Treasurer

The Organisation

The Gardens Trust is the only national charity dedicated to the conservation of designed landscapes in England and Wales, researching them and campaigning on their behalf. The Gardens Trust plays a key conservation role and supports the County Gardens Trusts in protecting and conserving our landscape heritage and in encouraging its use by a broad public.  More information can be found at www.thegardenstrust.org.

The Gardens Trust is managed by a Board comprising up to twelve Trustees, who are nominated by the existing Board and elected by members of the Trust at an Annual General Meeting.  As a Trustee, you will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Trust, developing and implementing the aims, objectives and goals.  

Our Treasurer is due to retire from the Board at the AGM in 2023 and we are seeking someone to take over as Treasurer to oversee the financial management of the Trust and advise on strategic matters.   

The Role

The Treasurer will maintain an overview of the financial position of The Gardens Trust (in particular, its financial viability) and ensure that effective financial measures, controls, records, policies and procedures are maintained.  The Treasurer will work closely with the Chair, other Trustees and senior staff to ensure the charity is pursuing its vision and mission and achieving agreed objectives through its financial strategy and management.  

Responsibilities:

• Ensure that the Board of Trustees is properly informed about its financial duties and responsibilities;
• Ensure the organisation is compliant with legislation applying to its financial activities and that appropriate accounting policies, procedures, systems and controls are in place;
• Oversee the presentation and approval of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees, and the preparation and presentation of financial reports to the Board;
• Oversee the charity’s financial risk management and report on financial health to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals;
• Keep the reserves policy under review to ensure that it is appropriate and advise on development to cope with changing circumstances;

• To ensure there is an appropriate investment policy, monitoring the charity's investment activity and ensuring its consistency with the organisation's objects, policies and legal responsibilities.
• To act as a signatory as required.

Person Specification

Essential:

•   Knowledge and understanding of charity SORP and impending changes;

•   Senior Financial Management experience, preferably in a third sector organisation;  

•   Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement

•   Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.

Desirable:

•   Board or Trustee experience

• Membership of a recognised professional body (ACCA or CIMA preferred);

•   Experience of strategic or business planning;

• Commitment to the charity’s cause and objectives;
• A team oriented approach to problem solving and management.

Time commitment

The Board usually meets four times a year, plus an annual Awayday.  Meetings take place in the afternoon, mostly by Zoom and currently in March, June, October and December.   This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

The appointment is for an initial term of three years, renewable once to a maximum of six years. The Treasurer will be expected to allocate around two days per month as a basic requirement, although more time might be needed for projects or specific initiatives.

The Gardens Trust is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity, and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the contributions they make.  We welcome candidates who will contribute a diversity of representation and thinking, including people from minority ethnic groups, LGBT+ people, people with disabilities, and those with experience of socio-economic disadvantage.

How to apply

Please apply by sending a cover letter setting out how you meet the criteria and a CV to Maureen Nolan at maureen.nolan@thegardenstrust.org    

The deadline for applications is 31 May 2023.  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an informal interview in early to mid June.   For further information or to arrange an informal discussion about the role please contact the Trust’s Secretary, Maureen Nolan.