Trustee - Commercial, Governance and Finance

Commercial, Governance & Finance Trustee (voluntary)

Location: Aston Sandford, Bucks HP17 8JB with travel across Thames Valley and occasionally further afield

Time Commitment: 5-6 days Per Year

Hope After Harm is a Buckinghamshire based registered Charity and Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee of 32 years' operating a range of support programmes across the Thames Valley - including support for victims, support for the families of offenders, early interventions, work in the field of domestic abuse and support to offenders. With 40 staff and approximately 30 volunteers, a solid Trustee framework is essential to underpin and inform our work and our Trustees currently bring together considerable experience from criminal justice, local government, the corporate and voluntary sectors.

We have a very exciting vacancy we wish to fill, to complement our existing Board and guide our successful and growing organisation into the next phase of development. This is an opportunity to use your professional skills to support a charity delivering meaningful impact across the Thames Valley.

Hope After Harm is relatively small, trustees can see the direct results of their contribution and frontline impact, we require general Trustee experience, to expand the knowledge base and help strengthen the Board overall, we are also specifically looking for those with experience in the following areas:

Key Tasks:

Strategic and Commercial Oversight

• Contribute to the development and delivery of the organisation's strategy.
• Review and challenge business plans, growth opportunities and income generation activities.
• Assess commercial risks and opportunities to support long-term sustainability.
• Provide advice and insight based on commercial experience and market knowledge.
• Monitor the performance of trading, fundraising or other income-generating activities.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document, legal obligations and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve key policies and governance frameworks.
• Support effective risk management.
• Promote high standards of accountability, transparency and ethical decision-making.
• Participate in board evaluations and governance reviews.

Financial Oversight

• Review budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements.
• Monitor financial performance against plans and agreed targets.
• Ensure financial controls and reporting processes are robust and effective.
• Scrutinise significant expenditure, investments and financial commitments.
• Support the development of financial strategies and reserves policies.
• Assess and monitor financial risks facing the organisation.

Person specification

Essential

• Senior-level experience in commercial, financial, business, governance or strategic leadership roles.
• Good understanding of financial management, budgeting and financial reporting.
• Experience of assessing and managing organisational risk.
• Understanding of good governance principles and board responsibilities.
• Ability to contribute to strategic planning and organisational development.
• Experience of analysing complex information and making sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Strong strategic thinking and commercial awareness.
• Ability to provide constructive support and challenge to senior leaders and fellow trustees.
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a board.
• Commitment to high standards of integrity, accountability and confidentiality.

Desirable

• Previous trustee, non-executive director or board-level experience.
• Professional qualification in finance, accountancy, business, governance, law or a related discipline.
• Experience within the charity, not-for-profit or social care sector.
• Knowledge of charity regulation and compliance requirements.
• Experience of income generation, commercial partnerships or business development.
• Experience of leading organisational change, transformation or growth programmes.
• Knowledge of investment management, reserves management or treasury matters.

The successful candidate does not need to be an expert in every area, but should be able to provide strategic insight, constructive challenge and proportionate assurance to support the charity's work.

Time Commitment

The Trustee will be expected to attend Board Meetings 4 times a year (face to face) and also attend one committee meeting (Teams) 4 times a year, as well as attending a strategy day. The time commitment including meeting preparation is estimated to be 5-6 days per annum

Location

Ideally, the post-holder will be able to travel to Aston Sandford and possibly other places in the Thames Valley for meetings, but we would consider remote attendance, with the exception of a requirement for face-to-face attendance at the annual Board strategy day.

If you have a passion and commitment to support a value-driven organisation, strategic vision, independent judgement and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort we would be delighted to hear from you. Any travel and out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed but please note this is a voluntary and unpaid post.

Application Process:

Please email covering letter expressing your interest, with a CV of your skills.