Clergy Support Trust is the largest and oldest benevolent charity for Anglican clergy and their dependants. Founded in 1655 and with assets of over £100m, the charity provides financial grants and other forms of support to serving and retired ministers, ordinands, and clergy families. In 2023 it supported almost 3,000 households with almost £6m in grants, as well as providing a range of other support. In a period of rapid growth and significant change, the Trust is at a hugely exciting juncture, as it seeks to develop more and better programmes and partnerships, serving and supporting those who are, in their daily ministry, called to serve and support others.

The charity operates across the UK and Ireland (England, Scotland, Wales, and both Northern and the Republic of Ireland), including the Diocese of Europe, the Diocese of Sodor & Man, and the Channel Islands. As such, it holds a unique and much-valued place within the Churches of England and Ireland, the Church in Wales, and the Scottish Episcopal Church. Although the charity’s relationships with the Churches are important, the Trust is proudly independent, and offers a confidential service to those seeking its help. Its regular impact surveys prove the significant value of that service to serving and retired clergy, and their dependants; however, it is keen to do more, and to do it better. The 2022-25 strategy sets out an ambitious direction of travel, including new programmes as part of an expanding offer. 

For full details, please visit -https://www.clergysupport.org.uk/key-documents

The Court of Assistants, so-called in its Royal Charter but with the functions of a modern-day Board of Trustees, is responsible for directing the charity’s strategy and vision, for overseeing the work of its Chief Executive and staff, and for representing it externally. The Court currently consists of twelve members, representing a range of skills, backgrounds and roles; three members are ordained Anglican ministers, as is the current Chief Executive.

General Responsibilities of a Trustee (Member of the Court of Assistants):

• Ensure that the charity operates in accordance with its governing document and legal requirements, including compliance with charity law and regulations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the charity's strategic objectives, ensuring alignment with its mission and values.
• Oversee the charity's financial affairs, including budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring proper financial controls are in place.
• Identify and manage risks to the charity's operations, finances, and reputation, implementing appropriate risk management strategies and policies.
• Ensure that the charity fulfils its legal and regulatory obligations, including submitting annual reports and accounts to the relevant authorities.
• Monitor the charity's performance and impact, conducting regular reviews and evaluations to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure that the charity has robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place to protect beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers from harm or abuse.
• Act as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.
• Act as ambassadors for the charity, representing its interests to stakeholders, partners, and the wider community, and advocating for its mission and goals.
• Declare and manage any conflicts of interest that may arise in the course of trustee duties, acting in the best interests of the charity at all times.

This individual will also Chair the Finance and Operations Committee. This Committee has responsibility for trustee-level oversight of the organisation’s financial plans and delivery, HR, infrastructure and IT. It also reviews and recommends to Court the annual budget, and annual report to the Charity Commission. It oversees the annual audit. Detailed oversight of the charity’s assets sits with a separate Investment Committee.

Clergy Support Trust is seeking a new Trustee who will also serve as Chair of the Finance and Operations Committee. 

This individual will bring a background in charity finance, ideally as a senior operational finance leader within the not-for-profit sector. Candidates will bring prior experience of overseeing critical functions within a charitable organisation including Human Resources, Information Technology, Property Management, and Financial Operations. They will have a track record of managing a charitable organisation through significant financial change to be able to sustainably expand its impact. Applications from candidates with charity Trustee or non-executive experience would be very welcome.

It is not a requirement to be an accountant - demonstrable financial leadership experience within the charitable sector will be prioritised over deep technical financial capabilities. 

Richard Farmbrough, Chair
Revd Nancy Goodrich
Constance Chinhengo
The Revd Canon Simon Butler
Adam Chamberlain
Martin Cooper
Jeremy Hargreaves
Dr Mayo Marcus
Anna McDonald
Mr Stephen Slack
The Most Revd Patricia Storey

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The responsibilities include quarterly in-person Board meetings in London, hybrid committee meetings for the Finance and Operations Committee and one annual away day.

Formally, the title for this role is Member of the Court of Assistants. The responsibilities of the Court of Assistants is identical to that of a UK charity Trustee Board. 

This organisation is based in London. Clergy Support Trust welcomes applicants from across the areas it serves, and who are able to join meetings in London four times per year. Candidates will therefore be UK or Ireland-based.