About the organisation
We’re an inclusive organisation that cares about helping young people reach their potential. Every year nearly 43,000 air cadets and 10,000 volunteer staff take part in exciting events at over 1,000 squadrons across the UK.
333 (Ludlow) Squadron is one of these squadrons.
About the role
This opportunity is for a volunteer to join the Squadron as a Trustee with a view to being elected as Treasurer, taking on responsibility for supporting the squadron’s financial management. Trustees play an essential role in enabling squadrons to operate effectively by supporting governance, overseeing non‑public funds, and enabling fundraising and community partnerships that directly enhance cadet opportunities.
The trustee will begin by supporting financial oversight and gradually take on wider duties associated with managing the squadron’s non‑public funds. This may include maintaining accurate financial records, monitoring income and expenditure, reviewing funding requests, supporting budgeting, and contributing to financial reporting at committee meetings. These tasks are central to ensuring the squadron can continue delivering additional training, equipment, and activities beyond what is funded by core RAFAC budgets.
The position is ongoing and suited to someone ready to take on growing responsibility as they build confidence in RAFAC financial processes. Training and guidance will be provided locally and through regional support structures, ensuring the volunteer is well‑prepared for the financial aspects of the committee’s work.
The trustee will be required to attend Quarterly Squadron Trustee Meetings, typically lasting around two hours, where financial updates, approvals, and future planning are discussed. They may also be involved in occasional short meetings or online discussions connected to finance cycles (e.g., accounts preparation, planning periods, or major fundraising efforts). Participation in wider squadron engagement - such as fundraising initiatives or community events - is welcomed but not mandatory.
No military, RAF, or cadet background is required. What matters is a willingness to contribute, learn and support the committee’s financial responsibilities in a timely and proactive way. This is a key role that directly influences the experiences and opportunities the squadron can offer its cadets, making it ideal for someone motivated by community impact and purposeful responsibility.
Our ideal candidate
Essential
- A genuine commitment to supporting young people and contributing to the RAF Air Cadets’ mission of providing high‑quality opportunities in leadership, adventure, aviation, skills development, and community involvement.
- Reliability, integrity, and readiness to take responsibility for an important organisational function.
- Confidence working with numbers and basic financial information.
- Strong organisational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail, particularly in managing documentation and records.
- Willingness to learn financial procedures, apply RAFAC policies, and build confidence in the financial oversight needed for the committee.
- Clear communication skills, and comfort contributing to committee discussions.
- Ability to attend quarterly committee meetings and occasional finance‑related discussions.
- Meets trustee eligibility criteria: aged 20+ and resident in the UK for at least three years.
Desirable
- Previous experience of bookkeeping, budgeting, financial administration, or charity finance.
- Familiarity with spreadsheets, online banking, or digital financial tools.
- Experience in fundraising, applying for grants, or supporting community partnerships that contribute to non‑public funds.
- Understanding of charity governance or committee‑based decision-making.
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to ask questions, seek guidance, and work effectively with other trustees and volunteers.
What’s in it for you
This role offers the opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Squadron trustees play an essential part in ensuring cadets can access exciting and developmental experiences - including leadership training, adventure activities, community projects, sports, camps, and more - many of which rely on locally raised non‑public funds overseen by the Squadron's Trustees. By supporting the squadron’s financial management, the trustee helps ensure these opportunities remain accessible, safe, and high‑quality.
The position provides excellent personal and professional development. The trustee will gain experience in financial oversight, budgeting, governance, compliance, and strategic planning - skills that are highly transferable to a wide range of careers in business, education, charity work, or public service. There is also the chance to develop leadership capability as responsibilities evolve.
The trustee will become part of a supportive local committee and a wider community across the region, offering networking with other trustees and access to informal mentoring and shared best practice. Financial guidance and governance support are available through region structures, ensuring the trustee is well supported as their role develops.
Above all, the trustee will see the tangible impact of their contribution. Effective financial stewardship enables the squadron to invest in equipment, resources, activities, and events that build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and aspiration in local young people. Few voluntary roles offer such a close connection between a volunteer’s work and real improvements in opportunities for the next generation.
Apply for the role
Please provide a short cover note setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation, any relevant skills/experience and why you think you might be a suitable candidate.
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