Honorary Treasurer

As a member of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, the Trustee will have the expertise to ensure the strategic oversight of Foothold's finances and to support appropriate decisions and good governance by the Board.

This includes:

• overseeing and presenting budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements;
• providing advice and information to the Trustees on their financial responsibilities; leading in the Board's duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept and financial resources are properly managed, controlled and invested, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements; acting as the link between the Trustees and the management on financial matters; keeping under review the effectiveness of all internal control systems, including financial operational and compliance controls; liaising through the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee with staff, including CEO and Head of Business and Volunteering and with Foothold's accountants and independent auditor.

Main responsibilities of all Trustees are:

• to abide by the Trustees' Code of Conduct and to declare as appropriate their business interests; to set and maintain strategy, vision, mission and values; to ensure that Foothold always complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation and regulatory requirements; to ensure that Foothold pursues its objects as defined in its governing documents; to maintain proper financial control and ensure that Foothold applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. to develop strategy and provide strategic leadership, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets, as well as evaluating performance against agreed targets; to ensure accountability; to support the operational management of the organisation; to agree the content and implementation of mandatory internal policies, including equality and diversity, health and safety policies and grievance and disciplinary procedures; to ensure that risk assessments for all aspects of the business are carried out to safeguard the good name and values of Foothold; to maintain effective Board performance and ensure the effective and efficient administration of Foothold including funding, insurance and premises; to promote Foothold and act in its best interests, never in the interests of yourself or another organisation.

Knowledge and experience

• Financial and audit/risk experience (a recognised financial qualification is desirable) and strong knowledge of Statements of Recommended Practice, charity and company law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
• Experience gained as Trustee or Non-Executive Director in a similarly complex service-orientated or influential organisation.
• Outstanding record of professional achievement in their field, with a commensurate personal reputation for excellence, with a focus on strategic finance, audit and risk, planning and performance.
• Strong understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
• Appreciation of the nature of risk management at Board level.

Skills and abilities:

• Have the time and commitment that's needed to carry out their role well and attend Board, Finance, Audit and Risk and other Committee meetings as required. Ability to distil complex information and bring a pragmatic approach to its application.
• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to explain finance issues and concepts to other Board members who do not have and audit/finance professional background.
• Ability to galvanise external relationships and build support for Foothold.
• Strong ambassadorial and influencing skills, inspiring trust and confidence quickly.
• Independent, strategic and creative thinker.
• Driven and self-managing, with sharp commercial acumen.
• Collaborative team player.
• Sound judgement and political sense.
• Committed to the values of Foothold, leading by example in upholding these values and demonstrating the utmost integrity.