At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of a leading pet charity and oversee its financial sustainability.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a charity dedicated to helping pets and their owners since 1897.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact, learn from experienced leaders, and receive ongoing support.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 1-2 days per month with comprehensive induction provided.
- Why this job: Use your finance expertise to create a better future for pets and their people.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in finance, audit, or governance; accountancy qualification preferred.
We are looking for an experienced finance and audit professional to join the Blue Cross Board of Trustees and help safeguard the charity’s long-term financial sustainability.
You will bring strategic financial insight, sound judgement and constructive challenge to Board discussions.
Your expertise will help the Board understand and scrutinise financial information, oversee risk and assurance, and maintain strong standards of financial governance and accountability.
We are particularly interested in hearing from people with senior-level experience in areas such as finance or accounting leadership, audit, risk and assurance, financial controls, budgeting and financial planning, regulatory compliance or Audit and Risk Committee leadership.
A recognised accountancy qualification or equivalent professional expertise would be expected.
Alongside your specialist contribution, you will share the responsibilities of all Blue Cross Trustees.
This includes helping to set our strategic direction, overseeing organisational performance and ensuring we use our resources effectively to achieve the greatest possible impact.
You do not need previous Trustee experience.
A comprehensive induction and ongoing support will be provided.
We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to creating a better future for pets and the people who love them and can make complex financial information accessible to others.
Please see the attached candidate information pack for full details of the opportunity, the experience we are seeking and the recruitment process.
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide a supporting statement of no more than 1,000 words.
- More about this role
- Volunteer role
- Trustee
- Volunteer manager
- Chairman
- Where you will be based
- Home
- Why we want you
Blue Cross has been helping pets and the people who love them since 1897.
Our Trustees play a vital role in ensuring we continue to make the greatest possible difference, both now and in the future.
As a Trustee, you will join our Board in providing strategic leadership and effective governance for Blue Cross.
You will help shape our future direction, ensure our resources are used responsibly and support and challenge our Chief Executive and Executive Team.
You will bring your experience, insight and independent judgement to Board discussions while working collaboratively with fellow Trustees and colleagues.
You will share our commitment to creating a better future for pets and the people who love them and will act in the best interests of Blue Cross and those we support.
We recruit Trustees with different professional backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Any specialist knowledge required for a particular Trustee vacancy will be set out in the relevant opportunity advert and candidate information pack.
Trustees are expected to prepare for and attend quarterly Board meetings, take part in relevant committee meetings and attend occasional events or visits.
The anticipated commitment is approximately one to two days per month.
- What you will be doing
- Help shape and oversee the vision, strategy and future direction of Blue Cross.
- Ensure that Blue Cross remains focused on its charitable purpose and the needs of pets and the people who love them.
- Contribute independent judgement, experience and constructive challenge to Board discussions and decisions.
- Ensure that Blue Cross is well governed and complies with its legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities.
- Oversee the charity’s financial sustainability, use of resources and management of risk.
- Appoint, support and hold the Chief Executive to account, while delegating responsibility for the day-to-day management of Blue Cross.
- Contribute your professional knowledge and experience to relevant strategic discussions.
- Participate fully in Board meetings and serve on committees or working groups where appropriate.
- Act as an ambassador for Blue Cross, representing our values and protecting our reputation.
- Maintain confidentiality and declare and manage any potential conflicts of interest.
- Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the Executive Team while making decisions collectively as a Board.
- The skills you need
- Commitment to the purpose, vision and values of Blue Cross.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to consider the long-term interests of the charity.
- The ability to understand complex information, consider different perspectives and reach balanced conclusions.
- The confidence to offer constructive challenge while remaining supportive and collaborative.
- Integrity, openness and a commitment to high standards of governance.
- An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and a commitment to helping create an inclusive organisation.
- The time and commitment needed to prepare for and participate fully in Board and committee activity.
- An understanding of the responsibilities of charity Trustees, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.
- What's in it for you
- The opportunity to help shape the future of a leading national pet charity.
- The chance to use your experience to make a meaningful difference for pets and the people who love them
- The opportunity to work alongside and learn from fellow Trustees and senior leaders with a wide range of expertise.
- A comprehensive induction and ongoing learning and development.
- Opportunities to learn more about our services and meet the people and volunteers who make our work possible.
- Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out your Trustee responsibilities.
- Disclaimer
Blue Cross holds inclusion as a core organisational value.
We positively encourage applications from eligible volunteers regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
We actively embrace our differences and know that it is our differences that make us unique.
You are very welcome at Blue Cross, without the need to hide any part of who you are.
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Strategic Finance Trustee — Audit & Governance Leader employer: The Blue Cross
The Blue Cross in Royal Leamington Spa is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where volunteers can make a meaningful impact on pet welfare. With flexible shifts and comprehensive training, this role not only allows you to contribute to a noble cause but also helps you develop valuable customer service skills within a dedicated team. Join us to be part of a rewarding experience that truly makes a difference for pets in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Finance Trustee — Audit & Governance Leader
✨Join Leadership Volunteer Networks
Get involved in local or online leadership volunteer networks! These platforms are great for connecting with like-minded individuals and can lead to roles in organisations looking for volunteers in corporate leadership. Plus, you’ll gain invaluable experience and credibility.
✨Showcase Your Skills in Local Meetups
Attend community and professional meetups focused on leadership or management. These events are perfect for networking, and you might just meet someone who’s keen to have you on board as a volunteer in corporate leadership. Don’t be shy, introduce yourself!
✨Leverage Our Volunteer Listings
Keep an eye on our website for volunteer opportunities in corporate leadership. Applying through StudySmarter can connect you to companies like The Blue Cross that value volunteer contributions and provide a platform for your skills to shine.
✨Engage with Non-Profit Organisations
Reach out to non-profits in your area that align with your interests in corporate leadership. Many of them are in constant need of volunteers, and this can be an excellent way to gain leadership experience while making a genuine impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Finance Trustee — Audit & Governance Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off Your Leadership Skills:When applying for a volunteer role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to highlight specific leadership experiences in your CV. Include any relevant projects or initiatives where you took charge, and explain how you motivated others. We want to see your flair for guiding teams and making decisions!
Demonstrate Your Passion for Volunteering:Unlike a paid job, volunteering is all about your dedication. In your cover letter, express your genuine interest in contributing to The Blue Cross’s mission. Talk about why volunteering in corporate leadership resonates with you and what value you can bring to the team. We love to see applicants who are in it for the right reasons!
Befriend the STAR Method:Utilise the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to describe your past experiences in your application. This structured approach helps us see your thought process and the impact of your actions quickly. It keeps your narrative clear and shows us your capability in real-world scenarios related to leadership.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to personalise each part of your application for The Blue Cross and the corporate leadership role. Reflect on their values and how your experiences align with them. We want to feel like you’re a perfect fit, so don’t be shy—let your personality shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Blue Cross
✨Show Your Passion for Leadership
Since you're applying for a volunteer role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to convey your genuine passion for leadership. Share examples of how you’ve inspired teams or led projects, even in a voluntary context. Let’s highlight your commitment to helping others grow!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You can expect scenario-based questions that test your leadership and managerial skills. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles or projects and ready some examples of how you handled team dynamics, conflict resolution, or decision-making under pressure. We want to show that you can adapt and lead in various situations!
✨Connect Your Values to The Blue Cross’s Mission
As a volunteer, aligning with The Blue Cross's mission is key. Before the interview, dig into their values and goals, and think about how your own values resonate with theirs. Bring these connections into the conversation to demonstrate that you’re not just looking to fill a position, but actually contribute meaningfully to their objectives.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Availability
Since this role is voluntary, be ready to discuss your availability and how you plan to manage your time between your current commitments and your potential responsibilities at The Blue Cross. Highlighting your readiness to engage in their initiatives will show that you’re serious about making a difference!
