Treasurer/Trustee for dynamic grass roots charity supporting families with young children

Overview

Are you the Treasurer and Trustee we are looking for?

We are seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Treasurer/Trustee with strong skills in financial management, budgeting and reporting.

You will probably be a qualified accountant, ideally with experience in small to medium-sized organisations; and an in-depth knowledge of overseeing charity finances.

Among the competencies and contribution you will offer are:

• Proficiency in QuickBooks and familiarity with charity finance and accounting standards (SORP) are desirable. Willingness to contribute approximately 10 hours per month, including: Attendance at bi-monthly Board meetings. Chairing the bi-monthly FAR Committee meetings, including preparation of materials, setting the agenda, and recording minutes. Other time required to fulfil the following general and key responsibilities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences, and are particularly keen to broaden the diversity of voices around our Board table. As part of our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, we want our leadership to reflect the families and communities we support across Camden and Islington - ensuring that every decision we make is informed, inclusive and representative.

General Responsibilities as a Trustee of Home-Start Camden and Islington

The Treasurer is a full member of the Board of Trustees and is jointly responsible with the other trustees for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. All trustees are expected to:

• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving strategic direction to the charity, setting overall strategy and policy, and evaluating performance.
• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.
• Comply with the charity's governing documents and the law.
• Act in the charity's best interests and manage the charity's resources responsibly.
• Ensure the financial stability of the charity and the proper investment of the charity's funds.
• Safeguard the charity's reputation and values.
• Declare any conflicts of interest and participate in Board and committee meetings as appropriate.

Specific Responsibilities as Treasurer

As Treasurer, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial health and long-term sustainability of the charity. Working in close partnership with the CEO and fellow Trustees, you will oversee all financial aspects of the charity's operations and contribute to shaping its strategic direction. Your financial expertise, sound judgement, and clear communication will help the Board and CEO make confident, well-informed decisions.

Key Responsibilities as Treasurer

• Ensure the financial stability of the charity, including oversight of reserves, cash flow, and investments.
• Fulfil the Board's duty to maintain proper accounting records and ensure financial resources are well-managed through robust processes and policies, in accordance with company law and charity regulations.
• Guide the development and implementation of the charity's financial reserves policy, in collaboration with the CEO and Board.
• Liaise with and support the CEO on day-to-day financial matters, as appropriate.
• Prepare and present updates at bi-monthly Board meetings, including internal management accounts and annual financial statements.
• Chair the bi-monthly Finance, Audit and Risk (FAR) Committee meetings, providing leadership and strategic oversight.
• Monitor restricted funding to ensure expenditure aligns with funder requirements.
• Collaborate with the CEO to develop the annual budget and contribute financial insight to future business planning.
• Work with the CEO to prepare statutory annual accounts and liaise with external auditors.
• Assist with providing accurate financial information to support funding applications and facilitate organisational growth.

Why become a Trustee?

The contribution of trustees to the work of Home-Start Camden & Islington is varied and challenging, as well as being hugely rewarding. Working with staff and trained volunteers, they are an essential element in delivering life-changing support to families in the community.

In joining us at Home Start Camden and Islington you will be part of a friendly but highly proactive and professional team united in the drive to help families across the two boroughs. Although this is a volunteer role, you will be supported, mentored and given access to relevant training in the charitable sector.

You will also receive a thorough induction, access to a Home-Start intranet full of information and guidance and the support of our excellent staff, your fellow trustees and Home-Start UK, which exists to provide information and guidance to H-SC&I and other local Home-Starts.

A bit more about Home-Start Camden and Islington

Home-Start Camden & Islington (H-SC&I) is a grass-roots charity that supports and empowers families with young children who are struggling to cope with everyday life.

Our mission is to help families cope with diverse challenges by recruiting and training volunteers with experience or knowledge of parenting to provide both practical and emotional support. They empower parents and carers to build better lives for children by helping them to learn to cope with challenges, and boost their confidence.

We also aim to help improve our families' health, wellbeing and relationships; provide our volunteers with new skills and confidence to enhance their opportunities and experiences, and to fulfil our mission through the values of openness, flexibility and being rooted in our community.

We are an autonomous organisation with responsibility for our own governance and financial sustainability, but part of a federation of over 180 independent local Home-Starts across the UK.

Apply to become our Treasurer/Trustee

Applications, which should include a CV and covering letter about why you are interested in the role, to be emailed to or call Ian Jesnick (Chair of Trustees) on if you want to find out more in advance of applying.