decision-making
• Review occasional documents or policies before meetings

We’re looking for

• Professionals with experience in business, finance, legal, operations, HR, safeguarding, governance, or leadership
• People who care about homelessness and social impact
• Strong judgement and collaborative thinking
• Previous charity or board experience is welcome but not essential
• Connections to Peterborough or the surrounding area are a bonus

Time commitment

• One monthly meeting (around 1 hour)
• Approximately 10 minutes of reading beforehand
• Optional annual strategy session (2 hours, lunch included)

Why join us

• Use your professional skills to support meaningful community impact
• Gain experience in charity governance and strategic leadership
• Help shape the future direction of a growing organisation
• Collaborate with passionate and community-minded professionals

We keep local history alive by managing a community centre that houses an internationally important quilt collection. Through exhibitions, workshops, talks and outreach, we promote patchwork, quilting and care for our collection of antique and heritage quilts.

Each year we welcome thousands of visitors through our doors, to explore and learn about our collection and be inspired! The Trustee Treasurer plays a key role in supporting the effective financial governance and sustainability of The Quilt Association. Working closely with the Chair, Secretary, fellow trustees, and any staff responsible for day-to-day finance administration, the Treasurer helps ensure that the organisation manages its finances responsibly, complies with legal and regulatory requirements, and maintains sound financial oversight.

This role is central to helping the Board make informed decisions, safeguard the charity’s resources, and ensure the long-term financial health of the organisation.

Position: Trustee Treasurer

Responsible to: Chair of Trustees

Location: We are based in Llanidloes, Mid Wales, but you don't have to be. We are open to remote and hybrid volunteering, however we do ask that you be within a reasonable distance to attend our key dates and exhibitions.

Hours: Approx 6 hours per month to include the Trustee Board meeting, any preparation work and subgroups.

Expenses: This role is voluntary, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Expenses policy.

Key responsibilities

As a trustee, you will contribute to the overall development and oversight of organisational strategy. You will be responsible for ensuring the organisation operates in line with its charitable objectives and governing documents, including risk management and compliance with relevant regulations. You'll safeguard the long-term sustainability of the organisation, including financial stability and act as an ambassador for the organisation. As a trustee, you'll also have the opportunity to be involved in the care, conservation, and accessibility of the quilt collection. 

As Treasurer, you will:

• Support the Board in overseeing the financial affairs of the organisation and ensuring that effective financial controls and procedures are in place

• Help ensure that QA operates in line with its governing documents, charity law, company law, and financial regulations

• Work with the Chair, Secretary, and any relevant staff to prepare and present clear financial information to the Board

• Monitor income, expenditure, cash flow, and reserves, helping trustees understand the organisation’s financial position

• Support the preparation and approval of annual budgets and financial forecasts

• Ensure that appropriate accounting records are maintained and that financial reporting is accurate and timely

• Support the preparation and submission of annual accounts, returns, and reports to Companies House and the Charity Commission

• Liaise with independent examiners or auditors where required

• Ensure that appropriate financial policies, controls, and risk management processes are in place

• Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making, particularly in relation to financial sustainability and fundraising opportunities

• Act as a point of contact for trustees regarding financial governance and procedures

• Support trustee induction by ensuring new trustees understand the organisation’s financial responsibilities and position

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who are committed to the aims of The Quilt Association and who can contribute to the effective governance and financial sustainability of the organisation.

Essential Qualities and Experience

We are looking for people with a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort. 

• Confidence working with financial information and budgets

• Ability to think strategically and make sound judgements

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a board

• A clear understanding of, or willingness to learn about, trustee responsibilities

• An organised and methodical approach to financial oversight and record keeping

• Integrity, accountability, and attention to detail

Desirable Experience

• Experience in finance, bookkeeping, accounting, budgeting, or financial management

• Experience of charity finance, governance, or compliance requirements

• Understanding of financial reporting requirements for charities and companies limited by guarantee

Previous trustee experience is not essential—we will provide induction and support.

Due to the nature of this role, appointment will be subject to a Standard DBS

About Us

Earthwatch Europe works to create a world where we live in balance with nature.

We help people to protect the nature around them. We build meaningful nature connections and give people the tools they need to fight for our planet.

Working alongside communities and organisations, we build an understanding and a love of nature and help everyone to protect the natural world. Guided by science and powered by people, we create change through connection.

People are the heart of everything we do. From the classroom to the boardroom and the field to the laboratory, we bring everyone together with the shared goal to protect our planet. We work where we can have the most impact, creating knowledge and inspiring action. We fight for our fragile planet with passion and with science – with our hearts and our minds.

About the Role

Our Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and strong governance, helping to shape Earthwatch’s direction and impact. Trustees act as ambassadors for our mission, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to guide our work. 

The Board meets four times a year, usually for full-day meetings on a Friday, held either in person or online via Microsoft Teams. Meetings usually take place in London or Oxford. Two standing committees — Finance (meets quarterly) and Nominations (meets twice a year) — provide additional oversight. We also form ad-hoc working groups as needed, typically involving staff and trustees, to support strategic priorities or to manage the organisation through a challenging process.

Earthwatch Europe has a board of 12 trustees. Trustees come from a wide variety of backgrounds and have a wide range of skills and experience, including governance, science, communications and finance. The Chair of the board is supported by two Vice Chairs and an Honorary Treasurer.

Role Purpose

To lead trustee-level oversight of Earthwatch Europe’s financial governance, ensuring robust controls, clear reporting, sound risk management and strong financial decision making that supports long-term sustainability and impact. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of budgets, management accounts, cashflow, reserves and forecasting.

• Ensure strong controls, compliance and risk management (including audit where applicable).

• Chair or help shape the Finance Committee.

• Support the Board to understand financial trade-offs and sustainability choices.

• Help shape the financial foundations for income growth (e.g., investment cases, risk/return thinking, sustainability modelling).

Please find attached the full job description and person specification.

We are seeking an experienced and strategically minded Finance Trustee to join our Board and play a key role in supporting the continued growth and sustainability of Cherry Trees.

In this role, you will provide expert financial guidance to the Board of Trustees, helping to shape the organisation’s long-term direction in partnership with the Chair. You will support the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring they are managed with integrity, transparency, and in line with legal, constitutional, and regulatory requirements.

You will ensure that robust financial systems and controls are in place, with accurate records maintained at all times. Working closely with the Head of Finance, you will monitor and report on the Charity’s financial health, providing clear and insightful analysis to support decision-making.

The role also includes oversight of the preparation of financial reports, annual accounts, audits, and statutory returns, ensuring the Charity meets all its financial obligations and deadlines.

This is a rewarding opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a meaningful impact, supporting a vital charity as it develops and grows.

Do you have a passion for improving outcomes for all children? Could you use your professional skills to help shape the future of education? Are you wanting to make an impact within your community?

As a school governor, you’ll operate at board-level and develop strategic leadership skills and assist in making decisions on a wide range of topics; all while collaboratively improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for schools in Newmarket to strengthen their governing boards and enhance outcomes of pupils within your communities. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a governor and how to apply.

Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role as well as have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.

You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a governor as long as you’re over 18 and happy to have a DBS check, you can apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities. As a governor, you’ll be supported by the Chair, head teacher and the rest of the governing team.

This vacancy is for a primary school looking to find a governor to sit on their board with experience of Finance and HR. The school is a friendly and caring school with a commitment to providing a quality education for every child that passes through their doors. 

If you’re interested in becoming a school governor, fill out the short application form on our website.

Leeds GATE are searching for two new Trustees to join our Executive Board, this is a rare opportunity to join a small but mighty charitable organisation and support the delivery of a new five year business plan for 2026 to 2031.

We are an organisation working with Gypsy and Traveller communities who are some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised in UK society. A 2019 review by the Parliamentary Women and Equalities Select Committee confirmed that this group has “the worst outcomes of any ethnic group across a huge range of areas, including education, health, employment, criminal justice and hate crime”.

Originally founded by community members in 2003, Leeds GATE tackles these issues for Gypsies and Travellers in Leeds and across West Yorkshire – a population estimated at around 7,000. We also advocate for the community at a national level.

Mission

We are here for Gypsies and Travellers – improving quality of life across West Yorkshire.

Guided by our values, we support families and individuals at every stage of life. We are member-led, making decisions together as equals. We challenge racism and inequality.

Vision

Communities across West Yorkshire where Gypsies and Travellers are treated equally, have their culture respected, can live good lives and build a better future for their children.

Values

We are welcoming, respectful of privacy, honest, brave and creative. We belong to Gypsies and Travellers and help people to help themselves. We don’t make promises we can’t keep. We believe everyone is equal and should be safe.

Do you have an interest or passion to support others, would you like to be a part of a friendly, committed team who value everyone’s contribution. Can you devote some time to attending meetings (minimum attendance at six weekly meetings – 2hrs), upholding our values (insert website link here) and help us to make sure we are meeting our statutory governance and compliance regulations.

Diversity:

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience to ensure our board is representative of our community.

Deaf Unity is a deaf-led charity that works to empower deaf individuals. We equip deaf students, jobseekers and professionals with the knowledge, confidence and community to succeed in education and employment.

Working closely with our deaf community, we identify the barriers and inequities that deaf people meet as they move from school into education and employment; seek work; and strive to build successful careers. We work with them and with universities, employers and voluntary sector partners to overcome these barriers through carefully tailored, impactful interventions.

Our vision is of a world where every deaf person has an equal chance to study and work, achieve their professional ambitions and contribute their full potential to society.

Purpose of the role

To oversee Deaf Unity’s financial operations, ensuring that the charity remains financially viable and complies with Charity Commission regulations and strong accounting practices at all times, The Treasurer will ensure that proper financial records are kept and that the Board of Trustees understands the financial position at all times. 

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the charity’s financial position
• Present budgets, management accounts and financial statements to the Board
• Help trustees understand financial information and advise on financial implications of the charity’s strategic plans
• Support budgeting and financial planning, including developing and implementing financial policies (e.g. reserves and investment policies),
• Ensure proper financial controls are in place and that proper accounting records are kept
• Oversee the preparation of annual accounts
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission and HMRC regulations (e.g. Gift Aid)

You will work closely with the CEO, Chair, trustees and staff who are managing day-to-day finance and banking and will be required to attend quarterly meetings of the Finance and Risk sub-group of the Board, in addition to the full Board meeting

What is a trustee?

All trustees share responsibility for running the charity.

This includes:

• Attending board meetings, usually 4 times per year.
• Helping make strategic decisions
• Acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries

Trustee responsibilities are set out by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Skills we are looking for

Essential skills:

• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management (e.g. use of XERO, SAGE accounting packages)
• Experience of financial reporting, budgeting and risk management
• An understanding of (or willingness to learn about) charity accounting
• Ability to explain financial information clearly
• Good judgement and decision-making skills
• Interest in supporting deaf communities

Desirable:

• Professional accounting qualification
• Previous experience as a trustee or treasurer
• knowledge of, or interest in, the deaf community.
• BSL skills

What you will gain

• Experience of charity governance
• Board-level leadership experience
• Opportunity to support Deaf communities
• Networking and professional development 

Please send a CV and/or a short expression of interest 

Treasurer to help arts charity to expand

We are seeking a Treasurer to provide strategic financial oversight at a pivotal moment in IOU’s development. This is a key governance role, working to ensure the organisation's sustainable growth. 

Vision

At IOU we believe in a world remade by artists free to experiment.

IOU Creation Centre is cultural engine for artistic experimentation where radical ideas are tested, made real and released into the world to turn imagined futures into reality.

We exist to get radical artistic ideas into the world. Rooted in Calderdale and reaching far beyond, we back artists to disrupt expectations, imagine futures and make ambitious new work experimenting with art, engineering, technology and landscape to transform people and places.

What will you be doing?

IOU is entering an exciting and transformational period as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2026 and continue the transition from a nationally recognised producing arts company into IOU Creation Centre — a new model centred on artist development, interdisciplinary making, creative technology, engineering, and community participation.

We are seeking a Treasurer to join our Board at a critical and ambitious point in the organisation’s development. Over the last few years, IOU has successfully diversified its business model through the creation of IOU Hostel Ltd, our trading subsidiary, which provides earned income, artist accommodation, and residency opportunities alongside our charitable activity. We are now undertaking important work to strengthen financial systems, reserves, governance structures, and long-term sustainability across both organisations.

Our Board is currently made up of trustees with experience across the arts, fundraising, governance, education, HR, and strategic development. We work collaboratively and closely with the executive team, and pride ourselves on maintaining a supportive, open, and thoughtful culture while also constructively challenging the organisation as it evolves.

The Treasurer will play a key strategic role in helping shape IOU’s next chapter. This includes supporting oversight of:

• financial planning and reporting
• reserves and cashflow management
• governance and financial controls
• the relationship between the charity and trading subsidiary
• longer-term organisational resilience and sustainability

The Treasurer will also chair our Finance Committee, which meets monthly online and works closely with the Executive Director and Finance Manager to review management accounts, budgets, risk, and financial planning before recommendations are made to the wider Board.

This is a particularly exciting time to join IOU. Alongside our 50th anniversary programme and major Heritage Lottery funded archive project, we are developing new partnerships, artist residency models, and approaches to cultural participation rooted in Calderdale and the North of England. We are also exploring how the Creation Centre can become a nationally distinctive rural centre for contemporary interdisciplinary art and making.

As a trustee, you would have the opportunity to contribute to real organisational transformation — helping shape how a small but ambitious cultural organisation builds a resilient future while continuing to take creative risks and support artists and communities.

We are especially keen to hear from people who enjoy working strategically and collaboratively, and who are excited by the challenge of supporting an arts organisation that combines creativity, social impact, entrepreneurial thinking, and cultural ambition.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a Treasurer who shares our belief in the value of arts, culture, and creativity as tools for social connection, experimentation, and positive change. We are particularly interested in someone who can combine strong financial insight with a collaborative and strategic approach to governance.

Our ideal candidate will have professional experience in finance, accounting, business management, or financial leadership, and be confident supporting a small but ambitious organisation through a period of development and transformation. Experience of working with charities, social enterprises, cultural organisations, or trading subsidiaries would be valuable, although not essential.

We are especially looking for someone who can:

• understand and oversee financial reporting, budgeting, cashflow, creative tax credits, reserves, and risk
• support the Board and executive team with strategic financial planning
• help ensure robust financial systems and controls are in place
• communicate financial information clearly to trustees and colleagues from non-financial backgrounds
• provide constructive support and challenge in a collaborative way
• chair our Finance Committee and help strengthen financial confidence across the organisation

As IOU operates both as a charity and alongside a trading subsidiary (IOU Hostel Ltd), experience of mixed-income models, social enterprise, hospitality, or commercial trading would also be beneficial.

We value trustees who are thoughtful, open-minded, and interested in how organisations evolve. We are not looking for someone purely transactional or corporate in approach; we are looking for someone who understands how good governance can support creativity, people, and long-term resilience.

We are also committed to improving representation within our governance and leadership. We particularly welcome applications from people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, those with lived experience that is underrepresented in the cultural sector, and individuals who can bring different perspectives, networks, and experiences to Board discussions.

Previous trustee experience is not essential. We will provide support and induction for someone who is enthusiastic about contributing their skills and developing within the role.

What difference will you make?

As Treasurer, you will play a vital role in helping IOU strengthen its long-term sustainability and successfully navigate a significant period of organisational transformation and growth.

IOU is approaching its 50th anniversary in 2026 and is evolving from a nationally recognised producing arts company into IOU Creation Centre — a new model focused on artist development, creative technology, interdisciplinary practice, engineering, participation, and community engagement. Alongside this, we are managing a growing mixed-income model that includes our trading subsidiary, IOU Hostel Ltd, which supports earned income generation, artist residencies, and wider organisational resilience.

Your contribution will help ensure the organisation is financially robust, well-governed, and strategically positioned for the future. As Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, you will support the Board and executive team to strengthen:

• financial planning and reporting
• reserves and cashflow management
• governance and financial controls
• oversight of the trading subsidiary
• long-term sustainability and investment planning

This role comes at a particularly important time. We are currently reviewing our financial systems, reporting structures, legal arrangements between the charity and trading subsidiary, and future business planning. Your insight and guidance will help shape these developments and support better decision-making across the organisation.

The Treasurer will also help improve confidence and understanding of financial information across the Board by ensuring reporting is clear, accessible, and strategically focused. This will support trustees from a range of professional backgrounds to engage more actively in financial discussions and governance.

Beyond finance, your support will help enable IOU to continue delivering ambitious artistic and community programmes across Calderdale and beyond. This includes artist residencies, workshops, touring work, heritage and archive projects, environmental initiatives, and opportunities for people who may not normally engage with arts and culture.

As an organisation rooted in community participation and diverse creative voices, we are also committed to strengthening representation within our governance and leadership. We recognise that this is an ongoing area of development for us, particularly in ensuring our Board better reflects the ethnic diversity and lived experiences of the communities we work with and alongside. We welcome trustees who can bring different perspectives, experiences, and networks to help shape a more inclusive and representative future for the organisation.

Additional information

Please download the Opportunity and to apply provide a CV and cover letter. 

Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.