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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. 

Do you have a passion for the outdoors and personal experience of the benefits that physical activity, nature connection and being with others can have on a person’s wellbeing? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

We’re excited to be recruiting for our next round of Volunteer Activity Leads with Flourish in Nature. This project aims to improve mental and physical wellbeing by encouraging people to (re)connect with nature and the world around them through in-house, peer/volunteer-led activities as well as outsourced activities from local providers. The project supports social inclusion, personal and community development, and boosts people’s sense of belonging and feelings of personal achievement.

These roles are ideally suited to people with lived experience of mental health or addiction recovery. Full training is provided, including recognised First Aid certificates. You would be joining a supportive, recovery focussed, community development team. Opportunities are also available to combine this role with ‘in-house’ activity support such as Flourish Recovery Cafes and creative groups.

Tasks you may be involve in:

· Promote Flourish in Nature activities

· Identify potential community activities

· Be a point of contact for community activity providers

· Risk assess group activities and complete risk assessment paperwork

· Attend activities in a position of responsibility, assessing whether it is safe

· for attendee’s to participate in the activity

· Alongside other Activity Lead Volunteers, run and supervise activities

· Identify and report any concerns, risks, or incidents to Community Development Leads or duty managers.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

· Discounts from various schemes

· Training and personal development

· A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

· Free induction and role-specific training

· Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

· Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

· Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

· Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Company Description

We would love you to join us in being part of the Durrell team.

As a leading conservation organisation, we have an important job in saving species from extinction and creating a wilder, healthier, more colourful world.

It takes a great team to save wildlife and we need a wide range of skills to make it happen. Everyone at Durrell plays their part – whether they deliver conservation initiatives, engage with our supporters, promote our brand, or look after our people.

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is an international conservation charity, headquartered at Jersey Zoo in the Channel Islands, working to save species from extinction through "intensive care" breeding of threatened species across the globe, rewilding of ecosystems, and the training of the next generation of conservation heroes. Durrell leads some of the world’s longest running and most successful species and habitat recovery programmes.

Established by author and conservationist Gerald Durrell in 1959, Durrell’s aim is for more diverse and resilient natural landscapes in which species can thrive and people can enjoy a deeper connection with nature.

Durrell delivers its conservation mission through our three integrated core areas of operation:

•Field Programmes: conservation action where it is needed most.

•Conservation Knowledge: training future conservation practitioners, enabling people to more closely connect with nature, delivering the science guiding Durrell’s mission and measuring our impacts.

•Jersey Zoo: a centre of excellence in animal husbandry, research, training, and education.

With a track record of more than 50 years, Durrell leads some of the world’s longest running and most successful species and habitat recovery programmes. The quality of our work is equally as important as how we deliver it. Our values underpin how we approach our work and the work environment we create.

Position

Durrell is looking to recruit three Trustees with skills in:

(i)Human Resources

(ii)Legal

(iii)Public Affairs Communications

The positions will report to the Board Chair.

Volunteering as a trustee is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills, experience and insight to make a meaningful difference, shaping strategies that protect biodiversity and becoming part of an impactful conservation institution.

Trustees attend Board meetings held quarterly in Jersey. We value the depth of connection that comes from meeting in person, while recognising the importance of flexibility through virtual attendance.

As a trustee, you will:

·Safeguard the charity’s mission and values, helping ensure it is well governed, compliant and able to thrive for the long term.

·Help shape the future, contributing your insight and judgement to strategic decisions that guide the charity’s direction and impact.

·Provide thoughtful oversight, supporting the responsible and effective use of resources.

·Be a powerful advocate, championing the charity’s work, purpose and values and helping extend its reach within the community.

This is an opportunity to step back from day‑to‑day delivery and contribute at a strategic level, offering challenge, encouragement and guidance, while being part of a committed board united by a shared belief in Durrell’s work.

If you would like to support our mission and vital conservation work, then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for candidates with the following skill set:

Trustee 1: Human Resources, International & Strategic experience

·Significant senior level experience in HR and people leadership.

·Experienced in influencing strategic organisational direction and future needs.

·Experience working across international and cross-cultural environments.

·Strong understanding of organisational culture, leadership and people risk.

·Ability to operate credibly and constructively at a board level.

Key responsibilities

In addition to general trustee duties, this role will:

·Provide strategic insight on people, culture and organisational development.

·Bring an international and cross-cultural perspective to board discussions and decision making.

·Contribute to discussions on leadership, succession and workforce planning and aid in ensuring that agreed actions are acted upon.

·Act as a valued sounding board to senior leaders on people related risks and opportunities.

Trustee 2: Legal, Corporate / Commercial governance

·Legal experience in a corporate, commercial, charity, regulatory or governance environment.

·Strong understanding of risk, compliance and governance principles.

·Ability to advise the board on governance matters and support sound decision making.

·Comfortable acting as a trusted adviser rather than providing operational legal services.

Key responsibilities

In addition to general trustee duties, this role will:

·Support the board by offering guidance on governance, risk and compliance.

·Help ensure decision-making aligns with legal and regulatory responsibilities.

·Provide high level input on contracts, policy and governance frameworks.

·Support strong board practice.

Trustee 3: Public Affairs Communications

·Professional experience in communications, marketing, media or stakeholder engagement in a charitable, corporate or commercial environment.

·Proven track record in delivering an understanding of reputation, compelling storytelling and audience engagement which support ambitious fundraising targets at a strategic level.

·Proven track record in developing and delivering a successful communications strategy that supports engagement and fundraising objectives.

·Enthusiasm for championing the charity’s mission and impact.

·Skill in crafting effective and impactful narratives.

Key responsibilities

In addition to general trustee duties, this role will:

·Advise on communications and engagement strategy at a board level.

·Support the enhancement/further development of the charity’s reputation, messaging and public profile.

·Offer insight into reaching and engaging key audiences and stakeholders.

·Act as an ambassador for the charity’s mission and impact in line with our organisational values.

Trustees do not have operational responsibilities but are there to provide collective oversight. All trustees share collective responsibility for the governance, strategy and success of the charity. We are looking for individuals who can provide support and challenge in a positive and constructive way to enable the Executive leadership team to deliver DWCT’s strategic goals.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·Passion and genuine interest in our cause, commitment to our mission and our values.

·Having the best interest of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust at the heart of any decisions which are made.

·Ability to think strategically and contribute to high-level discussions.

·Willingness to be an active participant in Board meetings and related activities.

·Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Be a strong team player.

·Previous experience as a Trustee or Board Member of a not-for-profit organisation is advantageous but not essential.

Other information

Our Values

PURPOSEFUL - We are clear on why we do what we do, are connected as an organisation, we understand and demonstrate enabling / delivery, we are passionate about what we do and work tirelessly to achieve it.

ACCOUNTABLE - We are accountable for our actions; we act with integrity and always have the best interests of the Trust at heart. We take it upon ourselves to update our knowledge and deliver excellence, and our ethics are of the utmost importance.

SUPPORTIVE - We develop and encourage our staff, we work as a team, work well with other departments and trust and respect each other. We promote a learning culture, treat people fairly, encourage diversity in the workplace, and value the opinions and views of others.

Trustees are expected to be able to attend four Board meetings a year. Meetings are held in Jersey with remote attendance available. Board members are also expected to be able to commit the approximate equivalent of a further four days per year to Trust business remotely/via e-mail.

Richard Daggett, Chair of Governance Committee will be overseeing the recruitment process for these positions.