At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial oversight and strategic decision-making for a charity supporting prisoners and their families.
- Company: Pact, a respected Catholic charity making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses reimbursed and flexible hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to influence the future of a vital charity.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and use your finance skills to create positive change.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance experience; charity sector knowledge is a plus.
Pact (Prison Advice and Care Trust) is seeking a values-driven finance leader to join our Board of Trustees and chair our Financial, Risk and Audit Committee (FRAC), succeeding our highly respected outgoing Chair who retires this Autumn.
About Pact
Pact is a successful, growing and highly regarded Catholic charity whose mission is to support prisoners, people with convictions and their families to make a fresh start. We operate in some of the most complex and high-risk environments in the voluntary sector, delivering critical front-line services across prisons, probation services, courts and communities, while managing public-sector contracts with the Ministry of Justice and NHS alongside philanthropic grants and donations.
About the role
As FRAC Chair, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Board to make confident strategic financial decisions, steward resources responsibly and respond effectively to a changing commissioning landscape. Working closely with the CEO, Deputy CEO and Director of Finance & IT, you will lead Committee oversight across:
- External audit
- Financial risk management
- Internal scrutiny and control
- Statutory, tax and Charity Commission compliance
- Treasury and investment strategy
Alongside this, you will share collective responsibility with fellow Trustees for the strategic direction, governance and integrity of the charity.
About you
You are a qualified accountant with senior-level experience in finance, audit, risk or governance (for example, as a CFO, Finance Director, Finance Partner, Audit Partner or senior risk leader). You bring a strong grasp of financial management, internal control and risk, the ability to interpret complex financial information and challenge constructively, and the interpersonal skills to build positive relationships across the Board and Executive. Experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector, knowledge of Charities SORP (FRS 102), and previous Trustee or non-executive experience would be highly welcome but are not essential. While this role is open to people of all faiths and none, as a Catholic charity Pact seeks Trustees whose personal values are aligned with our ethos, including our commitment to ethical investment.
Practicalities
- Term: 3 or 4 years by mutual agreement, renewable up to a maximum of 10 years
- Voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed
- Approximately 45 hours per annum, plus reading and keep-in-touch time
- Board meetings are held near Liverpool Street, London, with hybrid attendance permitted
For an informal, confidential chat with the CEO, please email Anna Smith at. Please click apply to submit your CV and cover letter.
Trustee and Chair of the Financial, Risk and Audit Committee in London employer: Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact)
Pact is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change within the community. As a values-driven charity, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture, providing our Trustees with the chance to engage in impactful decision-making while supporting personal and professional growth. Located in London, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring that you can balance your commitment to our mission with your personal life.
Contact Details:
Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee and Chair of the Financial, Risk and Audit Committee in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former trustees. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, let your enthusiasm for Pact’s mission shine through. Share why you care about supporting prisoners and their families, and how your values align with theirs. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on Pact and the challenges they face in the financial landscape. Be ready to discuss how your experience can help them navigate these issues. Think of specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills in finance and governance.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee and Chair of the Financial, Risk and Audit Committee in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in finance, audit, and risk management. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of FRAC Chair, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re passionate about our mission at Pact. Share your values and how they align with ours, and give us a glimpse of your leadership style and vision for the role.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:As a Trustee, building relationships is key! Highlight any experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others or led teams. We’re looking for someone who can engage positively with both the Board and Executive.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest info about the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact)
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Trustee and Chair of the Financial, Risk and Audit Committee, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of financial management principles. Brush up on key financial metrics and be prepared to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. This will show your confidence and capability in steering financial decisions.
✨Understand Pact's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Pact's mission and values. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding ethical investment and support for vulnerable populations. Being able to articulate this connection during the interview will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in financial risk management and governance. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex financial challenges or improved internal controls. This will help you showcase your strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
✨Build Rapport with the Board
Interpersonal skills are key for this role. During the interview, aim to build rapport with the interviewers by engaging in meaningful conversation. Show your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, as these skills will be essential when working closely with the CEO and other Trustees.
