About the organisation
Our Charitable Objectives are: To further or benefit the residents of Batheaston and the surrounding neighbourhood, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by associating together said residents in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents.
Grow Batheaston is about empowering ourselves, our children and each other to create a greener, more sustanable way of life in our local area. We aim to strengthen community, create food security, encourage biodiversity and promote sustainable living. We believe that doing these things will strengthen local connections and our community.
To datew we have run a range of work streams focusing on the arts and environment. Both of these areas of focus bring the community together. Examples of events include an art trial, beaver weekend, the development of a Community Forest Garden, 'Greening' a local housing estate with wild flower meadows and fruit trees. We also run seasonal events such as seed swaps, apple juice making, wreath making and a Christmas fayre. we work closely with other village organisations such as the Parish Council and national organisations that are active in the village such as the National Trust and Avon Wildlife. Our longer term ambition is to work with a local landowner to develop an area in the centre of the village for the benefit of the whole community.
About the role
The post holder will be expected to lead the Board of Trustees to ensure proper accounting records are kept. They will be expected to liaise with external auditors and regulators. The post holder will be expected to liase with our bookkeeper and keep the Board informed of the financial viability or otherwise of the various work streams. The postholder will work closely with the Chair to provide recommendations on strategic direction from a finance perspective. The post holder will work with the Board to advise on annual budget setting.The post holder will also work with the board to provide advice on grant and funding applications.
Grow Batheaston is going through a period of significant transition and during this time Board meetings are monthly. these are held face to face. However, we recognise that the post holder may live some distance away and that virtual attendance may be more appropriate.
Our ideal candidate
Essential
Background in accounting
Experience with working with external auditors.
Experience working with regulators such as the Charity Commission and Companies House
Desirable
Previous experience of working with a small charity
Previous experience of providing strategic financial direction
Previous experience of budget setting
Interest in local community based projects.
Interest in the arts
Interest in protecting the environment
What’s in it for you
Grow Batheaston (GB) started in the pandemic and provided a much needed life line for the local community. GB is now an established and welcomed part of Batheaston. In 2022 GB became a registered charity. Over the last 12 months GB has entered a period of significant change and transition. We have restructured and increased our turnover. This has enabled us to refocus on our core purpose and develop a strategy for the longer term. We recognise the need to move away from a model dependent entirely on volunteers. We also want to work with a local landowner to develop an area in the middle of the village to benefit the whole community. We are currently fundraising to for a community connector and project manger to help take this ambitions forward. We have recognised that we need the skills and experience of an accountant to help us move forwards. The post holder would be joining at an exciting time, helping to guide the Board through this next phase and ensuring that the residents of Batheaston continue to feel connected with each other and build a thriving resilient community, surrounded by land rich in biodiversity.
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