About the organisation
CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, has been standing up for the countryside for 100 years. CPRE Somerset works hard to enhance, promote and protect the Somerset countryside, including the rural communities within it.
CPRE Somerset is an independent charity, part of the CPRE national network. Our key work includes monitoring planning proposals and making informed comments when developments threaten the character, wildlife or sustainability of our countryside. We also organise projects to enhance our countryside, including litter picks and helping Parish Councils to restore their historic fingerpost roadsigns. The branch publishes a newsletter, engages in social media, runs a programme of events and competitions, and advises members and the public on countryside issues.
About the role
You will be home-based, within the administrative county of Somerset. This role is very flexible and allows you to carry out activities around your other commitments while attending occasional meetings at various locations throughout Somerset.
Activities involve:
- working with the Chair to set an annual budget, monitoring actual income and expenditure against the forecast
- being a trustee of the charity
- attending approximately six Executive meetings of the group each year and reporting on the state of the accounts. Around half of these meetings are in person, the other half are held via Zoom.
- making payments via internet banking - reimbursing expenses and paying bills. Keeping accurate records of all payments and income.
- submitting accounts annually for independent examination or audit
- ensuring that financial resources are spent and invested in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements
As a guide, we anticipate this voluntary role will take on average 1 hour per week, with meetings every couple of months. The outgoing Treasurer and the Charity Manager will help to get you started and support you as you learn the ropes.
Our ideal candidate
You will need to live in the area we cover, which is the Unitary Authority area of Somerset. This does not inclulde B&NES or North Somerset.
Ideally, we hope that you can offer us most of the qualities described below:
- experience of setting and managing budgets
- good organisational and book-keeping skills
- ability to present financial information in a straightforward and clear way
- computing skills, including spread-sheet packages, email and internet
- the ability to work as a team member with a group of committed volunteers
- can attend regular meetings or, when not possible, can provide updates for meetings
- an interest in the countryside
What’s in it for you
This is an excellent opportunity to play a senior role in a respected local environmental charity. CPRE will celebrate its centenary in 2026 so you will be joining at an exciting time! You will be applying your accounting skills and experience to make a real difference, and to be part of a friendly and committed group.
What’s in it for you
- Use your skills and experience to contribute to the success of our charity and make a positive difference to the countryside
- Meet like-minded people and enjoy being part of a team
- Enhance your CV by developing new skills and gaining valuable experience
- We’ll support you to develop in your volunteering role and provide you with relevant training
- We’ll give you a reference for your future work or volunteering
- Get involved with CPRE events, locally and nationally
- The opportunity to attend a volunteer induction session online
- We provide out-of-pocket travel expenses
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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