Finance & Governance Trustee - Culture & Heritage

Main Responsibilities

• As part of the Board, and in line with the duties of charity trustees, you will contribute to setting the charity’s strategic direction and ensuring its resources are used to further its charitable purposes.
• Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and relevant guidance from the Charity Commission Act in the best interests of the charity, exercising reasonable care and skill, and working collaboratively with fellow Trustees.
• With a particular focus on finance, risk, audit and governance, you will also support the Board in overseeing the charity’s financial position, including budgets, forecasts, reserves and financial reporting.
• Provide scrutiny and constructive challenge on financial planning, performance and controls.
• Ensure appropriate systems are in place for financial management, internal control and audit.
• Support the identification, assessment and management of risks, and provide assurance that these are properly monitored and recorded.
• Promote high standards of governance, transparency and accountability across the organisation.
• Support compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and advise on Trustees’ duties and responsibilities where appropriate.
• Contribute to the development and review of key policies and governance frameworks, including conflicts of interest and Board procedures.
• Support effective Board functioning, including decision-making, documentation and overall effectiveness.
• Contribute to Trustee recruitment, induction and ongoing development, helping to maintain an appropriate balance of skills and experience on the Board.

Person Specification

• Relevant senior-level experience in finance, audit, risk, governance or compliance at a CFO or Finance Director level.
• An understanding of charity governance and regulation, or a willingness to develop this knowledge quickly.
• The ability to analyse information, ask constructive questions and exercise sound, independent judgement.
• An understanding of financial management, risk and internal controls.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a Board.
• Integrity, good judgement and a commitment to acting in the best interests of the charity.
• A commitment to the Trust’s mission and an interest in arts, culture and heritage in County Durham.

The following would also be helpful, but are not essential:

• Experience of working with Local Authorities or within a public sector context.
• Previous experience as a Trustee or non-executive.

Term of office

Trustees are appointed for a term of office of up to four years, in line with the Trust’s constitution.