Background
Ten years ago, Medact embarked on a renewed mission to harness the potential of the health community to bring about progressive social change and health justice. Since then, we have grown from strength to strength, punching above our weight on some of the most important social and environmental issues of our time.
We are looking to fill the position of Treasurer for our Board of Trustees. Working with the Executive Director and Finance Manager, this role monitors the financial administration of the charity and reports to the board of trustees on its state of financial health, in line with best practice and in compliance with the governing document and legal requirements, to provide the board with the confidence and knowledge to better make strategic decisions.
Time requirement
The role will require a time commitment of an average of 1 to 2 days per month, with more time required in some months than others. This includes planned quarterly board meetings of approximately 2.5 hours (held online but occasionally in London with the option to join remotely) and the Medact AGM in September or October.
The Treasurer should be available to support the Executive Director and fellow Trustees between Board meetings, including taking responsibility to deal with issues which may arise, and have one-to-one meetings with the Executive Director and Finance Manager before board meetings.
Term of office
The Treasurer’s term is two years, following which the Trustees may re-elect the position for a further one or two term(s).
Remuneration
Medact is a charitable, not-for-profit organisation. Trustee roles are not remunerated. However, if finances are a barrier to participation, we would like to discuss how we can overcome that. Reasonable expenses for travel can be paid for those not living in London.
Key responsibilities
- Liaise with ED and Trustees to ensure the financial viability of the organisation’s strategy, advising on the financial implications of Medact’s strategic plan
- Present Medact’s financial position and broader context at Trustee meetings, and oversee the production of an annual budget
- Ensure that the Board is aware of its financial duties and responsibilities and the need to comply with all legislation, and take a lead in interpreting financial data to fellow Board members.
- Provide oversight and guidance where necessary of accounts prepared for funders and relevant statutory bodies
- Oversee the appointment of auditors and review on a regular basis
- Act as counter signatory on charity cheques and some applications to funders, approve payments on banking systems, and spending approval in accordance with financial management processes
- Work in partnership with the Executive Director/Finance Manager in executing their responsibilities and achieving their financial goals.
- Ensure that all financial policies, procedures and the appointment of external financial advisors are reviewed on a regular basis
Person specification
Essential criteria
- Strong background in financial management and analysis, gained through paid or unpaid experience
- Good communicator and writer, able to communicate financial information clearly and to people with different levels of financial and data literacy
- Knowledge and experience of current and fundraising finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations
- Knowledge of accounting processes, tools and procedures
- High proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, Powerpoint/Google Slides for analysis and presentation
- Commitment to Medact’s vision, purpose and culture and its way of working
- Understands and accepts the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Trustees, and the difference between governance functions and management functions
- High level of integrity and sound judgement
- Able and willing to devote the necessary time to the role
Desirable criteria
- Lived experience of being part of one of the communities Medact’s work seeks to support
- Public speaking skills
- Awareness and understanding of the campaigning world and the health community’s role in it, either in a grassroots or NGO setting, is very helpful
Principles
Medact is absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We value diversity and lived experience, and acknowledge the under-representation of people from certain backgrounds both within the health community and wider campaigning movements. We are determined to correct this and particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; people with disabilities (including mental illness); people from the LGBTQI+ community; and people who identify as working class (or have done in the past). Any potential conflicts of interest should be declared for review by the Board.
