Treasurer vacancy We are currently recruiting for a new Treasurer. Established in 1831, the BSA is a Royal Charter charity governed by a Council which forms the board of Trustees, chaired by Hilary Newiss. Council includes a Treasurer, Deputy Chair and up to three Vice-Presidents, one for each of our three programme teams: Policy & Partnerships, Education and Engagement. Our Council members come from a wide range of backgrounds. You can find out more about them here: www.britishscienceassociation.org/our-trustees Please note this is a non-salaried, voluntary position. Download the full job pack as a PDF (opens in new window) What we are looking for in a Trustee As a Trustee, your role is to work with other Council members to set the strategic direction for the charity and oversee the effective running of the organisation. You will be expected to act as an ambassador for the BSA with our key external audiences and to demonstrate leadership on the BSA’s commitment to improving equality, diversity and inclusion in science. You will focus on the key issues, opportunities and risks facing the BSA, and provide guidance on the organisation’s strategic direction to BSA staff. You should ensure that we define our goals, evaluate our performance and safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation. You will help us build our profile, including with potential funders. All candidates should demonstrate the following skills/experience: Communication skills both externally and with team colleagues, and the ability to challenge constructively and compromise Understanding of charity governance and scrutiny of performance A commitment to the aims and values of the BSA An understanding of the audiences we serve We are a UK-wide charity and are interested in regional representation and diversity of mindset in addition to aiming for Council to be demographically representative of the UK. Role summary To oversee the financial affairs of the BSA, ensuring they are conducted with probity, accountability and transparency; and to ensure that Council receives sufficient information to enable Trustees to carry out their financial responsibilities. Main responsibilities Proactively monitor the BSA’s financial health and performance Monitor the financial policy and risk frameworks to ensure these are adequate, up to date and in line with Charity Commission guidance Advise Council on how to carry out its financial responsibilities Ensure financial reporting to Council provides a clear view of the BSA’s financial position, risks and opportunities Review management of the BSA’s investment portfolio Review the preparation, audit and filing of annual accounts and ensure that it is in line with required standards Chair both Finance and Audit and Risk subcommittees Essential requirements Substantial experience overseeing an organisation’s finances and risk management Desirable skills /experience Experience of chairing committees Experience overseeing audit proceedings A broad understanding of charity finances Term and time commitment The initial term is three years. Council members are eligible for re-appointment at the expiry of that term, for one additional term only. There are four Council meetings per year, lasting four hours each, with prior reading of the pack of papers. In addition, the Treasurer is required to Chair the Finance and Audit and Risk Committees, which meet quarterly for approximately 2 hours each. Each meeting may require some input into the papers beforehand. How to apply If you are interested in applying for this role, please ensure you provide: A comprehensive CV, including your recent achievements, and the details of two referees A supporting statement, addressing your motivations for applying. This should be no longer than two sides of A4 Please highlight any potential conflicts of interest. References and other checks will be carried out before any invitation to join Council is issued. All applications should be submitted via the following link. Please specify that you are applying for the Treasurer role: https://recruit.smb.co.uk/vacancy.aspx?id=Xtml6dageUbJcUGb If you have any queries about the role, please contact [email protected] Closing date for applications is 23:59 Sunday 10 December 2023 Interviews will be held weeks commencing 8 and 15 January 2024 Manage Cookie Preferences