Carers Trust is a UK infrastructure charity working to transform the lives of unpaid carers through its partnership with its national network of local carer organisations. It describes itself as a ‘dual impact’ charity, with a focus on both unpaid carers and local carer services. Its vision is that unpaid carers are heard, valued and have access to the support, advice and resources they need to live a fulfilling life alongside caring.

Last year, together with its network of local carer organisations, it supported over one million unpaid family carers, including children and young adults providing care for friends and family members. Its activities include supporting its network of local carer organisations, running programmes and services, distributing grants as well as policy and campaigning.

It has a national staff team of c. 75 and offices in Cardiff, Glasgow, Rugby and London. Its work is well underway to deliver on its strategy, with income generation, diversification and the development of a more entrepreneurial approach high on its agenda. It's turnover in 2022/23 was c. £9m. Click here to view its three year strategy and click here to view its annual review and accounts. 

The Treasurer is a pivotal figure on the Carers Trust Board of Trustees. As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer chairs the Finance and General Purposes Committee and sits on the Audit Committee. The Treasurer acts as an expert advisor to the Board on financial matters and is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of its financial strategy, overseeing informative reporting that supports decision making and for ensuring that it has effective and appropriate financial controls and procedures in place and are compliant with its statutory requirements.

They will combine a professional background in finance with a strategic mindset and a commitment to Carers Trust’s vision and goals. The Treasurer will pay a crucial role in helping the charity develop a greater degree of commerciality, as well as ensuring that it has top quality performance and financial information.

Roles and responsibilities will include:

• Chairing the Finance & General Purposes Committee and sitting on the Audit Committee.
• Advising and guiding the Board on all aspects of the charity’s financial viability, management and reporting.
• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.
• Advising on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategy, policies and objectives.
• Ensuring appropriate financial risk management in a growing and ambitious organisation.
• Ensuring that adequate financial controls and procedures are in place and that the organisation operates within a sound financial framework.
• Ensuring that the organisation has appropriate policies and strategies in relation to reserves and investment and that investments and assets are maximised.
• Overseeing the presentation and approval of budgets, accounts and financial reports.
• Liaising with staff about financial matters and working closely with the Executive Director of
• Corporate Services and other key staff to ensure that financial information is presented to the Board and stakeholders in a comprehensive and accurate way.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders, the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Carrying out the general duties of a Carers Trust Trustee. 

Carers Trust’s ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate strong professional skills, an understanding of what it is to serve in a non-executive (rather than executive) role and an unwavering commitment to the mission and values of Carers Trust. They will be lively and communicative and will be dedicated to supporting both Trustees and senior staff to carry out their duties to the charity. They will have:

• ACCA, ACA or CIMA qualification, with significant post-qualification experience. Broader knowledge of some or all the services covered by the Corporate Services Directorate is desirable, but not essential (people & culture, IT, quality management, business processes, ICT, health and safety)
• Experience of operating in or with a complex environment and/or sector
• Knowledge of charity finance is desirable, but not essential
• Commitment to operating in a non executive, rather than executive, function
• Strong communication skills, able to convey information to different audiences
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member
• Willingness to lead according to the charity's values of Trusted, Inclusive and Courageous, with a strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

John McLean OBE, (Chair since 2018, stepping down next year)
Linda Main, Treasurer
Leroy Bunbury, Trustee
Joanna Dodd, Trustee
Christine Whiley, Trustee
Phil Worms, Trustee
Rhys Moore, Trustee
Jennifer Twist, Trustee
Mark Llewellyn, Wales Trustee and Chair of Wales Advisory Board

More information on the Board can be found here

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed twice at the discretion of the Board.

Location

There are four Board meetings per year. These are currently three hour meetings, held where possible in person and in London. Finance and Audit Committee meetings take place virtually via Teams. A total of c. 6 days of time commitment can be expected. 

Carers Trust is an equal opportunities organisation and it welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As those from an ethnic minority background are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.