At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee financial health and sustainability of a charity promoting local journalism.
- Company: Join the Public Interest News Foundation, the UK's first charity for high-quality journalism.
- Benefits: Make a real impact in your community while gaining governance experience.
- Other info: Voluntary role with flexible time commitment and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to regenerate local news and combat disinformation.
- Qualifications: Strong financial skills and a passion for journalism are essential.
About PINF
The Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) is the UK’s first charity to promote high-quality journalism.
Last year, we launched an ambitious ten-year mission to regenerate local news in the UK.
We believe that local news is a vital part of the fabric of local communities, drawing people together around shared facts and pride in place at a time of disinformation and division.
We are pursuing our mission by (1) sourcing new funds for local news; (2) advocating for supportive government policies; and (3) celebrating local news providers from the UK and around the world that are Accountable, Sustainable, in the Public interest, Innovative, Representative and Engaging (ASPIRE).
Over the last year, we have successfully encouraged the UK Government to launch an unprecedented new £12m Local News Fund.
We have also built support for our mission from US and UK donors.
And we have launched initiatives such as the Tenacious Journalist Awards, to recognise and support independent news providers who are having a significant social impact.
We have a small and highly professional staff team and a dedicated board of trustees with skills in governance, leadership, HR, public policy and the news media.
We are now looking to recruit a trustee with financial skills to serve as our Treasurer.
Responsibilities of the Treasurer
- Work with fellow trustees and the executive team to maintain effective financial oversight of PINF and support the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
- Help the Board to understand the charity’s financial position, including income, expenditure, cash flow, reserves and financial risks.
- Review budgets, management accounts and year-end accounts, and provide constructive challenge and assurance to the Board.
- Support the development of annual budgets and longer-term financial planning in line with PINF’s strategy and charitable purpose.
- Ensure that appropriate financial controls, policies and reporting processes are in place and regularly reviewed.
- Monitor compliance with relevant legal, accounting and regulatory requirements, including charity reporting obligations.
- Support the Board in overseeing reserves, restricted funds and risk management, and in safeguarding the charity’s assets.
- Liaise, where appropriate, with auditors or independent examiners and help ensure the Board can approve accounts with confidence.
- Serve as a trustee of the charity, sharing collective responsibility for governance, strategy, risk and organisational performance.
Essential skills and experience
- Strong financial literacy and the ability to interpret accounts, budgets and financial reports.
- Professional experience in finance, accountancy, audit, investment, banking or a related field.
- Sound judgement and the confidence to provide appropriate scrutiny, challenge and support on financial matters.
- Understanding of good governance and risk management, and a willingness to uphold the legal duties of charity trustees.
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.
- Commitment to PINF’s mission to promote high-quality journalism and regenerate local news in the UK.
- Willingness to contribute actively to Board discussions and work collaboratively with fellow trustees and staff.
Desirable skills and experience
- Previous experience as a trustee, treasurer or non-executive board member.
- Knowledge of charity finance, charity accounting requirements and the regulatory environment for charities in England and Wales.
- Experience of supporting organisations through growth, organisational change or strategic development.
- Familiarity with fundraising, grant funding, restricted income and financial sustainability in the not-for-profit sector.
- An interest in journalism, the public interest, media policy or the future of local news.
- Time commitment
The Treasurer role is voluntary.
We expect that the Treasurer will attend quarterly Board meetings, of which two are held in person in London and two are held online, review papers in advance, and offer occasional additional support on financial matters between meetings.
The precise time commitment will vary across the year, but applicants should be able to make sufficient time for proper preparation and active participation in the governance of the charity.
We anticipate a total time commitment of six days across the year.
How to apply
Please submit a short covering letter setting out your interest in the role and your relevant experience, together with a CV, to contact@publicinterestnews. org. uk.
Please also get in touch if you would like to have a discussion with us before finalising your application.
We particularly welcome applications from people whose backgrounds and perspectives are under-represented on charity boards and in the news sector.
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Business & Human Rights Resource Centre Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Financial Trustee for Local News
✨Connect with Local Charities
Reach out to local charities or non-profits that deal with financial literacy or economic empowerment. Many of these organisations look for volunteers with a banking background, and it’s a great way to get hands-on experience while giving back to your community.
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Keep an eye out for financial seminars, workshops, or meetups in your area. These events often welcome volunteers and are a fantastic way to network with industry professionals. Plus, you might just learn something new while you’re at it!
✨Leverage School Resources
If you're still studying, tap into your university's career services. They often have partnerships with banks and financial institutions for volunteer opportunities, and can guide you to volunteer roles that complement your studies.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When you’re volunteering, treat it like a mini-internship! Network with those in the industry, ask questions, and highlight your volunteer experience on platforms like LinkedIn. This not only enhances your profile but shows potential employers that you’re proactive and committed. And don’t forget: check out our website and apply directly for any volunteer roles that pop up at Business & Human Rights Resource Centre!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Financial Trustee for Local News
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Finance!:When applying for a volunteer role in banking and financial services, it’s key to express your enthusiasm for the industry in your cover letter. Highlight any relevant coursework, personal projects, or community involvement that showcases your interest and dedication to finance.
Quantify Your Experience:Even if you don’t have formal work experience, think about any finance-related activities you've participated in. Use concrete figures or examples of your successes, like organising a fundraising event or managing a budget for a school project. This is a great way to demonstrate your financial skills.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Make sure to tailor your CV for the banking sector. Include any relevant courses, finance competitions, or certifications you’ve completed. Emphasise skills like analytical thinking and attention to detail, which are super important in this field.
Keep It Short and Sweet:Volunteering roles generally receive a lot of applications, so keep your application concise. Highlight your most relevant experiences and motivations in a clear manner. If you’re applying through our website, follow the instructions carefully to make sure you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Given that you're looking at a role in banking and financial services, it's super important to have a solid understanding of the key regulations and compliance issues in the industry. Make sure you’re familiar with terms like AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) as they often come up in volunteer positions.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm and Eagerness to Learn
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll be keen on your motivation. Be ready to convey your passion for finance and how you’re eager to learn from experienced professionals at Business & Human Rights Resource Centre. Share any relevant projects or coursework that demonstrate your initiative in this field.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some practical questions where they'll assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They might present you with a hypothetical situation regarding customer financial issues and ask how you'd handle it – be ready to think on your feet!
✨Bring Evidence of Your Skills
Even though it's a volunteer position, don’t shy away from discussing any relevant experience that showcases your financial acumen, like coursework, projects, or even certifications. Prepare a brief portfolio to illustrate your competencies and how you can contribute to Business & Human Rights Resource Centre.
