Treasurer and Trustee - Patchworking Garden Charity

Hi,

I am the Treasurer of the Patchworking Garden Project, a small charity based in Pixham, Dorking. After a long and enjoyable time, I wish to move on. The project needs you !

What is the Garden and what goes on there?

We support around 60 volunteers who enjoy a weekly gardening or crafts session at our walled garden in Pixham, Dorking. Our Academy (City and Guilds accredited) works with a further 10 students, firstly to boost their confidence then get qualifications and hopefully lead to work in horticulture.

How big is it?

Our budget is around £50,000 a year. Size-wise we have around 70 helpers plus those who come to the Garden. We have amazing community support and engagement and have enjoyed strong financial backing from the various grant awarding bodies.

How do the finances work?

The financial records and processes work well with low transaction volumes. Xero tracks our NatWest accounts, whilst receipts and invoices are filed on our Google drive that is also used to run the operational side of the Charity.

On the finance side, Xero Reports have been written for quick and easy feedback to our budget holders, Trustees, Independent Examiner and the Charity Commission. Our finance assistant visits the Garden regularly and manages most payments, expense claims and their filing, so that our records are complete. The books and processes are in good shape!

Time Commitment (always the big question!)

The time commitment is around 2 hours a week, often less, but more each quarter end and year end. Volumes of transaction and emails are low, but regular communication is needed with the Trustees and Management Team. The budget and re forecast are discussed at the quarterly Trustee Meetings. The Trustees are a friendly group who work well together.

Get in touch if you could be interested

The Garden takes you to another world where special work is done. Our ethos of "Be Kind, Gentle and Non Judgemental" can be seen in action.

Working with other committed people to a worthwhile goal has been very rewarding for me. You would instantly find that too.

Thanks

Dan

Our website and the job description can be found here: