About the organisation
RLS-UK is a registered charity supporting people affected by Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD). RLS is a neurological condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by deeply uncomfortable sensations. Symptoms are typically worse during rest and at night, disrupting sleep and affecting wellbeing, relationships, work and everyday life.
For nearly 20 years, RLS-UK has worked to ensure that people living with these often misunderstood conditions do not have to face them alone. We provide reliable information and practical support, connect people with a community that understands, raise public and professional awareness, support research and campaign for better standards of care.
We are a small, growing charity run by volunteers and receive no government funding. Our trustees play an essential part in ensuring that we remain well governed, financially sustainable and able to continue supporting the RLS community.
About the role
As Trustee Treasurer, you will provide oversight and guidance on the charity's finances while sharing the wider responsibilities of the Board. You do not need to manage every financial task personally: your role will be to help trustees understand the charity's financial position, maintain effective controls and make sound, informed decisions.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Monitoring financial administration and reporting clearly to the Board in accordance with the charity's governing document.
- Overseeing budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements, presenting them in an accessible way to fellow trustees.
- Supporting preparation of the annual report and accounts and helping to ensure that all required information is approved and submitted to the Charity Commission on time.
- Ensuring appropriate accounting records, controls and financial procedures are maintained and monitored.
- Overseeing financial risk management and helping the Board identify and address emerging risks.
- Advising on the financial implications of strategy, plans and significant decisions.
- Helping to ensure the charity's resources are safeguarded, appropriately invested and used economically in pursuit of its charitable aims.
- Acting as a counter-signatory where required, including on payments and funding applications.
- Liaising with other trustees and external accountants or auditors when necessary.
Our ideal candidate
We would particularly welcome applicants with experience in finance, accounting, bookkeeping, financial management or charity governance. You might be a qualified or part-qualified accountant, an experienced finance professional, or someone who has developed relevant skills through business, public-sector or voluntary work.
You do not need previous trustee experience. Support will be available from fellow trustees, and we value good judgement and a willingness to learn alongside technical knowledge.
You will ideally bring:
- Confidence working with budgets, accounts and financial reports.
- An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, charity finance and governance.
- The ability to explain financial information clearly to people without a finance background.
- Integrity, sound judgement and attention to detail.
- A collaborative and supportive approach.
- Commitment to RLS-UK's purpose and to improving life for people affected by RLS and PLMD.
- Willingness to contribute to wider Board discussions and collective decision-making.
We welcome applications from people with personal experience of RLS or PLMD, whether directly or through someone close to them, but this is not essential.
Time commitment and meetings
The Board normally holds four meetings each year, usually lasting around half a day, as well as an Annual General Meeting. Meetings may take place by video conference or face to face, helping trustees participate without unnecessary travel.
Some additional time will be needed between meetings to review financial information, communicate with trustees and support annual reporting. The position is a voluntary, unpaid trustee role, with reasonable expenses covered in line with the charity's policy.
What’s in it for you
This is an opportunity to use your financial skills to make a meaningful difference within a small charity where your contribution will be visible and valued.
As Treasurer, you will help RLS-UK:
- Remain financially secure and well governed.
- Continue providing information, support and community to people living with RLS and PLMD.
- Raise awareness of conditions that are frequently misunderstood or overlooked.
- Improve understanding among patients, families and healthcare professionals.
- Support better care, education and research.
- Plan confidently for the future and make the best use of every donation we receive.
You will join a welcoming team of volunteers who work collaboratively and support one another. Becoming a trustee can also be a rewarding way to broaden your experience, develop leadership and governance skills, and contribute to a cause with a real human impact.
As one of our trustees, Debbie, explains:
"I was interested in becoming a trustee, so I contacted the Chair and was invited to attend a meeting to find out whether it was right for me. I did not feel that I had any special skills to offer, but I did have time available. I was nervous at first, but help was always at hand and, with the team's support, I became confident in my role."
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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