At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the financial strategy of a mental health charity and support its mission.
- Company: Suffolk User Forum, dedicated to empowering mental health service users.
- Benefits: Gain valuable governance experience while making a real difference in mental health services.
- Other info: Ideal for those with lived experience and a passion for mental health advocacy.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help amplify the voices of those affected by mental health issues.
- Qualifications: Bookkeeping or accountancy experience; charity finance knowledge is a plus.
Do you have a passion for mental health and wellbeing and a talent for financial oversight? Suffolk User Forum is seeking a Finance Trustee to join our board and play a vital role in supporting our long‑term financial health and sustainability.
What difference will you make? As the Finance Trustee, you will shape the organisation’s strategic direction, ensure sustainability, and uphold its mission to empower service users and promote their voices. By contributing your skills, you’ll help improve mental health services, reduce stigma, and gain valuable governance, leadership, and voluntary‑sector experience.
What are we looking for? The Finance Trustee will enhance the board’s discharge of its financial responsibilities. The post holder acts as lead trustee, assisting the board to scrutinise financial reports, supporting the board and CEO on good finance governance—including systems, controls, reporting and monitoring—and advising on reserves and investment policies.
- Essential: Book‑keeping or accountancy experience.
- Desirable: Accountancy qualification or experience of charity finance.
We value trustees with local knowledge of services under the NHS Suffolk, North East Essex Integrated Care Board, and Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.
What will you be doing? We are looking to add new voices to our board of trustees. We need people passionate about mental health, especially those with lived experience, to ensure that the voices of service users, carers, and families are at the heart of care. While we specifically need a Finance Trustee, we would love to hear from people with experience in leadership, diversity and inclusion, information governance, HR, and fundraising.
Finance Trustee for mental health charity - Volunteer in Ipswich employer: Suffolk User Forum
Suffolk User Forum is an exceptional employer for those passionate about mental health and wellbeing, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact as a Finance Trustee. Our collaborative work culture fosters inclusivity and empowers individuals to contribute their expertise while gaining invaluable governance and leadership experience in the voluntary sector. Located in Suffolk, we provide a supportive environment that values local knowledge and lived experiences, ensuring that our board reflects the diverse voices of the community we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Trustee for mental health charity - Volunteer in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health sector or those involved with charities. Attend events, join forums, and connect on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Finance Trustee role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for mental health! When you get the chance to chat with potential board members or during interviews, share your personal experiences or insights. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the cause.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your financial knowledge! Make sure you're familiar with charity finance, governance, and reporting. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're ready to take on the responsibilities of a Finance Trustee.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find opportunities that match your skills and passions. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our mission to improve mental health services.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Trustee for mental health charity - Volunteer in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your passion for mental health and wellbeing in your application. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Suffolk User Forum, so don’t hold back on sharing your personal connection to the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your financial oversight skills and any relevant qualifications. We’re looking for someone who can enhance our board’s financial responsibilities, so make it clear how your background fits this role.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Finance Trustee position. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their skills to what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the selection process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk User Forum
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially in relation to charity finance. Be prepared to discuss your experience with bookkeeping and accountancy, as well as any relevant qualifications. This will show that you’re not just passionate about mental health, but also equipped to handle the financial responsibilities of the role.
✨Understand the Organisation
Research Suffolk User Forum thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and current projects. Being able to articulate how your skills can directly support their goals will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the cause.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Mental Health
Be ready to share why mental health is important to you. Whether it’s personal experience or a professional interest, conveying your passion will resonate with the board. They want trustees who are not only skilled but also deeply invested in the mission of empowering service users.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their current financial strategies or how they measure the impact of their work. Asking questions shows that you’re engaged and thinking critically about the role and its responsibilities.
