Finance management volunteer roles

CVS Cheshire East exists to ensure local voluntary and community groups are strong, empowered organisations that make a difference in our community. We are seeking trustees with a passion for the VCFSE sector, a desire to make a difference and achieve change, and the commitment and dedication to engage with the Board and senior leadership to actively drive the organisation forward.

Trustees are collectively responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of CVS Cheshire East. They develop the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with its governing document, legal obligations and regulatory guidelines, ensuring the charity operates effectively and delivers genuine public benefit.

Being a trustee is both a privilege and a responsibility. It means lending your experience, skills and insight to strengthen not just CVS Cheshire East, but the wider VCFSE sector across Cheshire East.

Key Responsibilites

• Legal and Governance Duties
• Financial Responsibility and Risk
• Safeguarding
• Strategic Leadership
• Supporting the Chief Executive
• Collective and Individual Responsibility for descisions

Time commitment

Trustees are expected to read all Board papers in advance of meetings and come prepared to contribute. In addition, trustees may receive requests for information or decisions between meetings and are expected to respond in a timely manner: we anticipate that in addition to the meetings outlined above, trustees will need to spend between 2-4 hours per month contributing to CVSCE governance.

Skills

CVS Cheshire East welcomes applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

What matters most is passion for the VCFSE sector, a desire to make a difference and achieve change, and the commitment and dedication to engage with the Board and senior leadership to actively drive the organisation forward.

We are particularly keen to recruit trustees who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, and those with lived experience of being an employee or trustee of one of our member organisations.

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.

COULD YOU BE SUNSHINE’S FIRST OPERATIONS MANAGER?

We are SUNSHINE Charity a brand new start-up charity aiming to make a huge difference in reducing loneliness in peoples lives across London and beyond.

Help Us Build Something That Could Change Lives

• What if one conversation could change someone’s life?
• What if one cup of tea, one smile or one new friendship could remind someone that they matter?

At SUNSHINE, we believe nobody should have to face loneliness alone.

We’re creating a brand new start-up loneliness charity that will provide welcoming spaces where people can make friends, feel connected and discover that they belong.

But we can’t build it without the right people.

We’re looking for a kind, organised and proactive volunteer to take on the role as our first Operations Manager to support our Founder & CEO in setting up and running SUNSHINE from the very beginning.

This is one of our very first volunteer roles — a chance to help shape the foundations of a charity that could change lives across London.

About the Volunteer Role: Operations Manager (Volunteer)

As our Operations Manager, you’ll work closely with our Founder & CEO to help turn SUNSHINE from an idea into a fully functioning charity. You’ll play a key role in building our systems, processes and day‑to‑day operations so we can support people experiencing loneliness with warmth, dignity and genuine human connection.

You don’t need years of experience or a perfect CV. You just need to be organised, reliable, people‑focused and excited by the idea of helping build something meaningful from the ground up.

You might help with:

• Setting up simple operational systems and processes.

• Coordinating volunteers and supporting early team development.

• Helping organise community activities and pilot projects.

• Managing admin, scheduling and behind‑the‑scenes logistics.

• Supporting the Founder with day‑to‑day tasks as the charity grows.

• Bringing positive energy, structure and kindness to everything we do.

Even a few hours each week could make a huge difference.

Why Join SUNSHINE?

• Be part of building a brand-new charity from day one.

• Work directly with the Founder & CEO.

• Gain hands-on experience in charity operations and leadership.

• Help create places where friendships begin.

• Join a small, compassionate team who believe in kindness and community.

• Make a real, human difference to people experiencing loneliness.

Most importantly…

You’ll help ensure fewer people have to face loneliness alone.

A Personal Message From Our Founder

“I started SUNSHINE because I watched someone I love experience a loneliness that no one should ever have to endure.

That experience taught me something I’ll never forget: everyone deserves friendship, belonging and to feel seen.

SUNSHINE is my promise that we’ll create places where people feel welcomed, valued and connected — but I know I can’t build that future on my own.

I’m not looking for experts.

I’m looking for kind people who believe that together we can make a real difference.

If that sounds like you, I’d love to hear from you.”

— Scott, Founder, SUNSHINE Charity

Interested?

Apply through CharityJob.

Together, we can create a future where nobody has to face loneliness alone.

SUNSHINE

Connection. Belonging. Hope.

We are seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of our charity. Trustees provide strategic oversight, support the Executive Team, and ensure the organisation remains focused on delivering meaningful impact for the children, young people, and families we serve. This is an opportunity to contribute your skills, experience, and perspective to a well-established charity making a real difference in the local community.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with little or no previous trustee experience. We are particularly interested in candidates with skills in areas such as finance, fundraising, legal, marketing and communications, facilities and estates, or the voluntary sector, although a strong commitment to our values and mission is most important. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document and operates within all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Periodically review the charity’s mission and purpose to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to the needs of its beneficiaries.
• Safeguard the charity’s ethos, reputation, and values.
• Work in partnership with the Executive Team to develop, agree, and review strategic goals and objectives.
• Assess whether proposed strategies are appropriate and proportionate in relation to identified risks, available resources, and anticipated benefits.
• Provide constructive support and challenge to the Executive Team, contributing specialist expertise and participating in collective Board discussion and planning.
• Monitor progress against agreed strategic objectives and review the impact of the charity’s activities on its beneficiaries.
• Agree the framework and assumptions for the annual budget, approve the budget, and monitor financial performance throughout the year.
• Review and approve the charity’s annual accounts, including the assessment of going concern.
• Ensure effective systems are in place for risk identification, internal controls, and the provision of timely management information.
• When required, appoint and support the Chief Executive Officer and Trustees, agree performance objectives, review performance, and, in the case of the CEO, approve remuneration. Act as an ambassador for the charity and the Board, representing the organisation professionally and consistently at events, meetings, and through external communication. 

If you are motivated to make a meaningful difference and help guide a much-loved local charity through its next chapter, we would love to hear from you.     

To apply for this position, please forward a copy of your CV together with a supporting statement (no more than 2 sides of A4) explaining why you would like to take on the role and the specific skills that you would bring. 

A growing women’s empowerment social enterprise in Uganda is seeking a volunteer accountant to strengthen budgeting, cashflow forecasting and financial systems.

The organisation supports over 300 women artisans, including single mothers, widows and teenage mothers, through vocational training and income generating opportunities linked to handmade crafts.

As international sales opportunities grow, the organisation wants to ensure its finance processes remain practical, sustainable and fit for purpose.

The volunteer will work with the Founder and Managing Director to review internal processes and controls, support effective use of Zoho Books, review the chart of accounts, improve budgeting and cashflow forecasting, develop simple management reporting tools and support audit preparation.

This would suit a hands on volunteer comfortable working closely with a small local team.

__________________________________

Accounting for International Development, AfID, matches experienced accountants with charities, NGOs and social enterprises around the world. Our volunteers provide practical finance support, helping partners strengthen systems, reporting, controls and confidence.

Join our Board of Trustees

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board and contribute their skills and experience. We are particularly looking for applications from parents and carers whose children attend our Camden Square and Fairfield playcentres. 
 
The trustees are responsible for the administration of the charity, and in contributing to strategies that will future-proof the organisation and help to maintain or improve its CQC and Ofsted ratings. 

The people we’re looking for

We are particularly interested in candidates with
strengths in the following areas:

PACE is seeking to grow its board by recruiting up to 5 new trustees, including a Chair. Our
Trustees need to have the following essential qualities:

• Commitment to giving children and young people in Camden a better start in life
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Willingness 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
• Sense of humour

Knowledge and experience in:

• Inclusion and disability
• Safeguarding
• Fundraising and income generation
• Finance and compliance
• Governance
• Education, OFSTED and EYFS frameworks
• Facilities management, property and tenure
• Human resources
• Legal expertise
• Play provision

We particularly welcome applicants from an ethnic minority and those who are disabled or the parent of a disabled child, or parents of our service users, as we aim for our Board to be as representative as possible of our beneficiaries. 

Over the past two years, RDA has gone from strength to strength under the fantastic leadership of CEO Michael Bishop and Chair Helena Vega Lozano. We are now looking for 2 new trustees who will have a brilliant opportunity to help shape the long-term future of a truly impactful organisation.

Riding for the Disabled Association is the only major UK charity specifically dedicated to the therapeutic and life-changing benefits of bringing people and horses together. Each year, we enrich the lives of over 39,000 disabled children and adults through riding, carriage driving and a growing range of equine-assisted programmes.

If you’re passionate about inclusion, social impact and good governance – and want to use your skills at Board level – please take a look at the details and consider applying.

THE PERSON - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Job Title: Trustee (x2 roles)

Location: Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Old Warwick Road, Shrewley, Warwickshire CV35 7AX

Salary:  Trustee positions at RDA are voluntary. Agree expenses are reimbursed, 

Term of Office: 3 year term, renewable for up to three terms. 

Trustee - Finance 

The role is aimed at a qualified accountant with experience in charity accounting and finance, who brings financial acumen and strategic insight to long term financial planning. Working with our Treasurer and the wider Board, you will bring understanding of charity finance and help ensure RDA's financial resilience and sustainability as the Charity continues to evolve and grow. 

Trustee

This role will represent the grassroots of RDA. We are looking for someone who is experienced in running an RDA Group at committee or board level over a sustained period with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing local groups and the regional networks. You will bring invaluable operational insight and help ensure the experiences and needs of member groups continue to inform strategic decision making at a national level. You will help the Board remain closely connected to the needs of the member groups while supporting the development of sustainable and effective national initiatives. 

Candidates should:

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to RDA, its mission and values
• Bring sound judgement, strategic insight, and the ability to contribute effectively to Board discussions and decision making.
• Demonstrate strong relationship building and ambassadorial skills
• Be able to listen, engage constructively and work collaboratively as part of a team
• Understand, or be willing to develop an understanding of, charity governance and the legal responsibilities of Trustees
• Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to fulfil the role effectively

Skills and Experience

We are specifically seeking candidates with experience in one of the following areas:

• Finance, strategic financial planning and charity finance, or
• Significant experience within an RDA Group at committee or board level and the wider federation

In addition candidates may also bring expertise in areas such as:

• Disability and inclusion
• Governance, organisational development or strategic transformation

Time Commitment

• Four Board meetings a year
• Trustees will also serve on at least one Board Committee
• Trustees are expected to attend key RDA events and visit member groups to remain connected to the organisation's work and impact
• The role is expected to require approximately two days per month 

We believe diversity of views, background and lived experience strengthens our Board and our organisation

We actively encourage applications from disabled people, people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, younger candidates, and those from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute. 

RDA is a Disability Confident Employer

About the Role:

The Chair provides leadership to the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Chief Executive to ensure the charity is well-governed, financially sound, and delivering on its charitable objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing effective leadership to the Board and ensuring it fulfils its legal and strategic responsibilities
• Setting the agenda for Board meetings and ensuring robust, inclusive decision-making
• Acting as a critical friend and line manager to the Chief Executive
• Ensuring strong governance, compliance, and risk management
• Supporting the charity’s strategic development, reputation, and external relationships
• Championing the charity’s values, mission, and beneficiaries

About You:

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous Board-level experience (Chair or senior Trustee experience desirable)
• Demonstrates strong leadership, facilitation, and influencing skills
• Understands the responsibilities and legal duties of charity trustees
• Is able to commit the time and energy required to lead an effective Board
• Shares a passion for our cause and values

Experience in areas such as strategy, finance, transformation, fundraising, health, social care, education, or the voluntary sector would be welcomed.

That said, lived experience and diverse perspectives are equally valued.

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.

TRUSTEE VACANCY | COVENTRY CITIZENS ADVICE
Volunteer | Board Role | Coventry | ~5–7 hours/month | Reviewed regularly

──────────────────────────────────────────

Coventry Citizens Advice is recruiting new trustees to join its Board of Directors.

We are one of the largest local Citizens Advice charities in England, helping more than 14,000 people each year with issues including debt, housing, welfare benefits and fuel poverty. For over 80 years we have been a trusted source of free, independent advice for the people of Coventry — and demand for our services has never been higher.

This is a genuine governance role. You will help set our strategic direction, oversee our finances, ensure we meet our legal duties as a charity, and hold the organisation accountable to the communities it serves. We want trustees who engage with the detail and bring their professional judgement to decisions that matter.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

No previous trustee or board experience is required — just sound independent judgement, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience in:
→ Law
→ Fundraising
→ Research and Campaigns

These areas are of direct strategic importance to our work, and applicants with this background will be especially welcomed.

THE ROLE

- Time commitment: approximately 5–7 hours per month (meetings held in the evenings)
- Voluntary and unpaid; reasonable expenses reimbursed
- Full induction and ongoing training provided

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

- Real experience of charity governance and strategic leadership
- Development of financial, legal and governance skills
- A meaningful leadership credential for your CV
- The opportunity to make a direct difference to thousands of lives in Coventry

WHO WE WANT TO HEAR FROM

We are committed to a board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. All backgrounds and employment histories are welcome.

HOW TO APPLY

Download the application form and read our Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Please do not send a CV without an application form — it will not receive a response.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Closing date: 30 July 2026.

──────────────────────────────────────────
Coventry Citizens Advice | 1–7 Station Street East, Foleshill, Coventry CV6 5FL
Registered charity. Trustee positions are voluntary and unpaid.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across West Berkshire are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools 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. 

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. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Hampshire are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools 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. 

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. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Vision Action is a unique organisation that works in low- and middle-income countries, supporting national governments to deliver and strengthen their eye health strategies. We work in partnership with local governments, civil society organisations, international and national NGOs, and the private sector. Our ambition is to increase equitable access to eye care services and glasses and accelerate achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5.

The role of the board is to oversee the overall direction and activities of the charity, including its policies and procedures, to ensure that they are consistently in accordance with the charitable purposes defined in the objects clause in its constitution. The board sets and monitors the strategic direction of the charity, although the implementation of strategy is achieved through the executive team. The board must always act in the best interests of Vision Action, taking decisions as a group and not as individuals.

Terms of service

For Vision Action the trustees are members who have been elected to serve on the board. Vision Action’s constitution allows for up to 12 trustees, who can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms of three years.  Vision Action is a company limited by guarantee and the trustees are its legal directors. The trustee role is voluntary, although relevant expenses incurred in the course of fulfilling trustee responsibilities are reimbursable in line with organisational policy.

Trustees are appointed by the Vision Action board of trustees annually at the board meeting following the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The time commitment involved in being a trustee includes attendance at four board meetings per year, one of which is an all-day strategy session. Board meetings are typically held for half a day on a weekday afternoon, with at least half the meetings taking place online.  Board papers are circulated in advance for review and preparation.

In addition, trustees are expected to attend the AGM, which is usually held on a weekend, as well as occasional members’ forums or other Vision Action events, which are often arranged alongside board meetings in the evening. Trustees may also be asked to participate in ad hoc meetings or online discussions relating to specific topics. Sub-committee meetings are also held in advance of board meetings, and trustees are also expected to participate in one or more of these groups depending on their expertise and responsibilities. Trustees will also be expected to commit time to undertake a full induction process.

Main tasks

Charity trustees have ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity and ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. Each trustee will be expected to join one of the two sub-committees (Programmes and Research; Fundraising and Finance).  The committees meet (in person or remotely) at least four times per year, usually timed with or in advance of the board meetings. 

General responsibilities

• Ensure th[JT1] at Vision Action complies with its governing document (i.e. its constitution[JT2]  and byelaws), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that Vision Action pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Ensure Vision Action applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be.
• Contribute actively to the board’s role in the formulation and review of strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguard the good name and values of Vision Action and maintain good relations with its members.
• Ensure that all policies are implemented, monitored and reports are acted upon, (including the policies on harassment and misconduct, safeguarding, recruitment of ex-offenders, and anti- bribery).
• Strive for Vision Action to reflect the full diversity of society in all its activities.
• Ensure the financial stability of Vision Action.
• Protect and manage the property of Vision Action and ensure the proper investment of its funds.
• Appoint and support key leadership and monitor their performance.

In addition to the above statutory responsibilities, each trustee should attend board meetings and use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board reach sound decisions.  This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, evaluation or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise; and then always upholding the decisions taken by Board. Trustees are also expected to support Vision Action’s fundraising initiatives.

Treasurer specific responsibilities

Hold specific responsibilities relevant to the role:

• Chair the fundraising and finance sub-committee, overseeing and advising on the financial risks, challenges, health and resilience of the charity, reporting back to the full board.
• Monitor and advise on the financial viability of the charity, including the financial risks. This should include regular monitoring of cost recovery.
• Advise the board on the financial implications of its plans and policies.
• Monitor the preparation of budgets, accounts and financial statements and their presentation to the board.

Ensure policies and practices are in keeping with aims:

• Oversee the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost‐recovery and investment policies.
• Annually review the financial control framework to identify any changes, gaps and potential areas of exposure.
• Oversee the development and review of other policies and procedures as delegated to the fundraising and finance sub-committee by the board.

Ensure best practice:

• Support the Co-CEO (finance & operations) in preparing and presenting the budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements to the board, ensuring it receives a fully informed picture of the charity’s financial performance, position and effectiveness.
• Liaise with the Co-Chief Executive Officers and, as appropriate, with the investment advisors and auditors on matters relating to the organisation’s financial activities.
• Provide board‐level liaison with the external auditors on specific issues such as the auditors’ management letter, auditor remuneration and related board representations.
• Lead on recommending the appointment of new auditors to members of the organisation.
• Work with the Finance and Operations Manager to ensure that proper accounts and records are maintained, and that financial resources are spent and invested in line with good governance and legal and regulatory requirements.
• With the Finance & Operations Manager and the Joint Chief Executive Officers, closely monitor the reserves and investment plan, providing assurance to the board on the organisation’s future financial stability.
• Review all management accounts before they are placed before the board.

Personal specification

All our trustees are expected to have:

• A commitment to Vision Action’s vision and mission.
• A commitment to our values: being evidence-based, being inclusive, having integrity, sustainable programmes and being collaborative.
• Willingness to devote the time and effort needed to fulfil the role.
• Integrity.
• Strategic vision.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of Vision Action.

The treasurer will have:

• Experience as a director of finance (or equivalent) and/or in a treasurer role, with extensive experience of overseeing financial and management accounting, financial reporting, monitoring and controls, and external audit.
• An understanding of charity accounting and reporting standards (Charities SORP 2026), or a willingness to develop this through personal learning and development.
• A recognised accountancy qualification (CAAB) and
• Experience in international development would be an advantage.

The position is supported by the CEO who is an accountant and a part time bookkeeper.

The Next Step

We welcome questions and a discussion on our current financial circumstances with our treasurer and chair. Our treasurer retires in 2026, and we would like to involve any new appointment in our committees and board meeting in the last part of this year.