We’re recruiting for a Risk and Accountancy Trustee (voluntary)
The Foundation for Future London is seeking a new Trustee to join the Board, with professional experience in finance, accountancy and risk management. As part of their governance responsibilities, they will be an active member of the Finance, Audit & Risk (FA&R) Committee of the Board. They will work closely with colleagues, in particular the Co-Chairs of FA&R, Head of Finance and Director of Development & Fundraising, alongside the CEO, to provide oversight of the charity’s funds and risk management, helping to secure the organisation’s long-term financial sustainability.
The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee is an advisory committee that reviews and discusses risk, resilience, and other related matters, reporting quarterly to the full Board of Trustees.
This role is designed to provide an external perspective to help improve risk management, business continuity and organisational resilience across the charity.
The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the requirements of charity governance and risk management and have a recognised qualification in accountancy, preferably with charity financial governance.
We are also seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual who wants to play a role with an East London charity that has a vision to transform and empower East London communities to become resilient and thriving, thereby developing prosperous, sustainably creative, and socially vibrant economies.
We especially welcome applications from people from marginalised communities, including Black, Asian and ethnically diverse, disabled, working-class, LGBTQ+ and people with lived experiences.
If you are interested in an informal, confidential conversation about the role, we would be delighted to have a conversation.
Photo credit: Anne-Marie Michel
The Role of the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring the good governance of the charity, ensuring that FFL makes the most effective use of its resources and sets a strategic direction that meets its charitable objectives. Whilst the operational management sits with the CEO, trustees are legally responsible for the charity’s financial stewardship, accountability and compliance. Therefore, the finance and risk trustee will also act as a director of a company limited by guarantee and its small trading subsidiary limited company, whose activities are governed by both Charity and Company regulations.
Role Description
As a member of the Finance, Audit and Risk (FA&R) Committee, you will be expected to provide FFL with scrutiny and oversight, with particular focus on risk within audit & finance. You will support the Co-Chairs of the FA&R and The Foundation’s Co-Chairs and wider Board to oversee all the financial and audit-related risks of the charity in line with good practice, and legal obligations of the Charities Act, providing the wider board with advice, recommendations and reassurances that all financial processes and related risk controls are operating effectively. The Finance & Risk Trustee will ensure that effective risks for financial sustainability, measures, controls and procedures are put in place and operate effectively. You will be expected to be an active board member and may also be asked to use your skill set, interests and wider stakeholder contacts for other duties such as networking, fundraising and charity promotion/ambassadorial commitments.
- To support the Co-Chairs and wider Board to oversee and to ensure appropriate oversight and presentation of budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements, treasury/cash and reserve management and all related risks and control processes
- Be an active Trustee for the Finance, Audit and Risk committee, which happens four times in a calendar year.
- To work closely with the CEO, Head of Finance and Director of Business Development & Fundraising to ensure appropriate presentation of accounts, risks (and controls) and records, ensuring that compliant financial stewardship is maintained to the highest standards.
Main Responsibilities
- To support the Co-Chairs and wider Board to oversee and to ensure appropriate oversight and presentation of budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements, treasury/cash and reserve management and all related risks and control processes
- Be an active Trustee for the Finance, Audit and Risk committee, which happens four times in a calendar year.
- To work closely with the CEO, Head of Finance and Director of Business Development & Fundraising to ensure appropriate presentation of accounts, risks (and controls) and records, ensuring that compliant financial stewardship is maintained to the highest standards.
In addition to the general responsibilities and duties outlined above, alongside the Co-Chair of the Finance, Audit & Risk committee, time will be spent:
- Liaising, where applicable, with the CEO and/or Head of Finance and supporting on organisational risk management and controls for financial matters.
- Supporting the Board to monitor FFL’s financial sustainability and viability (and its subsidiary Future London Enterprises)
- Alongside the CEO/ Head of Finance advising on the financial implications of FFL’s Strategic Plan in terms of defining and setting financial KPIs, as well as monitoring them against agreed targets.
- Reviewing the annual accounts and, where applicable, liaising with FFL’s external auditors to ensure statutory and regulatory compliance.
- Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained and that expenditure is in line with FFL’s charitable objectives.
- Leading on the appointment and liaising with the auditors.
Personal Specification
- Qualified accountant (CCAB recognised body)
- Experience in risk management in a professional environment
- Knowledge and understanding of current charity finance regulation and good practice under the Charities Act.
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.
- Ability to scan and analyse the financial environment, set and prioritise objectives.
- Ability to make own views and judgment known and contribute to decision-making in a group environment in line with strategic objectives.
- Effective communication: active and objective communication.
- Capability to convey ideas, information and opinions clearly.
- Supportive of FA&R Co-Chairs, FFL Co-Chairs, fellow board Trustees and the CEO.
- Provide technical advice to the Head of Finance when necessary.
- Ability to challenge the views of other professionally.
- Strong communication skills with ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Time Commitment
You will be required to attend and chair quarterly Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meetings, which are mainly held virtually. This involves ensuring that agendas and papers are prepared in a timely manner and to a high standard. To attend quarterly Board of Trustee meetings and to assist with reporting back on FA&R minutes and decisions. You may also be required to attend a limited number of additional meetings or events. On average, it is expected that this role will require up to two days per month, with a close working relationship with the Co-Chairs of FA&R, the CEO, the Head of Finance and the Director of Development & Fundraising.
Expenses
The position is unpaid; however, travel expenses may be reimbursed.
How to Apply
To apply, please email your CV and cover letter stating why you are interested in the role and what you would bring to our organisation to Sarah Nelson, CEO, Foundation for Future London at sarahnelson@future.london.
Applicants are welcome to get in touch if they have any questions or for support with any access support needs. Please contact sarahnelson@future.london.