About the organisation
SELFA is an award-winning children's charity based in Skipton, North Yorkshire, supporting children, young people and families who are experiencing vulnerabilities to build resilience, thrive and achieve.
Our vision is a community where all children and young people are celebrated and know they belong. We work with children and families facing a range of challenges including poor mental health, social isolation, poverty, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), family difficulties, and barriers created by living in a rural area.
We deliver a range of services designed to provide both early intervention and longer-term support. These include health and wellbeing programmes, peer support groups, targeted holiday activities, mentoring, counselling and mental health support. Our services are built around seven core outcomes: encouraging independence, supporting positive relationships, building self-esteem, increasing aspirations, creating a sense of belonging, strengthening resilience and improving wellbeing.
Founded in 2007 and registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), SELFA has become a trusted and valued part of the community. We work closely with schools, health services, local authorities and voluntary sector partners to ensure that children and families can access the right support at the right time. Referrals come from professionals such as social workers, schools, GPs and mental health services, as well as directly from parents and carers.
Over the last year, demand for our services has continued to grow. During 2025-26, SELFA supported 763 children, young people and parents, with an average of 196 people accessing our services each week. Across our programmes, 88% of participants developed positive relationships and a stronger sense of belonging, 79% improved their resilience, 83% improved their self-esteem and 94% became more independent.
Our work includes weekly community-based groups for children and young people, specialist SEND provision, counselling and mentoring services, wellbeing programmes delivered in partnership with schools, and holiday activities that reduce isolation and provide enriching experiences for children who might otherwise miss out. We are particularly proud of our ability to offer ongoing support, helping young people build trusted relationships and access opportunities throughout their childhood and adolescence.
About the role
SELFA is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and play a key role in ensuring the charity's financial sustainability as we continue to grow our support for vulnerable children, young people and families across Craven and North Yorkshire.
This is an ongoing voluntary trustee role. We are looking for someone who can provide strategic financial oversight, support sound decision-making and act as a critical friend to our Chief Officer and Senior Administrator.
As Treasurer, you will monitor the financial health of a charity with an annual income of approximately £600,000 and support the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for financial governance and stewardship. While day-to-day financial management is undertaken by staff, the Treasurer provides oversight, guidance and assurance to the Board.
Key responsibilities include:
- Monitoring the charity's financial performance, reserves and cash flow position.
- Reviewing management accounts and helping trustees understand financial information.
- Supporting the development of annual budgets and longer-term financial planning.
- Advising on the financial implications of strategic decisions and future growth.
- Ensuring appropriate financial controls, policies and risk management processes are in place.
- Leading the Board's oversight of accounting records and financial reporting requirements.
- Working with the Chief Officer and Senior Administrator to review financial systems and processes.
- Liaising with the independent examiner and supporting the Board's approval of the annual accounts and Trustees' Report.
- Monitoring compliance with the charity's reserves policy and advising on financial resilience.
The Treasurer will chair SELFA's Finance Committee and provide a summary report to the Board following each committee meeting.
Time commitment is approximately four hours per month and includes:
- Four Board meetings per year.
- Four Finance Committee meetings per year (as Chair).
- Three termly meetings with the Senior Administrator to review management accounts and carry out spot checks on systems and processes.
We welcome applications from people who can combine strong financial understanding with a commitment to SELFA's mission. Previous trustee experience is helpful but not essential, and support will be provided through induction and ongoing training.
Our ideal candidate
We are looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference to children and young people whilst helping ensure the long-term financial sustainability of a growing and ambitious charity.
Essential skills and qualities
- Experience in finance, accounting, financial management or a related discipline.
- Ability to understand, interpret and explain financial information to non-financial audiences.
- Strong analytical skills and sound judgement.
- An understanding of budgeting, financial controls and risk management.
- Ability to think strategically and contribute to long-term organisational planning.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to provide constructive challenge and independent oversight.
- Commitment to SELFA's mission, values and objectives.
- Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the legal duties and responsibilities of trustees.
Desirable skills and qualities
- Qualified accountant or equivalent professional financial qualification.
- Experience as a Treasurer, trustee, non-executive director or committee member.
- Knowledge of charity finance, the Charity SORP and charity regulation.
- Experience of overseeing organisational growth, financial planning or investments.
- Understanding of grant-funded organisations and restricted funding.
- Experience of fundraising, income diversification or working with grant-making bodies.
- Knowledge of governance, audit or internal control processes.
- Experience within the voluntary, public or community sector.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who shares our belief that every child and young person deserves opportunities to belong, thrive and achieve.
What’s in it for you
This is an opportunity to use your financial skills to make a genuine and lasting difference to the lives of children, young people and families across North Yorkshire.
Over the last year alone, SELFA supported 763 children, young people and parents, delivering health and wellbeing programmes, mental health support, SEND provision and targeted holiday activities. We supported an average of 196 people every week, with 94% of participants becoming more independent and 88% developing positive relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.
As Treasurer, your contribution will directly influence the sustainability and future development of these services. You will help a respected local charity make informed decisions, manage risk effectively and maximise the impact of its resources.
Benefits of the role include:
- The opportunity to create meaningful social impact within your local community.
- Board-level experience in charity governance and strategic leadership.
- Experience of overseeing the finances of a well-established organisation with income of around £600,000 per year.
- Development of trustee, leadership and governance skills.
- Opportunities to work alongside an experienced and committed Board and senior leadership team.
- Access to trustee training and ongoing personal development.
- Valuable networking opportunities across the voluntary, public and private sectors.
- The chance to visit SELFA projects and see first-hand the difference the charity makes.
For someone looking to use their financial expertise for a purpose-driven organisation, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of a charity that is transforming lives and strengthening communities every day.
Apply for the role
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