Trustee - Finance

At this crucial stage of Heptonstall Museum’s development, we are seeking a trustee with experience and skills in financial management and accountancy to join our board of seven founding trustees. We are looking for an individual who shares our commitment to ensuring the future of this much-loved museum, celebrating the unique history, culture, heritage and landscape of the upper and lower Calder Valley.

We established the Friends of Heptonstall Museum to take on Heptonstall Museum as a community asset following its closure in December 2020. Calderdale MBC accepted our business plan this summer and we plan to reopen to the public next spring with an exhibition based on the Cragg Vale Coiners. We truly believe we can develop a compelling visitor journey freshly interpreting the building and surrounding landscape; programmes of exhibitions and activities which add real value to our community; opportunities for learning and creativity, and a space for events and performance.

We have created a realistic short- and long-term plan, with defined milestones and strategic aims and objectives, to govern our preparation, development, and continued existence as a cultural and community asset.

Main responsibilities

• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation; oversee the management of the organisation’s resources, ensuring income and expenditure are in line with budgets and meet accepted standards and policies.
• Oversee the production of the necessary financial reports/returns, year-end trustees reports and accounts for independent examination.
• Contribute to the overall direction and development of the organisation through strategic planning and fundraising.
• Enthusiastically participate in the governance, management and administration by reading all relevant papers and reports in advance and contributing constructively to debate and discussion and maintaining confidentiality.
• Lead on appointing and liaising with auditors/independent examiners and any other third parties providing financial services to the museum.

Commitment

The board currently meets monthly, in the evening, usually by zoom. We also expect trustees to undertake some work in between meetings to fulfil their responsibilities.

Trustees are appointed for a term of three years with the option of reappointment for a further two terms.

Person specification

Essential:

1. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in good contacts with relevant stakeholder groups and the ability to foster additional relationships with partners, stakeholders, funders and other sector figures.

2. Ability to interpret complex information, comprehend issues and assess risks relating to the operation of the Friends of Heptonstall Museum as an organisation.

3. Knowledge and expertise in financial management and accountancy skills.

4. Enthusiasm for and commitment to the Friend of Heptonstall Museum’s mission and aims.

Desirable:

1. Good understanding of governance issues.

2. Knowledge of how the not-for-profit and/or museum/heritage sector operates. 

To apply: please send a one-page A4 cover letter and a CV to linda@heptonstallmuseumfriends.org.uk

Closing date for applications: Monday 5^th December 2022.