About the organisation
Women’s Aid Luton (WAL) is a charity committed to supporting women and children impacted by domestic abuse. Our mission is to ensure that all women and children can live free from violence and fear, with access to the safety, support, and opportunities they need to recover and thrive.
We exist because domestic abuse remains one of the most pervasive and harmful forms of violence, with long-lasting impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Many survivors face significant barriers when seeking help, including stigma, economic dependence, cultural pressures, and gaps within statutory systems. WAL was established to address these inequalities and to provide accessible, high-quality, and life-saving services to those most in need.
Our work is underpinned by a strong set of values that shape everything we do. We are survivor-centred, ensuring that the voices, experiences, and choices of women are at the heart of our services and decision-making. We are trauma-informed, recognising the impact of abuse and responding with compassion, understanding, and respect.
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, actively working to remove barriers and ensure our services are inclusive. We also value collaboration and integrity, working openly with partners and maintaining the highest standards of accountability and professionalism.
Our core objectives are to:
- Provide safe, secure refuge accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
- Deliver specialist support, including advocacy, risk management, and emotional support, both within refuge and the community.
- Empower survivors to rebuild their lives through practical support, safety planning, and access to housing, health, and legal services.
- Ensure that lived experience informs the design, governance, and continuous improvement of our services.
- Raise awareness of domestic abuse and its impact, and challenge the attitudes and systems that allow it to persist.
- Work in partnership with statutory and voluntary sector organisations to improve coordinated responses and safeguarding outcomes.
We deliver a range of integrated services, including refuge provision, outreach, and partnership-based projects. Our approach is holistic, recognising that survivors often face complex and intersecting needs. By combining direct support with system-level influence, we aim not only to respond to abuse but to contribute to its prevention.
A key strength of WAL is our commitment to survivor voice and co-production. We actively involve women with lived experience in shaping our services and strategic direction, ensuring our work remains relevant, responsive, and impactful.
Our vision is a future where domestic abuse is no longer tolerated, and where women and children are safe, valued, and empowered. Strong governance and financial stewardship are essential to achieving this vision, making the role of Treasurer vital in supporting our sustainability and long-term impact.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced finance professional to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer, providing strategic financial oversight and helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of Women’s Aid Luton.
This is an ongoing voluntary role rather than a fixed-term project, with a typical commitment of a three-year term (with the possibility of renewal). The Treasurer will play a key role in supporting the organisation’s financial governance, working closely with the Chair, Chief Executive, and Business Services Manager to provide assurance, guidance, and constructive challenge.
The Treasurer will lead the Board’s oversight of the charity’s financial position, ensuring that appropriate financial systems, controls, and processes are in place and operating effectively. This includes reviewing and advising on budgets, management accounts, and financial forecasts, and ensuring that financial resources are aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives and charitable purpose.
A central element of the role is supporting strong financial decision-making. The Treasurer will help ensure that financial information presented to the Board is accurate, clear, and accessible, enabling all trustees—regardless of financial background—to engage confidently in discussions and decision-making. They will also advise on the financial implications of strategic plans, growth opportunities, and potential risks.
The Treasurer will maintain oversight of key governance areas, including ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, that effective internal financial controls are in place, and that the organisation complies with relevant regulatory requirements, including the Charities SORP. They will liaise with external auditors and support the preparation and presentation of the annual accounts, including presenting these at the Annual General Meeting.
The role also involves close collaboration with the Business Services Manager and senior leadership team. The Treasurer will act as a “critical friend,” offering both support and appropriate challenge, and may be called upon to provide advice on complex financial matters as they arise. This collaborative approach is essential to maintaining a strong and transparent financial culture across the organisation.
In terms of time commitment, the Treasurer will be expected to attend:
- Quarterly Finance Committee meetings (typically 4 per year)
- Board of Trustee meetings (approximately quarterly)
- The Annual General Meeting
In addition, the Treasurer should be available to provide ad hoc support, advice, or input on financial matters between meetings where required.
The Treasurer is not expected to be involved in the day-to-day financial management of the organisation, which is led by the Business Services Manager. Instead, the focus of the role is on strategic oversight, governance, and strengthening the Board’s financial confidence and effectiveness.
This is a rewarding opportunity to use your financial expertise to support a well-established organisation delivering vital services within the community, ensuring strong financial stewardship and enabling Women’s Aid Luton to continue making a meaningful impact.
Please note: due to the sensitive nature of our work, this role is open to women only under the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1).
Our ideal candidate
We are looking for a passionate and motivated finance professional who wants to use their skills to make a meaningful difference. As Treasurer of Women’s Aid Luton, you will bring not only financial expertise but also a genuine commitment to supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse.
Essential Skills and Qualities
You will have strong experience in a senior finance role, with the confidence to oversee financial governance and provide strategic insight at Board level. You are comfortable interpreting financial information and helping others understand it, using your expertise to guide decisions that will shape the future of the organisation.
You may already have Board or Committee experience, or be ready to take that next step. Either way, you will understand the importance of governance and be able to balance oversight with support—offering thoughtful challenge while working collaboratively as part of a team.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills are key. You will be able to explain complex financial matters in a clear, accessible way, ensuring that all trustees feel confident engaging with financial discussions. You will also enjoy working closely with the Chief Executive and Business Services Manager, acting as a trusted advisor and “critical friend.”
We are looking for someone with integrity, sound judgement, and the confidence to speak up when needed. You will be proactive, reliable, and committed—willing to prepare for meetings, contribute effectively, and provide occasional support outside of formal settings.
Just as important is your alignment with our values. You will have a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a genuine interest in supporting an organisation that works with women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
Desirable Skills and Qualities
A recognised UK financial qualification (such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) would be beneficial, as would experience within the charity or voluntary sector. Familiarity with charity finance, including the Charities SORP, would enable you to quickly add value.
Previous experience as a Treasurer, Trustee, or Finance Committee member would be advantageous, but is not essential for the right candidate. We welcome applicants who are stepping into their first Treasurer role and are keen to develop their governance experience.
Experience of supporting organisational growth, strengthening financial systems, or contributing to income generation and sustainability strategies would also be valuable.
What’s in it for you
Becoming Treasurer of Women’s Aid Luton offers a unique opportunity to use your professional expertise to make a tangible and lasting difference to the lives of women and children affected by domestic abuse.
As a key member of the Board of Trustees, you will play a central role in shaping the organisation’s financial sustainability and strategic direction. Your input will directly contribute to ensuring that vital services—such as safe accommodation, outreach support, and advocacy—remain accessible to those who need them most. Through your oversight and guidance, you will help ensure that resources are used effectively, enabling the organisation to continue delivering life-saving support within the community.
The impact of this role extends far beyond financial governance. By strengthening the charity’s financial resilience, you will help support women and children to rebuild their lives, improve their safety, and create more positive futures. Your contribution will be instrumental in enabling the organisation to respond to increasing demand, develop new services, and strengthen partnerships across Luton and the surrounding areas.
This role also offers significant personal and professional development opportunities. You will gain valuable experience at Board level, enhancing your governance, leadership, and strategic decision-making skills. For those new to trustee roles, it provides an excellent opportunity to build confidence in a supportive environment; for more experienced candidates, it offers the chance to apply your expertise in a rewarding and purpose-driven context.
You will work alongside a committed and experienced Board and senior leadership team, providing opportunities to expand your professional network across the voluntary, public, and private sectors. The collaborative nature of the role means you will engage with a range of stakeholders, including fellow trustees, senior staff, and external partners such as auditors and funders.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to wider organisational initiatives beyond core governance. This may include supporting financial sustainability planning, contributing to funding strategies, or engaging with partnership initiatives. These experiences can further broaden your insight into the charitable sector and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Importantly, this is a role where your contribution will be recognised and valued. You will be part of an organisation that places strong emphasis on collaboration, integrity, and shared purpose, where trustees play an active and meaningful role in driving impact.
Above all, this is an opportunity to align your professional skills with a cause that matters. By joining Women’s Aid Luton as Treasurer, you will not only strengthen your own experience and network, but also help ensure that women and children experiencing domestic abuse receive the support, safety, and opportunities they deserve.
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.