At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of a community charity with your financial expertise.
- Company: Voluntary Action North Somerset, a vital community-focused charity.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses covered and flexible time commitment.
- Other info: Join a diverse board and enhance your governance skills.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community resilience and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Accountancy qualification and strong financial management experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Could you use your financial expertise to help shape the future of a community-focused charity, at a pivotal moment of change? Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is an established infrastructure charity supporting, connecting and championing voluntary and community organisations across North Somerset and beyond. With a strong local reputation and a clear ambition for the future, VANS plays a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing organisations together, amplifying collective voice, and enabling others to deliver impact.
We’re looking for a new Finance Trustee to help ensure the charity remains financially resilient, sustainable and well-positioned for long-term growth.
Location: Based in North Somerset, working across the South West and beyond
Remuneration: Voluntary, with expenses covered
Time commitment: Approximately 1–2 days per month. Currently, 4 Board meetings and 2 Development Days per annum, 4 Finance Committee meetings, plus occasional ad-hoc meetings, preparation and support around budgeting, annual accounts and financial planning.
About the opportunity
You'll join a committed Board and work alongside the Chief Executive, Finance Committee and external finance support to help oversee the charity's financial health and sustainability. As Lead Finance Trustee, you'll also chair the Finance Committee, helping to ensure robust financial oversight, effective governance and informed decision-making.
You will play a key role in:
- Providing strategic financial oversight and assurance to the Board
- Supporting long-term financial sustainability and organisational resilience
- Chairing the Finance Committee and strengthening financial governance
- Ensuring financial information is accessible for non-financial trustees
- Supporting budgeting, forecasting, reserve management, risk oversight
About you
We're open to different backgrounds and pathways into this role. You may already be a Finance Trustee, Treasurer or Finance Committee Chair, or you may be a senior finance professional looking to take on your first board-level governance role. What matters most is your ability to provide relevant strategic financial leadership and support effective decision-making.
We're particularly interested in people who can:
- Bring a recognised accountancy qualification and strong financial management experience
- Interpret financial information and translate it clearly for non-financial audiences
- Support strategic thinking around growth, sustainability and income diversification
- Balance scrutiny and challenge in a collaborative and supportive way
- Operate confidently at both a strategic and governance level
Previous charity trustee experience would be welcome, but is not essential. Experience of charity finance, accounting regulations and SORP is also highly valuable.
How to apply
A CV or short profile is a great first step. We'd also welcome an informal conversation if you'd prefer to ask some questions first. Amelia Lee at Charity People is leading this search.
Deadline: Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis. If you feel this approach disadvantages you in any way, please get in touch with Amelia, who will ensure you are given full and fair consideration and do not miss out.
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, including 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 greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Finance Trustee in Weston-super-Mare 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 Weston-super-Mare
✨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 Weston-super-Mare
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!
