Treasurer for a Music Therapy Charity - Volunteer

We are looking for a new trustee with financial expertise to take on the role of treasurer for our Music Therapy charity. We have recently undergone considerable renewal of our board and although dynamic and well-run we would benefit from a trustee to fulfil this specific role.

What difference will you make? Having a Treasurer in post will help enable the charity to progress a range of expansion activities for which improved financial rigour, transparency and awareness will be essential. We are currently a relatively small organisation and so there is an opportunity here to make a huge impact through supporting an increase in services across the borough.

You will also be joining an energetic and committed team of trustees who are actively engaged in deepening their understanding of music therapy and the long standing role of our charity in this area. Music Therapy sessions provide help for many children, young people and families across the borough experiencing a range of different conditions and life challenges. For example, the social isolation and impact felt by some families as they begin their journey of nurturing their child with Autism may be profound. Our Music Therapy family group sessions are often experienced as one of the most inclusive, supportive spaces in what may be a tiring and challenging week.

Our Director is also focussed on research that is highlighting the positive role of Music Therapy for children with a condition known as Selective Mutism. This anxiety condition presents in some children when they first begin school whereby they speak confidently at home but are silent at school. Music Therapy helps to ease the anxiety and offers an accessible and often fun path into speech through musical self-expression and musical conversations.

What are we looking for? We are looking for a person with a strong track record in financial management and record keeping along with the ability to engage well with the team of trustees. Although the financial expertise is essential we also need someone who has good communication skills and who appreciates that all members of the board are giving up their free time and have different types of valuable skills and resources to offer. As part of this role you will support the board of trustees through engaging in discussions about the general management of the charity. There will also be additional tasks such as reviewing policies and procedures that are helpful to the team. Our charity provides music therapy to a diverse community and so cultural humility and awareness are essential and we warmly encourage applications from people with global majority backgrounds. Life and work experience of all kinds are highly valued but we also appreciate younger energy and contemporary perspectives.

What will you be doing? Our current board of trustees includes a Chair, Secretary, Communications Officer, Fundraising Officer, Safeguarding Officer and a general trustee. The treasurer will have a key role on the committee and need to liaise regularly with the Director and Chair of MTL to discuss and then prepare the accounts for trustee meetings, reporting on any significant items, financial challenges or financial management issues. They would also help prepare the accounts for the annual independent examination. After sustaining our service through the Covid-19 pandemic and recent renewal of the board of trustees, we are currently pursuing an ambitious expansion strategy, with the main aim of supporting more children, young people and families in schools and colleges throughout the borough of Lambeth. In addition, we are hoping to support the local adult population through developing new collaborative, community projects that target those that may be isolated or experiencing specific health challenges.