Trustee with Financial Expertise

We are seeking a Trustee with a background in Finance to join our purpose-driven and passionate Council (Board of Trustees). This individual would provide oversight of our financial affairs, ensure that our plans are sustainable and that our charitable operations are suitably assured.  Are you ready to play a leading role in shaping the strategic direction of the UK’S oldest national tri-service charity?

Founded in 1885, we have a rich history of providing a range of exceptional services, with the needs of our beneficiaries at the heart of everything we do. We are deeply committed to our mission:

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need.

This is an exciting time to join our Council to help shape the future of this dynamic and relevant charity. Our forward-thinking Network Delivery Project, will be trialled in order to future-proof our vital work. It will ensure a financially sustainable, consistent, timely and quality assured service to all our beneficiaries wherever they are, whenever they need it, across our UK footprint and in locations worldwide. The knowledge and experience you will bring to the role of this Trustee will be instrumental in this period of strategic change and have a lasting impact on the lives of our beneficiaries.

What are the specific duties of this Trustee role?

• Support and challenge the trustees, employees, and volunteers, so that the Charity can achieve its charitable objectives within the context of statutory regulation, guidance and best practice.

• Identify and translate financial risks and opportunities, to enable the board to make informed decisions.

• For further details about the role, you will find the role description in the Recruitment Pack.

  This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. We will also provide all the necessary, ongoing training to support you in this role.

What are we looking for?

• Professional accounting, finance or similar qualification.

• Experience of working in banking is desirable but not essential.

• Understanding of the voluntary sector, along with knowledge of the financial framework for charities, and specifically Charity Commission guidance.

• An understanding of the Charities Act 2022 from a financial perspective.

• Knowledge and understanding of financial planning and budgeting and best practice in this area.

• Strong understanding of financial management and reporting.

• Strategic financial thinking (not necessarily an accountant) with experience in establishing and setting out strategic goals and direction in organisations.

• Experience of providing governance to organisations.

• An advocate for SSAFA who will help build a community of people who are passionate about who we are, what we do and the difference we make.

• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.

• An innovative thinker who is prepared to challenge and offer their professional opinion to Council.

• A proven track record of sound judgement, effective decision making and strategic vision.

• A history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.

• A track record of commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

• A commitment to the work of SSAFA.

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

• The tenure for this role is an initial three-year term, with the possibility of serving a maximum of three terms in total.

• We are looking for someone who has the time to commit to four Council meetings and four committee meetings annually, the Annual Members Meeting and any relevant conferences as agreed.

• A DBS check may be required for this role.

We are deeply committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we welcome applications from all members of our society.