Multiple sclerosis (MS) is unpredictable and different for everyone. It is often painful, exhausting and can cause problems with how people walk, move, see, think and feel. There are more than 130,000 people with MS in the UK, and hundreds of thousands more have a friend or family member living with the condition. The MS Society is the UK’s biggest organisation dedicated to supporting people with MS and those who care about them.

The MS Society funds world-leading scientists as they search for new treatments. It makes sure everyone can access expert information and services to help them live well with MS. It speaks up to make sure everyone’s voice is heard and their rights are protected. It supports people when times are tough and celebrates with them when they’re good. The MS Society makes sure no one has to feel alone.

The MS Society is governed by a Board of Trustees, most of whom are people personally affected by MS. They have 280 staff working in partnership with over 3,500 volunteers.

Find out more about how the MS Society is run here.

The MS Society in 2023

In December 2022, the MS Society Board of Trustees approved the Executive Group’s ambitious plans to support the MS community in these challenging times and transform the way they work so they can achieve more for everyone affected by MS. Underpinned by its strategy, values and culture, the MS Society is a complex organisation with ambitious goals. The Board of Trustees recognises that to meet them, they’ll need to take bold, calculated risks, balanced by effective scrutiny and challenge. The Board's current Treasurer is coming to the end of their term, and the MS Society is seeking to appoint an accomplished professional to continue and develop on their excellent financial leadership.

Read the MS Society constitution, operating policies, and Annual Report and Accounts here.

The MS Society Board of Trustees appoints a Treasurer who is responsible for ensuring that the organisation’s financial integrity is sound, and that its financial strategy enables the delivery of its charitable purpose and strategic plan. The Treasurer advises the Board and Executive Group on financial matters, and ensures that proper financial, audit and risk policies and processes are followed.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee, the Treasurer of the MS Society is responsible for:

• Chairing the Board’s Audit, Risk and Finance Committee and ensuring that it effectively meets its delegated responsibilities as detailed in the Terms of Reference
• Providing financial expertise to the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee and Board
• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
• Guiding and advising the Board of Trustees in the approval of budgets, the annual report and accounts, the management accounts, an appropriate audit and risk management framework and a relevant financial policy framework 
• Advising the Board of Trustees (and the Executive Group) on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans and key assumptions
• Working with the Executive Director of Corporate Services to agree and implement a financial reporting format for the Board, ensuring that the objectivity and independence of the Treasurer is not compromised
• Ensuring that the financial aspects of each Audit, Risk and Finance Committee meeting are adequately addressed within the update report that is presented to the Board following each meeting of the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee
• Signing off the annual report and accounts on behalf of the Board
• Ensuring that the MS Society has an appropriate reserves policy
• Meeting the external auditor and, where relevant, the internal auditor independently from the Executive Group, at least once a year
• Ensuring that appropriate and effective financial, audit and risk management training is available to Trustees and other Audit, Risk and Finance Committee Members
• Being an ex-officio Director of MS Society Nominees Ltd, a private company limited by guarantee owned by the Multiple Sclerosis Society Charity to control the MS Society’s property holdings

The MS Society is registered as a charity in England and Wales, Scotland and the Isle of Man, as well as as a company limited by guarantee. Its Board of Trustees are also Company Directors and, as such, they are responsible for the governance and effective functioning of the MS Society under charity and company law, and other relevant legislation and regulations.

Candidates are advised that during 2023, the MS Society Board of Trustees intends to review the structure of its committees, with specific consideration of audit, risk, strategic implementation and performance, and financial oversight.

Download the Treasurer of the MS Society and Trustee of the MS Society role descriptions here.

The MS Society is seeking a new Treasurer to join its Board of Trustees. They will advise and provide scrutiny to the Board as the charity looks towards ensuring its long-term growth and sustainability.

To be considered for the role of Treasurer of the MS Society, candidates must have:

• A professional qualification in accounting, tax or investment management, or considerable experience in a senior role involving accounting, financial management, tax, investment management or similar
• The ability to analyse complex information and understand wider impact and consequences

Additionally, it would be desirable (though not essential) if candidates brought:

• A strong risk management background with recent experience of risk management
• Knowledge and experience of charity finance and fundraising
• An understanding of investment matters, and audit processes and controls
• An ability to provide constructive challenge to the Board and the Executive
• The ability to present and explain complex financial issues clearly

The MS Society Board of Trustees is proud to lead by example and put the experience of people affected by MS at the heart of everything it does. The candidate who is appointed will be expected to share the MS Society’s values and have – or be prepared to develop – an understanding of MS. Applications from people with a personal connection to MS are actively encouraged.

A list of current Trustees can be found here.

This role is unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Treasurer will be expected to attend four in-person Board meetings and one Strategy Development Day per year (these are daytime meetings during the week). Additionally, they will be expected to chair the Board’s Audit, Risk and Finance Committee meetings four times per year (shorter, usually online, daytime meetings during the week).

Between meetings, the Treasurer will be expected to spend time reading papers in preparation for both Board and committee meetings, as well as meeting or taking part in telephone or email discussions with members of the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive, and other staff and volunteers as necessary. This will sum up to an additional c. 8 hours per month.

The Treasurer of the MS Society is appointed to a three-year term, with the option to be reappointed for a further three-year term at the discretion of the Board.

Board meetings are held in London and most committee and working group meetings take place online. The MS Society’s new London office space has been designed with accessibility, inclusivity and flexible working in mind.

The MS Society welcomes applications from across the UK and doesn’t want finances to be a barrier to anyone thinking of applying. Travel and accommodation to attend meetings is booked centrally, and other agreed out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

The MS Society knows that diverse boards are more likely to engage in constructive challenge and make better decisions as a result. It also recognises that there are groups of people within the MS community who are under supported and underrepresented in its work. The Board would particularly like to hear from candidates whose experience could ensure their strategic direction, values and culture are informed by what matters to:

• Younger people with MS
• LGBTQ+ people
• People with Black, Asian or minority ethnic heritage
• People with advanced MS and the people who care for them

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 diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.