About the organisation
Nestled in the heart of Bristol, St Werburghs City Farm is an integral part of the local community, strengthening connections between land, animals and people for more than 45 years. Using a two-acre Small-holding, one-acre Community Garden, 2.5-acre Conservation Site (Boiling Wells) and 13 acres of Community Allotments, we deliver a range of activities that support people to re-connect, learn and grow.
About the role
Main responsibilities of trustees
- Contributing to and setting the strategic direction of The Farm, including defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.
- Monitoring the financial performance of The Farm and ensuring it operates within its means, while keeping the interests of beneficiaries at the heart of decision-making.
- Actively seeking to understand and further the strategic objectives of The Farm.
- Supporting relevant staff members.
- Attending Board meetings and Farm events.
Specific responsibilities of the Treasurer
- Supporting the Finance Manager by providing advice and support routinely and as required.
- Overseeing the presentation of budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
- Ensuring proper accounting records are maintained and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
- Ensuring robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and implemented, including policies covering financial reserves, income and cost management.
- Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
- Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with the Director and Finance Manager.
- Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.
- Ensuring income-generation opportunities are maximised.
- Monitoring the management of the charity’s financial risks, alongside the Board’s wider oversight of organisational risk.
- Ensuring accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies, such as the Charity Commission and/or Registrar of Companies.
- Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities, and working with the Director and Finance Manager to develop the Board’s financial understanding.
Our ideal candidate
Person specification
- Senior or executive-level finance management experience in an organisation of similar size, structure and complexity.
- Knowledge of charity finance and the Charity SORP is an advantage; otherwise, enthusiasm to learn and apply sound commercial experience is essential.
- A strategic thinker with the ability to balance risk and opportunity.
- A clear communicator who can bring financial information to life for non-finance specialists.
- Willingness to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, budget-setting and liaising with auditors.
- Previous Trustee or Non-Executive experience is desirable.
- A qualified accountant with experience of complex financial operations is desirable.
What’s in it for you
- Make a real difference to people’s wellbeing, connection and access to nature in Bristol.
- Use your financial expertise for good.
- Gain valuable trustee level experience in finance, governance, strategy and social impact.
- Expand your network across Bristol’s community, environmental and voluntary sectors.
- Opportunity to be a part of our four annual charity fundraisers including the Summer Fair, a landmark event in the Bristol calendar.
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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