Treasurer Trustee

The Cleft Lip & Palate Association (CLAPA) is looking for a new Treasurer who can use their skills to ensure our charity’s financial viability. 

We need someone who thrives as part of a dynamic group of Trustees, who is willing to champion the charity and who values seeing the impact that our work can make. If you think you have the experience, knowledge and passion to help support us to continue to meet the needs of the community we serve, we would love to hear from you.

The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom.

CLAPA supports people affected by cleft to take control of their journey, connect with others, and use their voices to impact the future of care. Our vision is that no one affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom will go through their journey alone. Find out more.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. This covers the development of CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we create and implement our new 5 year strategy for 2025-2030.
The responsibility of the Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the charity’s affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that the charity has policies and systems in place to ensure robust financial planning, implementation and reporting.

Specific financial duties:

• To draw any major financial concerns to the attention of the Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team in a timely manner.
• To review the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plans and Board decisions.
• To support the review of the reserves and risk management policies in relation to finance, ensuring the Board of Trustees is regularly kept updated.
• To ensure that appropriate accounting policies and procedures are in place and adhered to and reporting any significant issues to the Board.
• To present the Annual report and audit to the Board, and the Treasurer’s report to each Board meeting to ensure that the Board is aware of the current financial status of the organisation.
• To work with CLAPAs Senior Management Team and external auditors on financial issues and ensure that the organisation’s finances are responsibly managed for the betterment of the organisation’s work and for the beneficiaries it serves.
• To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• To implement a robust long-term Finance Strategy and Investment Strategy in line with the charity’s objectives and growth.
• Advising on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans.
• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves and investment policies.
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Being assured that the financial resources of the charity meet its present and future needs.
• Ensuring that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and object, policies and legal responsibilities of the charity.

The duties of a Trustee are to:

• Ensure that CLAPA complies with its constitution/memorandum and articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensure that CLAPA pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
• Ensure CLAPA applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those organisations are
• Contribute actively to the board in giving firm strategic direction to CLAPA, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions and adhere to the Trustee Code of Conduct. Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect.
• Safeguard the good name and values of CLAPA
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of CLAPA
• Protect and manage the property of CLAPA and ensure the proper investment of CLAPA’s funds
• Contribute to the broader promotion of CLAPA’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
• Appoint the Chief Executive and monitor their performance
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as Trustees and to act in the best interests of the charity.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Personal empathy for our vision and mission.

The role of a Trustee is a significant undertaking. Learn more about CLAPA and being a Trustee in the recruitment pack.