Global financial controller volunteer roles

Treasurer Roles & Responsibilities 

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial health. The Treasurer plays a key governance role, strengthening financial literacy at Board level and supporting sustainable growth. The Board is responsible for governance and strategy and does not manage day-to-day operations.

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) is a growing charity registered with the Charity Commission (Charity No. 1189561). For the financial year ending 31 March 2025, RBB reported a total income of £423,041 and total expenditure of £373,007. As a charity with income above £250,000, we prepare annual accounts in accordance with the Charities SORP and undergo independent examination.

As our current treasurer prepares to step down, we are expanding our Board of Trustees to support the growth and future plans of our ambitious small charity. Board meetings take place every 12 weeks via video call, with opportunities for in-person gatherings throughout the year. Additional meetings may occasionally be required, either more frequently, in smaller groups, or one-to-one, depending on specific needs or exceptional circumstances. 

• Responsible to: Chair, Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

• Purpose: To oversee the management and reporting of charity finances.

• Hours: Approximately six to eight hours a month.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary, unpaid Trustee role. Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteer policy.

Role Summary 

The Treasurer will work closely with our team members including volunteers, other Trustees and with the CEO, advising on all financial matters including regulatory compliance. The Treasurer will be expected to attend Board meetings which last approximately an hour and a half every twelve weeks. The Treasurer will: 

• Actively participate as a key member of the Board of Trustees. 

• Act as an ambassador for Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

• Oversee and analyse the development of the annual budget and cash flow forecasts, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and sustainability.

• Support with fundraising and financial strategic planning 

• Advise on all financial matters, including regulatory compliance. 

• Oversee the development and observation of financial policies 

• Advise the board on fund management and ensure an appropriate reserves policy

• Advise fellow Trustees on a regular basis of the financial status of the charity and where necessary recommend action. 

• Oversee and administer financial processes including Gift Aid claims and payroll, ensuring appropriate financial controls, transparency and board oversight are maintained. (There is currently only one person on payroll.)

• Work collaboratively with the CEO and Chair to ensure appropriate financial segregation of duties within the constraints of a small charity.

• Support the Board in monitoring financial risk, reserves policy and international financial compliance.

• Ensure appropriate internal financial controls are in place and regularly reviewed.

• Work with professional advisors including any contracted accountants 

• Review financial transactions on a monthly basis via digital accounting software, Xero

• Arrange the compilation and agreement of Refugee Biryani & Bananas’ annual report

• Lead Trustee liaison with the independent examiner and oversee the preparation and Board approval of the annual accounts and report.

The Treasurer will play a key role in strengthening financial sustainability as RBB continues to grow its international programmes and funding base.

Person Specification 

The ideal candidate will have innovative ideas and sound financial knowledge. All Trustees are expected to assist Refugee Biryani & Bananas to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation. 

Essential 

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

• Support for the values and mission of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas

• Familiarity with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), or willingness to develop this knowledge.

• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information 

Desirable 

• A qualified accountant (formal qualification preferred) with financial and commercial awareness, experienced in managing finances, payroll, and the needs of smaller organisations. 

• An understanding of the voluntary sector and previous experience as a Trustee or Treasurer. 

• Good communication and competent IT skills 

• Extensive experience in senior strategic management and leadership, combined with strong analytical and evaluation skills. 

About Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) began as a grassroots movement in 2015, in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. What started as a group of friends distributing 2,500 portions of biriyani and bananas in the unofficial camp for displaced people in Dunkirk, Northern France, has grown into a community-driven humanitarian organisation. Initially working under the umbrella of another organisation, RBB became independent to better address gaps in aid and advocacy for displaced people worldwide. 

What We Do 

RBB supports people facing displacement, war, and inequality, tailoring actions to the needs of each situation. From food distributions to medical support and human rights advocacy, our work is versatile and responsive. We have provided aid in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, squats, and other unstable settlements along migratory pathways, including: 

• France: Calais, Dunkirk & Paris 

• Greece: Idomeni, Thessaloniki, Athens, Lavrio, Samos & Chios (our main base) 

• Northern Iraq: Duhok 

• Serbia: Belgrade Barracks 

• Bosnia & Herzegovina - Croatia Border: Vucjak Camp 

• Turkey: Istanbul 

• Poland, Belarus & Lithuania Border

• Ukraine Border (Poland and Ukraine sides) 

• Palestine: Gaza

• Egypt: Cairo

Our Approach 

RBB is a mobile grassroots organisation, designed to respond rapidly and flexibly to emerging crises. Our main base of operations is on Chios Island, Greece, where we provide ongoing support to people who are displaced.

Since October 2023, we have also established community-led initiatives to support people affected by the war in Gaza, Palestine, as well as Sudanese and other displaced communities in Cairo, Egypt.

Beyond emergency relief, we remain committed to ongoing support through volunteers, translation services, medical care, aid, and advocacy until either local capacity builds or the situation changes. In addition, our Community Humanitarian Leaders Programme (CHLP) plays a vital role in this approach by strengthening the leadership of people who are displaced by building on their existing skills, networks and lived experience in humanitarian efforts. 

Our field team comprises 90% individuals from refugee and asylum-seeking communities, representing Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Gambia, Ethiopia, Palestine, and Yemen. This diverse team is led by our founder and CEO, Ruhi Akhtar, alongside field coordinators / project managers. 

We prioritise dignity and equity, involving displaced individuals in decision-making and collaboration. RBB's direct aid includes food, water, shelter, medical supplies, clothing, hygiene packs, and season-specific items like sunscreen or firewood. Needs assessments and communication with affected communities guide our actions, ensuring targeted, person-centered care. 

Advocacy & Awareness 

RBB amplifies the voices of displaced people by sharing their stories and raising awareness about often-overlooked realities. Through storytelling and advocacy, we aim to challenge injustice and inspire action. 

The Willats Trust is a grant-making, cross-denominational Christian charity with a vision to see our estates and most deprived communities around the UK transformed by the love of Jesus.

Our mission is to fund relational evangelism through local expressions of church, by working with like-hearted partners to share the good news of Jesus in the areas of greatest deprivation across the UK.

Since our establishment in 1858, sharing the Gospel in these communities has always been our priority. Thanks to the generosity of Mr Willats, who gifted a significant property portfolio to the charity at its inception, we have been able to use funds generated from this property portfolio to finance grant-making to support evangelists, church planters, or other activities related to evangelism and making disciples in the top 20% areas of deprivation across the UK.

Following a strategic review in 2025, we have an ambition to more than double the amount we award in grants from £500,000 to £1m a year. Over the next ten years, we want to see more thriving Jesus-centric churches planted in our areas of greatest deprivation and led by people who look like the communities they are serving. This means part of our grant-making supports immediate tactical needs, but part of our grant-making also seeks to influence the underlying factors which will enable the long-term fulfilment of our vision.  

We believe the kingdom of God works best when we all bring what is in our hand and let God do the multiplication. Our posture is to come alongside like-hearted partners who share the same vision and work together in partnership to support and equip those God has called to these communities.

We are seeking to make two Trustee appointments. Individuals who bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

- Mission-related: someone with lived experience of planting, leading or supporting Jesus-centric churches in communities experiencing significant deprivation. You will probably also carry a sense of calling that is bigger than a single geographic area and will be able help us think strategically about how we use our resources to contribute to increased church planting and evangelism in our areas of greatest deprivation, alongside others, over the next decade and bring deep relationships with others already serving in this space.

- Commercial property: someone with professional property expertise relating to exiting portfolios of residential and non-purpose-built HMO properties, or property development, who can advise on asset optimisation and property exits over the coming years, which will enable us to give more money away.

- Legal, financial or HR: individuals with strategic leadership skills and a passion to see resources deployed for Kingdom-purpose.

The time commitment required of a Trustee is usually likely to equate to approximately 6-8 days per year.

It’s a crucial and exciting time in the history and further development of The Willats Trust. By being a Trustee you will be able to make a difference across the UK and get to have a ringside seat to see what God is doing, as we know his heart is always for the most overlooked and forgotten. We are full of expectancy for what God is going to do in this current season and want to play our small part in this, alongside others.

We appreciate the rich diversity of our Trustees and Staff and seek to create a culture where everyone develops and fulfils their potential. We recognise the immense value of different perspectives brought by those with varied backgrounds, characteristics and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented sections of the community (specifically in our context, women, individuals of Global Majority Heritage and those from non-Anglican church worshipping backgrounds).

Please note that this role has an Occupational Requirement to be a committed Christian as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010.

Closing date: 12 noon BST on Friday 8th May 2026.

We believe that every child should have access to a quality education at a safe, inclusive school, with the opportunity to become a truly global citizen… do you too?

It’s an incredibly exciting time at African Adventures Foundation as we develop the vital programmes we deliver at the 34 partner schools we work with in Ghana, Kenya, and Zanzibar.

We have ambitious plans to help drive greater impact at our partner schools and are looking to strengthen our existing Trustee Board that’s full of energy and experience!

 Do you have experience in charity governance, delivering projects in an African culture and context, or delivering WASH or female empowerment/education/menstrual health programmes?

If so, read on… we’d be keen to hear from you about becoming one of our amazing volunteer trustees! 

Introduction to African Adventures Foundation

African Adventures Foundation is a registered charity set up in 2013 to provide support to 34 schools in developing areas of Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar.

These schools provide education, health and food security, and social support to young people whose access to these basic services would otherwise be very limited. African Adventures Foundation helps by funding food security programmes, the construction of important school facilities, and hygiene projects that will benefit children’s health and education.

Our mission is to provide more children with a quality education and better opportunities in life.

 All trustees are responsible for governing a charitable company and directing its management and operation. They must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements.

About the role

The Secretary supports the effective governance and administration of the African Adventures Foundation. The role ensures that the Board of Trustees operates efficiently, meetings are properly organised and recorded, and the charity complies with regulatory and administrative requirements. The Secretary works closely with the Global Chair, Treasurer, and other Trustees to ensure the charity follows best practice in governance and maintains accurate records.

As an ambassador, they also support external stakeholder and donor activities ensuring compliance to the standards required. 

Key Responsibilities 

Governance and Administration

• Support the Global Chair in ensuring AAF is effectively governed and operates in line with its governing document.
• Ensure trustee meetings are properly administered, including preparing agendas, coordinating papers, and taking accurate minutes.
• Ensure that trustee decisions and discussions are clearly recorded and stored appropriately.
• Maintain up-to-date records of trustees, governance documents, and key organisational information, including steward of the governance schedule for all territories.

Meeting Management

• Ensure that trustee meetings are properly administered and recorded.
• Circulate agendas, minutes, and supporting papers to trustees in a timely manner.
• Ensure other meetings, such as the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and key organisational events are properly administered.
• Ensure that minutes from meetings are approved and maintained as part of the charity’s official records.

Compliance and Record Keeping

• Ensure that records required by regulators are properly maintained, including those required by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
• Maintain accurate governance documentation, including trustee appointments, resignations, and declarations of interest.
• Ensure that Charity Commission and other relevant organisation records are maintained and kept up to date.

Regulatory Reporting

• Ensure required information is filed with regulators in accordance with statutory deadlines.
• Submit annual returns and other required filings to regulatory bodies in the correct format and within required timescales.
• Support the Board in ensuring compliance with relevant guidance from bodies such as the Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Fundraising Regulator.

Monitoring Actions and Board Support

• Maintain an action log for trustee meetings.
• Monitor committee member action points and follow up where necessary.
• Support trustees by ensuring they have access to relevant governance information and documents.
• Assist the Board in maintaining good governance practices and transparency.

What we are looking for

• Strong, organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to take clear and accurate meeting minutes.
• Good attention to detail and record-keeping ability.
• Understanding of governance responsibilities within the UK charity sector.
• Ability to communicate effectively with trustees and stakeholders.
• Previous experience as a charity trustee or secretary.
• Ideally familiar with governance requirements of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
• Experience supporting boards, committees, or governance structures.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a 2-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 6 years.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment (Estimated at one day per month, but can vary)

• Attend the board meetings – a mix of online and in person.
• Additional time for preparation and distribution of meeting documentation. Time to manage governance records and regulatory submissions throughout the year.

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. 

Responsibilities & Principles of all AAF trustee roles:

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

Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees

• 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 discussions. 
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• A strong personal commitment to good financial management, and zero tolerance for corruption and misappropriation of our donors funds.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to African Adventures Foundation’s values.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in supporting the work of African Adventures Foundation. If you are organised, reliable, and motivated by making a difference, we would love to hear from you.

We believe that every child should have access to a quality education at a safe, inclusive school, with the opportunity to become a truly global citizen… do you too?

It’s an incredibly exciting time at African Adventures Foundation as we develop the vital programmes we deliver at the 34 partner schools we work with in Ghana, Kenya, and Zanzibar.

We have ambitious plans to help drive greater impact at our partner schools and are looking to strengthen our existing Trustee Board that’s full of energy and experience!

Do you have experience in charity governance, delivering projects in an African culture and context, or delivering WASH or female empowerment/education/menstrual health programmes?

If so, read on… we’d be keen to hear from you about becoming one of our amazing volunteer trustees! 

Introduction to African Adventures Foundation

African Adventures Foundation is a registered charity set up in 2013 to provide support to 34 schools in developing areas of Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar.

These schools provide education, health and food security, and social support to young people whose access to these basic services would otherwise be very limited. African Adventures Foundation helps by funding food security programmes, the construction of important school facilities, and hygiene projects that will benefit children’s health and education.

Our mission is to provide more children with a quality education and better opportunities in life.

 All trustees are responsible for governing a charitable company and directing its management and operation. They must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements.

About the role

The Fundraising Trustee provides strategic oversight of fundraising activities for African Adventures Foundation. The role ensures the charity develops sustainable income streams while maintaining high ethical and regulatory standards. Working with fellow trustees and staff, the Fundraising Trustee helps develop fundraising strategies, identify opportunities for income generation, and ensure fundraising activities comply with relevant regulations and best practice guidance. 

As an ambassador, they also support external stakeholder and donor activities ensuring compliance to the standards required.

Key Responsibilities  

Fundraising Strategy 

• Lead the development and oversight of AAF’s fundraising strategy to support its mission and long-term sustainability. 

• Identify and develop diverse income streams including donations, grants, partnerships, and events. 

• Support the Board in setting realistic fundraising targets and monitoring progress against them. 

• Provide strategic guidance on fundraising campaigns and initiatives. 

Fundraising Oversight 

• Monitor fundraising performance. 

• Directly support the Foundation Manager to drive income and delivery of our fundraising strategy and income targets. 

• Encourage trustees and volunteers to actively support fundraising efforts and act as ambassadors for the charity. 

• Identify opportunities for collaboration with partners, sponsors, and supporters. 

Compliance and Best Practice 

• Ensure fundraising activities comply with relevant legislation and regulatory guidance. 

• Ensure adherence to fundraising standards set by the Fundraising Regulator. 

• Support compliance with regulatory expectations from the Charity Commission for England and Wales and other relevant legislation. 

• Ensure fundraising activities are ethical, transparent, and aligned with the charity’s values. 

Governance and Board Participation 

• Attend and actively participate in Trustee meetings. 

• Contribute to the overall governance, strategic direction, and sustainability of the charity. 

• Work collaboratively with the Treasurer and other trustees to ensure fundraising income is properly tracked and reported. 

What we are looking for 

• Experience in fundraising, income generation, partnerships, or business development. 

• Strategic thinking and ability to identify opportunities for sustainable income growth. 

• Understanding of ethical fundraising practices. 

• Ability to build relationships with donors, partners, and supporters. 

• Commitment to the mission and values of the charity. 

• Experience fundraising in the charity or nonprofit sector. 

• Ideally have knowledge of UK fundraising regulation and guidance from the Fundraising Regulator. 

• Experience developing or supporting fundraising campaigns or events. 

• Experience working as a trustee or board member. 

Terms of appointment 

Terms of office 

• Trustees are appointed for a 2-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 6 years. 

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

Time commitment (Estimated at one day per month, but can vary) 

• Attend the board meetings – a mix of online and in person. 

• Additional time to support fundraising initiatives, partnerships, and strategy development. 

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.

Responsibilities & Principles of all AAF trustee roles: 

• Support and provide advice on AAF’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities.

• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation. 

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation. 

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored, and controlled effectively. 

• Provide support and challenge to the AAF executive and team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs. 

• Keep abreast of changes in AAF’s operating environment. 

• Contribute to reviews of African Adventures Foundation’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 African Adventures Foundation’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests. 

• Contribute to the broader promotion of African Adventures Foundation’s objects, aims, and reputation by applying your skills, expertise and knowledge. 

 Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees 

• 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 discussions.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

• A strong personal commitment to good financial management, and zero tolerance for corruption and misappropriation of our donors funds. 

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission. 

• Willingness to lead according to African Adventures Foundation’s values.