About the organisation
Our mission is to give local people the advice, knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, whatever their problem.
Our vision is to become known, available and accessible to all of our potential clients and to ensure progress by influencing the outcomes of local and national issues.
About the role
CALL is an independent charity and you will be a member of the Trustee Board with a wealth of experience from diverse backgrounds who work closely together to benefit our local community.
What will you do?
● complete an introduction for your role
● maintain an awareness of how the Citizens Advice Leighton & Linslade (CALL) is operating
● attend and read the papers for the 5 board meetings per year, lead on any Finance Committee meetings and attend other meetings relevant to your role
● advise the board on the key assumptions and financial implications of CALL budgets, operational and strategic plans
● ensure that CALL has an appropriate reserves policy and a realistic budget that meets the services’ needs
● work with the Bookkeeper to explain, guide and advise the on the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements with the CALL’s framework
● present accounts at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in an accessible way for volunteers and staff
● ensure that annual accounts are prepared in compliance with SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) Accounting for Charities and submitted by the deadline to the Charity Commission and/or Registrar of Companies, and make arrangements for them to be audited or independently examined as required
● keep the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
● monitor the organisation’s income and expenditure position and in conjunction with the Bookkeeper and present accessible reports quarterly to ensure board members understand the accounts and implications
● work with the Chief Officer and Bookkeeper to understand the accounting procedures and key internal controls to be able to assure the board that the charity's financial integrity is sound
● work with the Chief Officer and Bookkeeper to give information and advice on financial matters
● work with the other trustees to develop a fundraising strategy
● take an active part in discussions during board meetings and work with other trustees to:
- set policy and strategy direction
- set targets and evaluate the performance of CALL
- seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community
- ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers
- ensure that all the finances and supporting financial control systems of the local Citizens Advice are in order including that full financial records are kept for all transactions, that money is only spent for the purpose given, and that proper financial controls are in place to safeguard the organisation’s resources
- monitor the financial position of CALL ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives, ensuring that there are clear lines of accountability for day to day financial management
- review its own work and how effectively it operates including action for improvement.
Our ideal candidate
What you will need to have -
● understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of a trustees
● financial experience and qualifications (the latter are desired but not essential)
● be willing to acquire knowledge of charity finances, fundraising, financial consequences and pension schemes
● be non-judgemental and respect different views, values and cultures
● good listening, verbal and written communication skills
● be able to exercise good independent judgment and if necessary to make difficult recommendations
● be able to explain financial information in an accessible way
● be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
● be willing to undertake training in your role
What’s in it for you
What’s in it for you?
● make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring the local Citizens Advice is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community
● meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers
● build on your governance, leadership and strategy skills
● increase your employability.
Apply for the role
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Please provide a cover note if it is requested in the role description. Applications which are personalised, setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation and relevant skills/experience, are far more likely to be successful.
