Honorary Treasurer (Trustee)

Who We Are

Westmill Sustainable Energy Trust (WeSET) is a registered charity established by members of the Westmill Wind Farm and Solar Co-operatives. The charity's activities are delivered by a team of knowledgeable trustees, officers, and volunteers.

What We Do

WeSET promotes sustainable energy deployment via various streams, primarily through guiding visitors on tours of the Westmill Wind Farm and Solar Park and delivering learning opportunities through education to encourage sustainable energy adoption. This core focus of supporting local energy conservation is mainly delivered within a 25-mile radius of Westmill.

Job Description

The Honorary Treasurer is a Trustee and will oversee the financial matters of the charity in line with good practice and in accordance with our governing document and legal requirements and will report to the board of trustees at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The Honorary Treasurer will also ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and are appropriate for the charity.

The Honorary Treasurer is a Trustee and the following responsibilities and duties are in addition to the responsibilities and duties of all trustees.

Main Responsibilities

• To oversee, and present budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements to the board of trustees.
• To ensure that proper accounts and records are kept, ensuring financial resources are spent and invested in line with the charity’s policies, good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.
• To be instrumental in the development and implementation of financial, reserves and investment policies.

Main Duties

• Creating sound financial instruments for the control of the charity's assets.
• Implementing and monitoring financial controls and systems.
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
• Acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques (including any electronic transactions) and any applications for funds.
• Maintaining sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objectives.
• Liaising with the charity’s auditors or independent examiner, where appropriate.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity after liaising with the charity’s auditors.
• Managing the charity's bank account.
• Preparing and presenting an annual budget and regular monitoring reports.
• To oversee the preparation of annual statement of accounts suitable for submission to the Charity Commission.

Responsibilities and duties of all trustees

All WeSET trustees are responsible for:

• Securing the long term direction of the charity – promoting our objects and purposes
• Ensuring we have policies and activities to achieve our purpose
• Ensuring we operate legally, responsibly and effectively

A WeSET trustee needs ensure that the charity is clear about its vision and strategy and that its trustees manage the following, knowing who is responsible for what (list is not exhaustive):

1. Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements:
   1. Filing returns to Charity Commission
   2. Health and safety
   3. Insurance
2. Financial authorisation levels and processes
3. Managing our contracts for the delivery of our education work
4. Managing our contract for arranging visits to Westmill and for recruiting and supporting volunteers
5. Safeguarding
6. Managing website, IT and communications
7. Arranging and minuting trustee meetings
8. Managing risk