Sophie Hayes Foundation was founded in 2011 by Sophie, a British girl trafficked to Italy for sexual exploitation. It is the only charity in the United Kingdom focused solely on ensuring all survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery achieve complete and sustainable freedom, through an independence that can only come with the ability to live and work without fear.​

The charity's purpose is rooted in providing a better future for every survivor of human trafficking. It does this through programmes which provide specialist training, coaching, facilitation and work placements for survivors, helping them renew their confidence, sense of purpose and employment prospects. 

Sophie Hayes Foundation works towards a society that views and treats survivors of human trafficking with respect, and allows every freed survivor to realise their potential, achieve their goals and build a better future. By putting the needs of each survivor at the centre of their activities, the charity develops programmes that are relevant and help to remove the barriers to sustainable freedom.

The Trustees are key to the running of the organisation, and supporting Sophie Hayes Foundation to achieve its goals. They steer the charity, hold the staff and executive teams accountable and proactively seek opportunities for the organisation. As Treasurer, the successful candidate will have oversight of charity’s finances, ensuring legal compliance and financial risk management. They will also be part of the Risk and Finance committee. 

The main responsibilities of Trustees include:

• Oversight and objective review of strategic direction, operations and financial performance
• Support and advice to help the charity achieve its purpose and vision and live its values
• Contribution and insight from the Trustees' professional perspective and experience to enable the Board as a whole to engage in an informed way
• Support the executive, when needed, to help drive delivery and improvement
• Contribute to the work of relevant Board committees (Risk and Finance)
• Draw on networks, as appropriate, to support the charity’s work
  

In addition to the Trustee responsibilities set out above, the Treasurer will: 

• Work with the executive team to ensure annual budgets and quarterly forecasts are prepared and presented to the Board
• Advise the Board on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans
• Provide ongoing advice and assistance as requested by the charity CEO and executive team
• Be an active member or Chair (as requested by the Board) of the Risk and Finance Committee to provide adequate financial and risk oversight, and ensure that finance policies are implemented and adhered to
• Review the monthly management accounts provided by the executive team and present these to the Board
• Provide oversight and assistance to ensure accurate financial records are kept
• Monitor donations and grants made to the charity, ensuring correct allocation of spend
• Ensure annual financial statements are prepared in line with relevant accounting standards, and the requirements of the various regulators and statutory bodies

All Trustees play a crucial role on the Board, helping to ensure the charity achieves its mission and delivers on its strategic objectives.

Sophie Hayes Foundation is looking for a new Treasurer who will bring financial acumen to the Board. Candidates will bring well-rounded experience of financial management in a complex organisation, most likely in a senior leadership position. A financial qualification is desired, but not essential to this role. They do not need to have previously held the role of Treasurer.

Candidates will bring previous experience working with charities, in either an executive or non-executive capacity.

Applicants will:

• Have a strong financial management background and will have managed or overseen sizeable budgets and operations
• Demonstrate the ability to challenge and question budgets and operational processes
• Have a good understanding of the UK charity sector, although candidates who have a financial background in other sectors who bring charity Trustee experience are also of interest to the client
• Ideally, be a qualified accountant or have qualifications in business, economics, or finance

The successful candidate will be able to work at a strategic level whilst understanding the detail and complexities of delivery and appreciating the difference between a non-executive and executive role. The Treasurer will act as an ambassador of Sophie Hayes Foundation.

Nicola Murphy, Chair
Laura Haynes, Chair — Governance and Nominations Committee
Leanna Maund, Chair — Risk and Finance Committee
Graham Stanton, Company Secretary
Alex Cole-Hamilton
Mema Nackasha
Mamoona Shah
Danielle Bekker
Rachel Turk

You can read more about the Board here.

There are six Board meetings per year, which are held after work on weekdays in London and last up to three hours. In addition, Trustees are also expected to attend online Committee meetings and the occasional ad hoc engagement where required. The total time commitment is equal to c. 12 days per year.

Trustees will be appointed for a three-year term of office with an option for renewal for a further one term to a maximum of six years. This role is unremunerated but pre-agreed, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Successful candidates will need to be located in the UK. It would be ideal if Trustees could make the time to be present for Board meetings held in London, though occasional hybrid attendance can be accommodated if necessary.

Sophie Hayes Foundation welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. 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.