Finance Trustee

The Women’s Fund for Nature is looking for a Finance Trustee to join its expanding Board of Trustees.

The Women’s Fund for Nature (www.womensfundfornature.org) is an exciting new initiative that invites women to come together, pool their resources, and support (through grants and mentorship), youth-led responses to the crises facing nature, the climate, and the environment in the UK. We challenge the notion that real change is beyond our control and that philanthropy is only for the very wealthy.

Since the Fund is in its early stages, we are looking for someone with the skills, capacity, and interest in providing hands on support to a small, new volunteer team to ensure efficient and secure financial foundations are established. As the Fund grows, the Finance Trustee will have the skills and experience to report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals on the state of the charity’s financial health, in line with best practice and in compliance of all legal requirements.

Responsibilities

• Supporting and advising the Founder and the Finance and Compliance Manager as the Fund’s financial and banking systems and policies are established.
• Responsible for presenting to the Board of Trustees the budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements produced by the Finance and Compliance Manager, in a format that helps the board understand the charity’s financial position and supports effective decision making.
• Leading in the Trustees’ duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept and financial resources are properly controlled in line with good governance, and legal and regulatory requirements.
• When appropriate, supporting the Finance and Compliance Manager in thinking through the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost management, and investment policies.
• Providing guidance on the grant management processes of the Fund, suggesting changes when necessary.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial trajectory and viability of the Fund, providing the Trustees with the confidence and knowledge to better make strategic decisions regarding the operation, expansion, or closure of the Fund.
• Working with the Board of Trustees to ensure that the policies of the Fund are followed appropriately.

Person Specification

• Experience of financial management, with a proven track record in charity finances
• Experience with a charity or institution that disburses grants
• Dedicated to the Fund’s cause and objectives and willing to act as the charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies.
• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to fellow Trustees and other stakeholders.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of financial trusteeship.

Time Commitment

The Fund’s Trustees meet in person at least twice a year, and online as needed. It is expected that the Finance Trustee will spend on average four hours per month supporting the Fund. However specific projects, such as the preparation and submission of annual accounts, may require additional time commitment.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position.

The Fund will reimburse reasonable expenses incurred in the execution of the role, such as travel expenses for attendance at in-person meetings.