At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial oversight and support SEND families in Wigan.
- Company: A dedicated charity focused on supporting families with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, make a real difference, and join a supportive team.
- Other info: Hybrid role; welcoming applications from parent carers with lived experience.
- Why this job: Your expertise can empower informed decisions that impact local families positively.
- Qualifications: Solid finance or accounting background; ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We're strengthening our board and need a finance trustee to lead our financial oversight. If you have a head for numbers and want to help protect an organisation that supports SEND families across Wigan, we'd love to hear from you.
What difference will you make? Without sound financial oversight, even the best-run organisation is exposed. Right now, the board manages its financial responsibilities carefully, but without a trustee who can lead confidently in this space. Your involvement changes that. You’ll give the board the financial literacy and confidence it needs to make well-informed decisions about spending, reserves, risk and longer‑term sustainability. You’ll ensure our accounts are properly overseen and that our financial controls are appropriate for an organisation of our size and complexity.
What are we looking for? We need someone who genuinely cares about what we do for the SEND families in Wigan, and who brings that commitment to the table alongside their professional skills. You don’t need personal experience of the SEND system, but you do need to understand why the forum’s work matters and take your role in safeguarding it seriously. Professionally, we’re looking for someone with a solid background in finance or accounting. You’ll be confident in reading and presenting financial statements, comfortable with concepts such as reserves, risk and cash flow, and able to lead the board’s thinking on our financial position. Ideally, you’ll have some familiarity with charity accounting, though we would consider someone keen to get up to speed quickly if they’re strong in every other respect.
Just as important as your technical knowledge is how you communicate it. Our board includes people from a range of backgrounds, and not everyone is financially fluent. We need a finance trustee who can explain things clearly to non-specialists and help the whole board feel genuinely informed, not just the people who already understand the numbers. We’re looking for someone who is rigorous without being inflexible and who understands that financial governance in a small charity is as much about judgment as it is about process. The questions we face aren’t always straightforward, and we need someone who can hold complexity and still help us make clear decisions.
If you have experience in the voluntary or community sector, that’s a definite advantage. Experience of supporting an organisation through a period of change or growth would also be particularly valuable. No previous trustee experience is needed. We’ll provide a full induction and make sure you feel supported from day one. We’re a small, collaborative board that takes governance seriously and genuinely values what each trustee brings.
This role is hybrid. We would particularly welcome applications from parent carers — people with lived experience of navigating the SEND system with their child or young person. It isn’t a requirement, but it matters to us that our board reflects the community we serve and that perspectives are genuinely valued around our table.
Trustee – Finance - Volunteer employer: Wigan Parent Carer Forum
Wigan Parent Carer Forum is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the SEND community. As a trustee, you'll join a dedicated team that values collaboration and inclusivity, providing you with opportunities to influence strategic communications while supporting families who face real challenges. With a commitment to professional growth and a welcoming environment, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to a vital cause while developing your governance skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee – Finance - Volunteer
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee – Finance - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Wigan Parent Carer Forum, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Wigan Parent Carer Forum.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wigan Parent Carer Forum
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Wigan Parent Carer Forum and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
