Treasurer and Trustee

Replacement Treasurer and Trustee

 

We are seeking a new Treasurer and Trustee to replace our current Treasurer, David Smith, who is standing down at the end of 2023.

 

The Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group are a group of volunteers who befriend and support adult asylum seekers and refugees in the Southampton area.

 

We do this by:

 

• Befriending and offering one-to-one support to asylum seekers and refugees Offering modest financial assistance to those who are homeless and/or destitute Giving one-to-one and group English lessons to asylum seekers Helping people to find and work with a solicitor to further their asylum claims Providing activities for asylum seekers Getting legal guidance for specific cases Working with other Southampton refugee charities who run a weekly Drop-in Centre in the city Reaching out to churches, schools and community groups who can help them Campaigning for a fairer, more efficient asylum system in the UK.

The role of treasurer is an extremely important one, overseeing the financial governance of the charitable organisation as well playing a significant leadership role.

 

Treasurer’s Job Description

 

 As a Trustee to act with the five other Trustees to provide strategic leadership for the charity.

 

Ensure trustees are regularly informed of the Group’s financial position. Prepare management accounts for the trustees’ meetings. Keep arrangements for investment of reserves under review and recommend changes to the committee.

 

Accounting

 

Maintain accounting records for the Group using Paxton accounts package.

 

Ensure that payments to visitors and suppliers are approved before payment and that payments are made on time. Operate the bank account and the payments system with the part-time SWVG Administrator

 

Prepare and submit gift aid claims regularly. Ensure that underlying records are accurate. 

 

Prepare annual accounts and treasurer’s report. Arrange for accounts to be independently examined. Assist with production of annual review.

 

 

 

Administration

 

File changes to trustees with Charity Commission. Act as Correspondent.

 

Prepare and submit annual return to Charity Commission

 

Arrange renewal of insurance policy covering public liability and other risks.

 

 

 

Sub-groups

 

Member of the Grants group.  Provide financial information to support bids for grants and as part of reports on grants spent.

 

Convenor of the Finance Committee which meets five times a year.

 

Liaise with Group Secretary re maintenance of supporter’s database.

 

Assist with financial aspects of events

 

 

 

The role is unpaid though reasonable expenses are reimbursed. The role would suit someone who is interested in supporting refugees and asylum seekers with a financial or accounting background. The current Treasurer would provide support and mentoring to anyone taking on the role.  The time commitment varies but on average is about 20 hours a month.

 

The Trustees meet eight times a year, on Monday evenings at 7pm.  Meetings are alternately in person in Southampton and remote.

 

Next steps:

 

For an informal discussion of the role or to apply please contact the current treasurer. David Smith on treasurer@swvg-refugees.org.uk