At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Board to oversee financial strategies and support impactful initiatives for children.
- Company: SOS Children’s Villages UK, a charity focused on children's rights and welfare.
- Benefits: Make a difference in children's lives while gaining valuable board experience.
- Other info: Remote role with occasional in-person meetings; commitment of 8-10 days per year.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative moment as the charity re-launches in 2026.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with charity finance experience or willingness to learn.
Join the Board of SOS Children’s Villages UK as a Finance Trustee.
Location: remote with occasional in-person commitments.
Time commitment: 8-10 days per annum (quarterly board meetings).
Remuneration: voluntary.
SOS Children’s Villages UK is seeking passionate, strategic and collaborative individuals to join its Board of Trustees at one of the most important moments in the Charity’s history. In December 2025, the Board made the pivotal decision for the Charity to leave the SOS Children’s Villages Federation after more than 50 years. In autumn 2026, the organisation will re-launch under a new name and logo, while continuing to work with many existing partners and building new ways to increase its impact.
The Charity’s core belief remains unchanged: all children have the right to feel loved, safe and supported. It focuses on children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, through family strengthening, quality alternative care, youth employability and education, emergency support, advocacy and research.
We’re seeking a fully qualified accountant with:
- Experience in charity finance (international NGO experience is a plus) or capacity to develop the necessary knowledge and understanding.
- Strategic insight into financial performance and risk.
- The ability to contribute to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
Why Join Us?
- Join a charity at a defining moment as it becomes fully independent and prepares for a public re-launch in autumn 2026.
- Help increase influence and impact for children without parental care, or at risk of losing it.
- Support locally led interventions, youth participation, child safeguarding, income growth and a strong values-led culture.
- Work with a collaborative Board and executive team that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives and lived experience.
- Contribute to stronger systems, advocacy and partnerships so more children can grow up with love, respect and security.
About you:
- We are looking for those with strong empathy for the mission, strategic insight, sound judgement and a collaborative spirit.
- Board experience is helpful but not essential: first-time trustees will be considered.
- SOS Children’s Villages UK particularly welcomes applications from individuals with direct experience of the UK or other care systems, as a child or adult.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Ability to build and sustain relationships with stakeholders and colleagues.
- Good independent judgement, strategic vision and willingness to speak your mind respectfully.
- Understanding, or willingness to learn, the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.
Recruitment timeline:
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold the organisations commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, they will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair/Executive team. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Thursday 27th August 6-7pm and we will send you a link.
Application deadline: 5pm Friday 11th September.
How to apply:
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Finance Trustee in London employer: Charity People
Maudsley Charity is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises mental health advocacy and community impact. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful initiatives that shape mental health care across the UK. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, and the collaborative culture fosters innovation and engagement with key stakeholders in the sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Trustee in London
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Trustee in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Charity People, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Charity People.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Charity People and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
