Treasurer

Rainbow Home is currently recruiting a new Treasurer as our current Treasurers mandate is expiring.

Applications from BAME, RAS AND LGBTQ+ communities are welcomed and encouraged.

Overall Responsibilities for all Trustees:

• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. Constitution), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
• To ensure that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are)
• To regularly attend (as far as reasonably practicable) and to contribute actively to the management committee role and trustee role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
• To act as an appeals panel in respect of the organisations formal complaints procedure for customers or clients
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, and to enter into contracts on behalf of the organisation
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity funds
• To appoint paid staff and monitor their performance
• To determine and review from time to time appropriate staffing structures for the organisation, and to employ staff in accordance with such structures
• To act as an appeals panel in respect of both grievance and disciplinary matters relating to employees

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Management Committee reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising Committee papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Qualities for all Trustees:

• A commitment to supporting Rainbow Home as an organisation and its work
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to carry out the tasks
• Strategic vision and sound, independent judgement
• Professional, confidential, and boundaried attitude in relation to ethical policy and practice matters in discussion and to sensitive content
• Willingness to lead the organisation
• Tact, diplomacy and powers of persuasion

Relevant knowledge:

Treasurer Responsibilities:

• Ensure that the organisation complies with all legislation relating to payroll, pension regulations, HMRC, relating to employees and Gift Aid
• Ensure that the organisation meets the relevant Charity Commission regulations regarding Annual Accounts and Annual Report
• Regularly report the financial position at committee meetings
• Oversee the production of the Rainbow Home's annual budget
• Appraising the financial viability of plans, proposals and projects
• Lead on appointing and liaising with auditors/an independent examiner
• Ensure fellow Board members are aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data to the Board
• Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place, including, but not limited to:

1. Mandate signatories/online payments
2. Purchasing limits
3. Purchasing systems
4. Petty cash/ float
5. Salary payments, pensions, PAYE and NIC payments

• Work closely with relevant staff, Board members and/or volunteers to ensure the continued financial viability of Rainbow Home
• Work with volunteer / worker to apply for Grant funding and Maintain records for grant funding spend
• Ensure that a successor is found before the term of office finishes

Skills

• Proven experience in a finance-related role
• Good financial management and analysis skills
• Good grasp of financial strategy and planning
• Knowledge and experience of current and fundraising law and finance practice relevant to voluntary , community and charitable organisations
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Effective communication skills
• Highly numerate
• Ability to work collaboratively with others
• Ability to communicate constructively and effectively as a member of the team
• Ability to maintain a wider perspective as well as pay attention to detail
• IT competent; including the use of various web sites, emails, Microsoft Word and Excel

Knowledge for all Trustees:

• Sound understanding of equality, equity and diversity issues, and commitment to an active anti-discriminatory practice
• Understanding of key systemic and structural barriers including racism
• Understanding of intersectionality
• Understanding of the Rainbow Home ethos, values and ways of working
• Knowledge of local RAS, BAME and LGBTQ+ communities and networks
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Understanding of the UK asylum system and its impacts

General for all Trustees:

• Commitment to Nolan seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
• To be prepared to disclose and discuss any potential conflict of interest arising from trustee role and professional/personal roles

See further document produced by Charity Commission in February 2020 outlining who can and cannot become a trustee and other requirements. A Trustee Fitness to Practice Form will need to be signed.