External Board Trustee - Finance

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

An established organization is seeking a trustee with financial expertise to chair the Audit and Risk committee. This role requires a qualified accountant who can ensure effective governance and oversight while balancing the democratic will of the membership. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, analytical ability, and a commitment to ethical conduct in public service. With a flexible working arrangement and a commitment of attending scheduled meetings, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the student movement and make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with experience in financial management and governance.
• Ability to read and understand financial information.

Responsibilities

• Chair the Audit and Risk committee, ensuring financial oversight.
• Attend board meetings and contribute to discussions and decisions.

Skills

Financial management

Governance and oversight

Analytical ability

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Independent judgement

Understanding of business management

Education

Qualified accountant

Job description

View more categories View less categories Sector Charity and not for profit ,Community ,Education ,Board trustees Salary band Unremunerated Hours Part Time Where will they be working Flexible

We are looking for a trustee with experience and expertise in finance – this trustee will chair our Audit and Risk committee. You will be a qualified accountant with experience of financial management, governance and oversight and an understanding of financial audit best practice. Previous experience of Audit and Risk committee work is of interest but not essential. Each term lasts 3 years and trustees can serve a maximum of 2 consecutive terms. Extensions are dependent on re-election to the board.

The individual appointed as trustee will need to be sympathetic to the aims of the SU and more generally share a commitment to the broader values of the student movement; student representation, student rights and the student experience – and the importance of students having a platform to organize together to help make these values a reality.

The role requires a careful balance; trustees need to respect the democratic will of the membership where possible but also be willing to think creatively, challenge constructively and point out potential risk. The Board is comprised of Student Trustees and External Trustees and oversees the work of a team of permanent staff and Student Officers led by the Chief Executive.

An eye for detail to ensure the SU is being well governed and the ability to see future opportunities are also important.

The role is to serve on the board of trustees. Each term lasts 3 years and trustees can serve a maximum of 2 consecutive terms. Extensions are dependent on re-election to the board.

All candidates will need to be comfortable reading and understanding financial information (or be willing to learn more about this aspect of the role). They should also have the following:

• An understanding of business management.
• A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to attend board and other meetings, including preparing and reading for those meetings.
• A willingness to speak their mind and contribute.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical ability and good independent judgement.
• An understanding and acceptance of the role of a Charity’s Board of Trustees (including the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship).
• A commitment to act in accordance with the Nolan principles for ethical conduct in public service and the SU own values.

Desirable but not essential:

• Recent experience of the higher education sector or of Students’ Unions.
• Experience or knowledge of board governance.

Commitment required

Board Meetings: There are 5 scheduled meetings each year, usually held early evening and lasting 2 to 2.5 hours, with extra meetings added if required (although this is rare). Each meeting will have associated reading and preparation work. Meetings are usually conducted face-to-face, but trustees may participate remotely depending on their schedule and other commitments.

Sub-committees: All trustees will Chair or sit on our board sub-committees – the Audit & Risk and People Committees. These committees usually meet up to 4 times each year and are scheduled to fit trustee availability.

Board members will also need to be available to approve decisions electronically between meetings if required. If feasible, Board members are also encouraged to visit the SU and observe major events such as Welcome.