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About the organisation
Our vision
Godly Play is a small non-denominational Christian education charity centred on childhood spirituality, providing training, advice and support. Our vision is for childhood spirituality to be taken seriously.
In a world where children's emotional and spiritual health matters more than ever, we offer a non-directive approach that is rooted in play, story, creativity and language development to explore meaning in our lives.
We offer a well-tested alternative to seeing children as empty vessels, and to the stressful societal cultures of consumerism, measurement and achievement.
We seek to transform thinking and practice for the whole of life, promoting open, creative ways to explore Christian story and traditions.
Training
Registered as a charity in 2006, the Trust supports the work of Godly Play practitioners in England and Wales, and particularly the trainers, who work across the country delivering a vareity of courses in person and online. We are part of a larger, world -wide movement, present in every continenet and led by the Godly Play Foundation. IN addition to our work in Britain, we support Godly Play across the world through an annual charitable donation , and visits from our trainers, most recently to Trinidad.
14 trainers and 30 advocates support practitioners across the country. While most of their work is undertaken voluntarily, trainers receive a fee for official training courses.Over ten face-to-face and six online formal courses in 2024 we trained 184 new practitioners and a recent webinar for school RE leads attracted an attendance of 300. In addition to this, we supported many schools with twilight sessions and INSET days. We offer a free e-magazine twice a year and a training conference every other year attracts around 100 people. We support 16 local network groups and our Facebook group provides a forum for people to support one another, sharing good practice and success.
Here is what some people have said about the training we offer.
'It has taught me to value wonder and open-endedness.'
'Here I have had the opportunity to be totally immersed in something and really learn it. It has given me confidence to try it in school now.'
'This course has shown me that can always show us much more. They are at the heart of what we do and can show us new opportunities.'
Our income
Course fees provide our main income. This is supplemented by charitable donations from about 120 supporters who offer monthly or annual gift-aided donations.
Governance and administration
A small trustee board ovesees this work. Members are drawn from across the country and meetings are held on Zoom or Teams. We do not have a sufficiently large or stable income to employ anyone. Administrative and bookkeeping tasks are supplied by a self-employed contractor, who submits monthly invoices. She also works for another RE charity. Administration and documentation is facilitated through the MS365 Sharepoint App.
About the role
Responsibilities of the Finance Trustee
To ensure that Godly Play UK (the charity) complies with its trust deed, charity law and financial legislation, and the regulations of the Charity Commission.
To participate in board meetings and the finance sub-committee, contributing to discussions on governance, and financial strategy. The board meets four times a year, on Zoom or Teams, for about two hours. The financial sub-committee generally meets in advance of each board meeting, and before the annual accounts are signed off. These meetings are timed for the convenience of the committee members and are also held remotely.
To lead the development and implementation of financial policies, supporting the development of budgets and the presentation of annual accounts to the Charity Commission, ensuring they meet statutory requirements.
To liaise with the independent examiner.
To ensure the charity remains solvent by regularly reviewing financial information and ensuring risk management processes are in place.
To ensure the charity’s assets are managed responsibly and used exclusively to further its charitable purposes.
To contribute to the development, review, and approval of the charity’s strategy, ensuring it aligns with its mission and long-term goals.
To act in the best interests of the charity, safeguarding its reputation and resources.
Our ideal candidate
We are looking for someone who can support board members who are very committed, knowledgeable about the field in which we work, but not confident in financial management and decision making. We are a small charity with a limited income and no extensive investments.
Essential skills and experience
Confident experience in finance, accounting, and financial management.
A strategic thinker with the ability to assess financial risks and opportunities effectively.
An ability to analyse financial data and present clear insights to non-financial stakeholders.
An understanding of governance responsibilities, including legal and regulatory requirements.
Desirable skills and qualities
Professional finance or accounting qualifications (e.g., ACCA, ACA, CIMA).
Previous experience as a trustee or board member.
Familiarity with charity finance regulations and reporting standards (e.g., SORP).
Leadership and communication skills, with the ability to mentor or guide others effectively.
A respect for our mission and the vision that drives it.
What’s in it for you
We are a small, friendly and compassionate team of trustees and trainers supported by a delightful, self-starting administrative contractor, who also acts as our bookkeeper. Joining us will be fun and worthwhile. Committed to our mission, we are passionate about making lives better, including for those who work with us. People, adults and children alike, value enormously what we offer, and we hope you would feel part of this.
In joining us, we think you would:
- Enhance your CV, demonstrating leadership, problem-solving and people skills that can boost your career prospects.
- Broaden your knowledge. Through involvement in the charity sector, you will gain insight into how not-for-profit organisations operate, and develop an understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
- Make a tangible impact, using your expertise and experience to support a little known, yet much valued, organisation to maximize its resources to achieve greater impact.
- Expand your network, building connections with people you would not necessarily encounter in your day-to-day work and with professionals from diverse backgrounds.
- Develop new skills, gaining experience in governance, charity law and regulation, and strategic planning, while strengthening your existing skills in accounting and financial management, and compliance.
- Feel fulfilled, knowing you are giving back and making a difference to the lives of children.
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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