Live Well North East are looking to appoint a Finance Trustee to join our Charity's established Board of six Trustees.
This is an opportunity for an experienced finance professional to use their skills and knowledge to make a meaningful contribution to a growing community charity, as well as gain experience of Trusteeship for a local Charity.
The Finance Trustee will work in partnership with our CEO and fellow trustees, offering financial insight and expertise to strengthen strategy, planning and governance.
**This is not a bookkeeping role. Live Well North East already has a bookkeeper and an external accountancy firm.**
The Finance Trustee will bring additional specialist expertise at Board level - helping trustees interpret financial information, understand risks and opportunities, and fulfil their legal responsibilities with confidence.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide financial leadership at Board level, offering insight, informed knowledge and strategic guidance.
- Strengthen trustees’ understanding of the charity’s financial position, opportunities and risks.
- Review management accounts and financial reports with the CEO for the Board.
- Support budgeting, financial forecasting and sustainability discussions.
- Support clear and confident communication of financial information within the Board.
- Help ensure the Board fulfils its responsibilities for financial governance.
- Contribute to the wider strategic development and sustainability of Live Well North East.
Alongside their particular financial expertise, the Finance Trustee will share responsibility with fellow Trustees for the overall governance and strategic direction of Live Well North East. All Trustees are expected to act in the Charity's best interests, contribute constructively to Board discussions and decisions, and support the Charity in achieving its purposes.
You will join an established and committed Board and have the opportunity to:
- Make a meaningful contribution to a local community charity.
- Use your professional experience to strengthen Charity resilience.
- Make a positive difference to children, young people, adults and families across County Durham.
Personal qualities:
- Can interpret financial information and communicate it clearly.
- Brings supportive, informed scrutiny as part of good governance.
- Thinks strategically and connects financial insight to wider priorities.
- Shows sound judgement, integrity and collaborative working.
- Shares our values and commitment to community wellbeing.
We would particularly welcome applications from people with experience in:
- Accountancy
- Financial management
- Management accounting
- Financial control
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Business finance
- Finance leadership
- Charity finance
A professional accountancy qualification would be welcome but is not essential.
We would also consider someone who has gained substantial financial management experience through a senior business or management role.
We are interested in the experience, knowledge and perspective you can bring to our Board. Previous charity or Trustee experience is not essential, and we welcome applications from experienced finance professionals from the charitable, public or private sectors.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who shares our commitment to improving wellbeing and strengthening communities and who wants to use their financial expertise to help Live Well North East continue to develop sustainably.
Our Board of Trustees meets bi-monthly, generally in January, March, May, July, September and November.
Meetings are normally held on Thursday evenings from 6pm at The Live Well Centre, Sacriston, County Durham.
From time to time, the Finance Trustee may also meet with the CEO or other Trustees to discuss financial planning, budgets, accounts or other matters requiring financial input. We recognise that Trustees are giving their time voluntarily and will make every effort to arrange these additional discussions around availability.
You do not need previous Trustee experience to join us. New Trustees will receive an induction to Live Well North East, the work of the Charity and their responsibilities as a member of the Board.
Trustees will be supported to access relevant training and development throughout their time with us.
As part of our commitment to safeguarding, all Trustees are required to complete safeguarding training and the Charity’s required identity and background checks, including a DBS check where applicable to the role.
The Finance Trustee will work closely with our CEO and fellow Trustees and will have access to the financial information needed to contribute effectively at Board level.
We want our Board to be welcoming, accessible and reflect diversity thus encourage applications from people with a range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
This is a voluntary, unpaid Trustee position. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in carrying out Trustee duties will be reimbursed in line with the Charity’s expenses policy.
We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments or accessibility requirements that would help you participate fully in the recruitment process or your role as a Trustee.
Time Commitment
In addition to attending six scheduled Board meetings each year, Trustees are expected to allow time to read Board papers and prepare for meetings. The Finance Trustee will also have occasional contact with the CEO and/or other Trustees between meetings, particularly around budgeting, financial reporting, year-end accounts and financial planning.
We understand that Trustees are volunteers and aim to keep additional commitments proportionate and flexible.
