We are seeking a new Treasurer to join our Board and play a key role in supporting the charity's future success. This is an exciting opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
The Treasurer provides strategic oversight of the charity's financial management to ensure stability, strong governance, and effective financial planning. They review budgets, management accounts, and annual statements; ensure accurate records, robust financial controls, and up-to-date policies; and monitor financial health, risk, and compliance with statutory requirements.
They work closely with the Finance Manager, who handles day-to-day financial operations, while the Treasurer focuses on governance, audit liaison, investment oversight, reserves and cost management, and advising the Board on financial implications of strategy and growth. The role also includes ensuring the Board understands its financial responsibilities and strengthening its financial awareness.
Time commitment
Trustees attend monthly hybrid Board meetings held 6-8pm, with preparation required in advance. The Treasurer also oversees approval of the annual report and accounts. Occasional additional input outside meetings, such as providing expertise or advice, may be requested.
Altogether, the expected time commitment for the Treasurer role is 6-8 hours a month including attendance at Board meetings.
The Shelter MK is seeking a finance professional with experience in financial management or accountancy, ideally with experience leading or working within a finance team. While charity finance experience and a formal accountancy qualification would be advantageous, they are not essential; candidates with strong commercial or SME experience and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker who can assess risks and opportunities, communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences, and contribute actively to budgeting, forecasting, and audit processes. The role requires a collaborative approach and a commitment to shared decision-making within the team and Board.
At The Shelter MK, we believe everyone deserves a place to call home, even when life takes an unexpected turn. We go out of our way to be that safe space for people experiencing homelessness in Milton Keynes, and their beloved dogs.
The Shelter MK is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create a respectful and empowering environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences strengthen its work and impact. It seeks to ensure broad representation across its Trustee Board, including people of colour, young people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of socio-economic inequality.
We particularly welcome applicants who share this commitment and are passionate about advancing inclusion. The recruitment process is designed to be fair and accessible, with reasonable adjustments available to support full participation.
What difference will you make?
The Shelter MK supports people experiencing homelessness across Milton Keynes by providing accommodation, personalised support, and ongoing tenancy assistance. In 2024/25, it helped 45 people avoid sleeping rough and supported 239 individuals through its helpline with advice, referrals, and guidance, despite growing demand and increasingly complex cases.
Operating 21 bedrooms across four locations, the charity successfully helped many guests move into private rented or social housing, reducing average lengths of stay. As a small charity, it places significant value on its Board of Trustees. Becoming our new Treasurer offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, contribute to the charity's governance and strategic direction, develop professional skills, enhance career experience, and collaborate with a dedicated team.
