Trustee with finance experience

The Organisation
The All Saints Educational Trust exists to help make a lasting improvement to the welfare and future prospects of individuals and communities, both at home and overseas, through the promotion of better teaching, particularly of Religious Education and Home Economics, originally inspired by a practical tradition of Christian belief and Church of England-sponsored teacher training.

In fulfilling this vision, the Trust will give practical support to individuals and organisations in the encouragement of teacher education and in the pursuit of innovative professional development - particularly in the disciplines of Religious Education, Home Economics, food and nutrition education, and public health promotion - from the standpoint of Christian insights and life values.

The All Saints Educational Trust is a charitable Trust that makes awards annually to students and organisations. We are a member of the Association of Church College Trusts.

Our main purposes are to:
•    Help increase the number of new teachers with Qualified Teacher Status
•    Improve the skills and qualifications of experienced teachers
•    Encourage research that can assist teachers in their work
•    Support specifically the teaching of Religious Studies and Home Economics and related areas - such as the promotion of public health and nutrition, both at home and overseas.

The Role
The All Saints Educational Trust (ASET) seeks to recruit a Chair of the Finance Committee, to take office following the retirement of the existing Chair in April 2022.

The Chair of Finance communicates frequently with our Wealth Managers at UBS based in Broadgate – who advise on all aspects of our investment portfolio, managed according to ESG principles, on a worldwide basis. Our finances are simple in the sense that we have funds invested, currently managed by UBS, and give away our income and, within prudent bounds, some element of capital appreciation. We invest on a total return basis. Our investment portfolio includes quoted and unquoted investments. We own a small City Office block which earns rental income, generating a surplus for charitable distribution along with the funds generated in the investment portfolio.

Time Commitment
The individual appointed will be expected to lead Finance Committee meetings which are held twice a year, attend and report to the full Trust meetings held in London twice a year and participate in the Chairs of Committee meetings and discussions. Some of these meetings might continue online but formal Trust meetings will be in person in London.

Person Specification
•    The person appointed will have professional qualifications (FCA, CIMA) with Executive Board experience.
•    At a minimum, have had several years of general financial management, with experience of chairing meetings at a senior level involving delegated powers.
•    Experience as a Charity Trustee is essential, preferably of a grant making charity with significant assets under management.
•    Ideally, we also seek experience of commercial property investment.
•    A proven track record of strategic thinking and ability to see the whole picture, as well as close attention to detail.
•    A solid understanding, and knowledge of, Charity law and Governance.
•    Professional and diplomatic with excellent interpersonal, networking and influencing skills; able to build and maintain good working relationships with a wide range of people.
•    Adept at building and maintaining effective working relationships and working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including working with non-executive or charitable boards.
•    Strong general management skills, including team leadership, experience in budget management and the organisation and chairing of meetings.
•    Excellent planning and organisation skills, including the ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
•    Highly numerate, with an excellent knowledge of budgeting/financial reporting and ability to analyse complex information and figures.

How to Apply
To express your interest in the role, please submit the following:
•    An up-to-date CV with details of two referees. We will not contact them without your permission.
•    A supporting statement that outlines your motivation for applying and addresses the criteria in the Person Specification.

Closing date for applications: Friday 27th May 2022
Preliminary discussions with Trustees Unlimited: Week commencing 30th May 2022
Interview with ASET: Tuesday 14th June 2022