Treasurer and Board Member

The Treasurer maintains an overview of Neighbourhood Watch Network’s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

The Finance Manager is responsible for the preparation of all Management Financial Reports and Accounts. In addition, the Finance Manager is responsible for updating financial policies and procedures, payroll, expenses, etc. The Treasurer’s role is to support and take an overview of the work of the Finance Manager. The Treasurer does not manage the Finance Manager, who is managed by the CEO.

Treasurer role

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept by the Finance Manager, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Ensuring with the Finance Manager that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves and cost management.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
• Overseeing with the Finance Manager financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with the Finance Manager and the Chief Executive.
• Advising with the Finance Manager on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.
• Supporting the Finance Manager in ensuring investments and assets are maximized.
• Supporting the Finance Manager on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies like the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Finance Manager to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

What we are looking for

• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise, an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists.
• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors.

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on Neighbourhood Watch Network’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee Neighbourhood Watch Network’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Neighbourhood Watch Network’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to Neighbourhood Watch Network’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in Neighbourhood Watch Network’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Neighbourhood Watch Network’s own governance.
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Neighbourhood Watch Network’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Neighbourhood Watch Network’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Attributes and qualities

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values (charity values).
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of office

• Trustee Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer) are appointed for a one-year term of office, renewable each year. One third of the trustee group stand down at each AGM but can request renewal each year.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment

• Estimated at 6-10 hours per month.
• Attending four Board meetings annually. Currently, meetings are split between in-person meetings in London and online meetings.
• Chairing four Finance and Audit Committee meetings online annually.
• Attending two to three other meetings annually; AGM, Strategy Review, etc.

Eligibility

As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation we can accept people as trustees who are aged 16 or over. You must not have been disqualified as a company director or removed from a position as a charity trustee, have an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud) or be an undischarged bankrupt.

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