caba helps the community of ICAEW, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which has over 200,000 members and students in 147 countries across the world. It is the occupational charity of ICAEW, helping people thrive through everyday situations to exceptional life-changing circumstances, whether they’re at the start of their career or beyond it, developing it or changing it; whether they want guidance on what to do next, practical skills for life, or advice on wellbeing.

caba was set up in 1886 by the profession to provide financial support to those who had fallen on hard times. Today, financial assistance is only a part of how it helps, and its vision is that everyone in the ICAEW community can fully participate in life. The charity champions wellbeing and works with individuals to provide the right level of support or advice so they can manage whatever’s in front of them, knowing that they’re not alone. It offers help through physical, mental, legal and career challenges, no matter how big or small.

2022 proved another year of uncertainty for caba's community, as it continued to face the very real challenges of the cost of living crisis. During the year:

• £2.9 million was spent supporting members across the world
• 47,410 people accessed caba's online health and wellbeing resources and over 53,000 people accessed its support
• 300 financial grants or donations were made

You can find caba's impact report for 2022 here. Looking ahead, it will continue to support members and close family dependants with their mental health, physical health, financial health, legal support and career development, ensuring that the impact of its interventions are effective and long-term.

Working together, Trustees use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focussing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which each Trustee might have special expertise.

Other responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that the charity pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in caba’s governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy
• Ensuring that the charity complies with its governing document (i.e. the articles of association), charity law, company law and other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e. that the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public
• Ensuring that the charity defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the charity
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring the financial stability of the charity
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive

For all these appointments, caba is looking for those who are committed to its mission, with a willingness to speak their mind as well as good, independent judgement.

Trustees and Members of the People, Culture and Governance Committee

caba is looking for two new Trustees to join its newly-formed People, Culture and Governance Committee, one of whom will also chair the Committee.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the People, Culture and Governance Committee oversees, monitors and reviews caba's strategy across these three areas. It ensures that the appropriate processes and policies are in place. The Committee's terms of reference are here.

Candidates will be able to ensure that people and culture perspectives are brought to bear on Board discussions, providing support and challenge to the executive team. They will bring senior-level experience in human resources, as well as an in-depth understanding of organisational issues, and modern workplace practices. In particular, applicants will have an appreciation of developing an inclusive and empathic culture. Those with some exposure to organisations with fewer than 250 employees are preferred.

Trustee and Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee

caba is looking for a qualified accountant with experience as an auditor to join the Board as well as the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee oversees the Charity’s accounting, risk, finance and audit processes and policies. It ensure that there is an appropriate risk management framework in place. The Committee's terms of reference are here.

Candidates may have gained this through leadership experience at an accounting firm, or in senior positions within a finance / audit function. They will have an in-depth understanding of how adequate financial controls are put in place, and bring prior exposure either to internal audit or the selection and assessment of external auditors.

Trustee and Chair of the Investment Committee

caba is looking for someone with long-term investment management expertise to join the Board and chair the Investment Committee. The charity's endowment plays a fundamental role in the support it provides.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Investment Committee oversees the Charity’s investment performance, processes and policies and the management of funds. The primary financial objective of caba's portfolio is to provide funds for its ongoing operations and grant-making activities. As of 2023, caba has c. £130m of reserves, the vast majority of which is unrestricted. The Committee also ensures that there is an appropriate risk management framework in place. The Committee's terms of reference are here.

Candidates may have gained this through leadership experience at an accounting firm, or in senior positions within a finance / audit function. They will have an in-depth understanding of how adequate financial controls are put in place, and bring prior exposure either to internal audit or the selection and assessment of external auditors.

Independent Member of the Service User, Support and Engagement Committee

As it looks to strengthen the long-term impact of its services, caba is looking for someone with a background in organisations focussed on health / wellbeing, who also has experience of grants, mental health support, marketing, or impact assessment to join its Service User, Support and Engagement Committee. This person would not join the overall Board as a Trustee.

The Committee also ensures that there is an appropriate engagement strategy for the organisation, as well as that caba understands who it is reaching and receives quality feedback on its services. The Committee's terms of reference are here.

Candidates will either have an up-to-date understanding of grant-making in a non-profit context, or expertise in the provision of mental health support / advice. Given the growth in demand for caba's mental health services in the wake of the pandemic and the need for financial support as the cost of living increases, applicants will be able to provide an informed perspective on how caba's offering can deliver real and long-term impact for the ICAEW community globally.

Board Composition

Ken Coppock, Chair

Phillippa Seagers, Vice-President

Kaaeed Mamujee

Roger Merchant

Fay Ashwell

Angela Catlin

Toby Bushill

Colin Williams

Isabel DiVanna

Laks Mann

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Board meets four times per year, usually beginning at 10am and finishing at 3pm, mostly in person in Rugby, Warwickshire; remote attendance is possible where needed. Committee meetings are much shorter and often tale place in London or hybrid/virtually depending on the agenda. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed twice at the discretion of the Board.

Location

This organisation is based in Warwickshire and meetings will normally take place in person, with hybrid attendance available.