About the organisation
The Social Research Association (SRA) promotes excellence in social research. It was founded in 1978 and became a registered charity in 2008.
The SRA is the membership organisation for social researchers in the UK and beyond, with over 1500 individual members from across the profession. They work in universities, government, research agencies large and small, charities, and individual consultancies
It supports researchers via:
• Training: short courses in a wide range of research methods and approaches
• Guidance: good practice guides on research ethics, GDPR (with MRS), commissioning and more
• Publications: Research Matters quarterly magazine; the SRA Journal; the Blog, and newsletter – all freely available
• Research Ethics: our focus includes a volunteer-led Forum for members with ethical dilemmas
• Events: webinars, early careers panels, and the annual conference
• Branches in Scotland, Wales and the North
• Careers: guidance for new researchers, and a jobs board
• Initiatives in key areas, such as this research hub on diversity and inclusion among social researchers
What is social research?
Social research helps us to understand public opinion, attitudes and behaviour. It uses tried and tested methods that give reliable findings. It provides evidence that government, public bodies, charities and other organisations need to develop policies and make decisions.
About the role
The Treasurer is a member of the SRA Board of Trustees with particular responsibility for providing oversight and assurance on the charity’s financial health.
The SRA is in a strong financial position, with well-established processes and external professional support. The Treasurer’s role is therefore one of strategic oversight and assurance, not day-to-day management. The Treasurer helps ensure that financial planning, risk management, and reporting support the organisation’s long-term aims — including a move toward multi-year budgeting, new income streams and sustainable investment in growth and member value.
Our ideal candidate
Essential
- Commitment to the SRA’s mission and values.
- Understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities.
- Strong financial literacy and ability to interpret budgets, management accounts, and cashflow forecasts.
- Strategic mindset — able to balance assurance with support for innovation and development.
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and attention to the role.
Desirable
- Professional experience in finance, accounting, audit, or charity financial management (e.g. qualified accountant or equivalent experience).
- Experience of supporting a move toward multi-year budgeting or financial planning in a charity or membership organisation.
- Understanding of the social research sector or professional associations.
What’s in it for you
Being a trustee is rewarding and brings many benefits, especially to your professional development. You will gain invaluable experience of strategy, governance and leadership, boosting your CV in the process. You will work with other trustees, the Chair and Chief Executive to take decisions about the future of our organisation. Through your membership of our Board, smaller sub-committees and working groups you will be focused on strategic issues facing our organisation and gain valuable experience of being a non-executive director to set strategy, to influence and negotiate and to understand and manage risk. You will promote transparency, accountability and fairness. Above all you will have the satisfaction of contributing to our mission to improve knowledge and best practice in social research for the benefit of public good.
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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