.jpg){kind=avatar}
About the organisation
Our mission: To support and empower young people in Plymouth to lead healthy, safe, and positive lives.
Who we are: The Zone is a trusted local charity providing a wide range of services for young people aged 13–25, including mental health and wellbeing support, sexual health advice, housing and support.
What we do: We believe that every young person deserves access to the guidance, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Our services are designed to be accessible, non-judgmental, and youth-focused, helping young people build resilience, confidence, and independence.
Why we do it: Young people face a range of challenges, from mental health pressures and housing insecurity to barriers in accessing healthcare and education. At The Zone, we are committed to reducing these inequalities and providing the support young people need to succeed, both now and in the future.
Our impact: Each year, The Zone supports thousands of young people across Plymouth, providing vital services that improve their wellbeing, life chances, and ability to contribute positively to their community. By joining our Board as Treasurer, you will play a key role in ensuring this work continues and grows.
About the role
The Treasurer is a vital voluntary role on the Board of Trustees at The Zone Plymouth, with responsibility for overseeing the charity’s financial management and contributing to the organisation’s long-term strategic success. This is an ongoing role and is central to ensuring The Zone remains financially sustainable, transparent, and able to continue supporting young people aged 13–25 across Plymouth.
The Treasurer works closely with the Chair of Trustees, the Chief Executive, Finance Manager and Trustees providing strategic oversight, guidance, and expert financial advice. While the day-to-day management of finances is handled by the staff team, the Treasurer leads the Board’s responsibilities for financial governance, ensuring that The Zone has effective financial management, robust financial controls, and clear financial reporting in line with charity law and best practice.
Key responsibilities of the Treasurer include:
- Overseeing the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring they are conducted transparently, sustainably, and in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Reviewing budgets, financial documents, and policies, presenting them to the Board with clear explanations to enable informed decision-making.
- Monitoring financial risk and contributing to the organisation’s overall risk management framework, including considerations of reserves and investment policies.
- Liaising with external auditors or independent examiners and supporting the preparation and approval of annual accounts.
- Advising the Board on financial implications of strategic plans, new projects, funding opportunities, and income diversification.
- Supporting the development of sustainable funding models and contributing to discussions on fundraising and income generation.
- Ensuring that financial decision-making reflects The Zone’s values, commitment to best value, and accountability to funders, young people, and the wider community.
In addition, the Treasurer is expected to attend Board of Trustees meetings, usually six times per year, and to provide advice or guidance on an ad-hoc basis between meetings, for example when reviewing significant financial risks, funding proposals, or strategic initiatives.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to play a key part in long-term strategic planning and governance, ensuring that The Zone Plymouth can continue to deliver essential services and create lasting positive impact for young people. The Treasurer brings financial expertise, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to the trustee team, helping the charity make informed, sustainable, and accountable decisions.
Our ideal candidate
We are seeking someone passionate about supporting young people in Plymouth and committed to good governance and financial stewardship.
Essential Qualities:
Strong commitment to improving the lives of young people in Plymouth and alignment with The Zone’s values.
Financial literacy, with the ability to understand and interpret budgets, management accounts, and statutory financial statements.
Experience in financial management, accounting, finance, audit, or a related field.
Understanding of the financial responsibilities of trustees and charity governance (or willingness to develop this knowledge).
Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial trustees and support informed decision-making.
Sound judgment, integrity, and a high level of attention to detail.
Awareness of financial risk, compliance, and internal controls.
Desirable Qualities:
Prior experience as a trustee or board member.
Knowledge of youth services, education, health, or community development.
Local connections in Plymouth and the surrounding area.
Experience of fundraising, advocacy, or partnership working.
This role offers a unique opportunity to play a key part in ensuring The Zone Plymouth’s long-term financial sustainability, helping the organisation continue to provide vital services and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
What’s in it for you
Joining The Zone as Treasurer offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across Plymouth. Every decision you help shape and every strategy you influence contributes directly to the delivery of essential services, from mental and sexual health support to housing advice and wellbeing programmes. In 2025 alone, The Zone supported over 4,000 young people, and your guidance as Treasurer will help ensure these services continue to thrive and expand.
This role also provides an opportunity to develop and enhance your skills in financial governance, charity leadership, and strategic planning. You will gain experience working at a senior level within a dynamic charitable organisation, chairing finance discussions, and contributing to decisions that affect the organisation’s long-term sustainability.
As part of the trustee team, you will network with other professionals, sector experts, and local partners, expanding your connections within Plymouth’s charity and community networks. You may also have the chance to get involved in key organisational events and initiatives, including strategic planning days, funding campaigns, and youth-focused outreach activities, giving you direct insight into the impact your work enables.
Finally, serving as Treasurer allows you to give back to your local community, applying your skills in a meaningful way while supporting a mission that directly improves the lives of young people. Your contribution will be valued, recognised, and make a tangible difference, both for the organisation and the wider community it serves.
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.
Opportunity Filled!
It looks like this volunteering role has already been taken. But don't worry, there are plenty more ways you can make a difference!
Welcome to Charterpath!
We specialise in connecting finance professionals with meaningful volunteer opportunities at charities in need of support. If you're eager to use your skills for a great cause, we're here to help you find the perfect match.
Explore more volunteer roles here and don’t forget to join Charterpath (for free) for more opportunities, exclusive events and more.