Forum for the Future is a leading international sustainability non-profit motivated by a belief that a better future for people and planet is not only possible, but within our grasp. For more than 25 years, it has been working in partnership with ambitious businesses, governments and civil society to transform how we live and work.

People and organisations need to think and act very differently today if they are to thrive tomorrow, and Forum’s mission is to create a truly just and regenerative future in which no one is left behind. That means using systems change and futures expertise to help tackle the climate emergency, transform our food and farming systems, and ensure that the supply chains behind everyday goods and services are more resilient and equitable.

Examples include The Protein Challenge 2040, which is working to ensure that humanity can feed nine billion people with enough protein in the future; Cotton 2040, which is working to mainstream sustainable cotton; and The Net Positive Project, which is helping to create a movement of companies giving more back to society and the environment than what they take out. As a charity, Forum publicly shares its learnings from this work through communications, events and its School of Systems Change.

Over the past five years Forum has seen significant shifts in its approach: transitioning from a UK-centric organisation to one that is truly international in its outlook; developing more diverse funding streams; and refining its theory of change to ensure it is driving greatest impact.

Forum has offices in London, New York, Mumbai and Singapore. It operates as a global team, delivering both international and local projects.

In addition to their role as a Trustee, the role of the Honorary Treasurer is to monitor the financial affairs of Forum and to report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals about its financial health, in line with good practice and in accordance with legal requirements and these governing documents. In order to fulfil these responsibilities, the Treasurer will:

• Chair the Audit and Assurance Committee (AAC) and report back to the board of Trustees
• Ensure that AAC adequately:
  * Oversees budgets, accounts and financial statements, and advises the board of Trustees as they approve budgets, accounts and financial statements
  * Takes reasonable steps to ensure that proper accounts and records are kept, internal controls are adequate, and that financial resources are spent and invested in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements in all the jurisdictions in which Forum operates
  * Advises in the development of financial, reserves, investment and risk policies, approves those delegated to the AAC by the board, and ensures processes are in place as considered necessary to fulfil its responsibilities, across the organisation
• Advise, assist and where appropriate, participate in the review of the Chief Operating Officer or equivalent, and take part in the appointment of the Chief Operating Officer
• Lead on the selection and appointment of external auditors and liaise with external auditors on specific issues as required
• Act as nominated contact for whistleblowing

The successful candidate will bring high levels of financial literacy with excellent commercial acumen. This experience could have been gained in a senior financial role or as an audit partner. Those with experience of organisation-wide risk management processes are encouraged to apply.

Whilst not essential, the ideal candidate will ideally bring a good understanding of UK charity sector governance, and preferably some experience of international charity finance and governance. A good understanding of Charity SORP accounting, with knowledge of charitable taxation issues would also beneficial for this appointment.

As Forum for the Future has offices globally and works with international organisations, the ideal candidate will have experience of organisations operating internationally, noting the location of Forum’s four offices. Applicants will, however, be UK-based.

The successful candidate will be committed to Forum for the Future’s mission to address critical global sustainability challenges across the environmental, social and economic agenda.

Forum for the Future recognises and values the range of diverse experiences that people can bring to a role. If you do not meet all of the requirements outlined in the job description but still believe you have the right mix of skills and experience to thrive in this role and further Forum’s ambitious goals for change, the organisation encourages you to apply.

Rita Clifton CBE, Chair
Andrew Winston
Anita Tiessen
Charlotte Ersbøll
Fiona Thompson
Heather Grady
Jonny Wates
Laura McGonigal
Noa Gafni
Volker Beckers

This role is unremunerated but highly rewarding. All expenses are reimbursed. The time commitment would involve preparing and chairing a minimum of four three-hour Audit and Assurance Committee meetings, and attendance at a minimum of four three-hour full Board meetings. These are usually held during UK working hours. In order to contribute effectively, Trustees should read papers, keep themselves informed about the activities of the organisation and attend occasional events.

All Trustees are appointed for three-year terms, renewable for a maximum of nine years. The Treasurer is appointed on a three-year term and is expected to serve for at least three years.

Location

This organisation is based in London and meetings will take place in person or virtually. Candidates will therefore be UK-based and be able to travel to London for meetings.