Trustee with Finance Expertise - Responsibilities and Person Specification

Key Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the Trustees are to:

• ensure that the fundamental values and guiding principles of South East Dance are articulated and reflected across the organisation including Trustees, staff, volunteers and everyone else who benefits from the charity’s work.
• determine the overall strategic direction and development of South East Dance
• exercise effective control of the charity’s financial affairs.
• ensure that the way that South East Dance is managed does not leave it vulnerable to fraud and that the systems of control are appropriate, rigorous and regularly updated as necessary.
• agree targets with the Senior Leadership Team and ensure that performance is measured against these
• ensure that the charity complies with governance best practice, its governing documents, relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
• represent South East Dance at key events and meetings, acting as ambassadors and promoting the organisation.

Your role as a Trustee will include being a member of the Finance & Audit Sub-Committee which meets four times a year, ahead of each meeting of the Board.  The Committee fulfils a dual role:

As a Finance Committee it is responsible to the Board of Trustees for recommending for approval the organisation’s management accounts, annual budgets, cashflows, forecasts and long-term plans; monitoring the financial performance of the organisation; the investment of any funds and the assessment of risk. 

Key responsibilities are to:

• ensure financial compliance arrangements, consistent with SORP, are in place
• monitor financial performance
• review internal and external financial statements and reports and ensure that they reflect best practice
• review the suitability of accounting policies and financial reporting and promote good standards of business conduct
• oversee internal financial control
• keep the risk register under regular review
• ensure the minutes of Finance and Audit Sub-Committee meetings are circulated to the Board and provide further clarification as required
• sign off specific policies/procedures

As an Audit Committee its role is to review the Independently Examined annual report and accounts prior to the October meeting of the Board of Trustees. It may also give advice and guidance to the Board of Trustees on the adequacy of Independent Examination arrangements and on the implications of assurances provided in respect of risk. 

Key Responsibilities are to:

• liaise as necessary with the external Independent Examiner on the annual Independent Examination, receive reports from them and review the management responses to those reports
• recommend the appointment of the Independent Examiner to the Board of Trustees for approval
• Meet the Independent Examiner, without the Senior Leadership Team present, once a year to discuss confidential matters if required
• ensure that the Annual Report and Financial Statement and confirmation statements are submitted to Companies House and the Charity Commission in a timely manner.

The Committee will also consider any other matters where requested to do so by the Board of Trustees.

Person specification

Essential

• a certified ACCA or CIMA qualified Accountant
• the experience and ability to scrutinise budgets, management accounts and other financial documents
• demonstrable commitment to South East Dance’s mission and values
• demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• demonstrable commitment to environmental responsibility and pro-actively addressing the climate emergency and climate justice
• ability to devote sufficient time to fulfil the role effectively

Desirable 

• Experience of balancing financial/commercial pressures and objectives with charitable purposes
• an interest in and understanding of the current challenges in the arts and cultural sector
• experience of charity governance

THE BENEFITS OF BEING A CHARITY TRUSTEE 

Becoming a charity Trustee is a rewarding way to give back to your community, learn new skills and meet new people. It is an engaging and dynamic role, which puts you at the very heart of a charity and its work, liaising with a team of like-minded people.  

As a Trustee you will play a role in the good governance of the charity, not only helping to ensure that the organisation remains viable and sustainable, but also that it adheres closely to its vision and mission and works in the interests of its beneficiaries.  

It is also great experience to add to your CV, whether or not you currently work in the charity sector. And if you are already highly skilled, it is a great way to use these skills to make a difference for a cause you’re passionate about.  

Being a Trustee can be challenging. There is a high level of responsibility and a considerable time commitment. In return you gain a wealth of personal and professional skills and connections which will stand you in good stead whilst empowering you with a new sense of purpose and prospect.  

Time commitment 

Trustees need to be able to give enough time to advise in relation to their area of expertise and play a full role in wider discussions and decision making. They are also encouraged to engage with South East Dance’s events and activities. The time commitment is approximately 8-10 days a year and includes:

• quarterly Board meetings, usually two hours taking place in the evening
• quarterly Finance & Audit Sub-Committee meetings which are held two to three weeks ahead of each Board meeting, usually approximately 90 minutes taking place in the evening
• the annual meeting of the Remuneration Sub-Committee, usually one hour taking place in January in the evening
• Board events including an annual away day and Board development including training
• attending important South East Dance events including launches, key performances and screenings and fundraising events
• attending other key meetings and events as required

South East Dance is committed to working inclusively. We aim to meet Board members' access needs to enable them to engage fully. Meetings are in person, with facilities for remote attendance and take place at The Dance Space which is an accessible building. 

In compliance with charity law this is an unpaid voluntary position. Reasonable expenses may be claimed including travel costs, access support costs and child care costs for attending Board and other meetings.

If you would like to have a confidential, informal conversation about the role of Trustee, with no obligation, please contact our Interim Chair, Anna Christoforou annachristoforou26@gmail.com

Trustee with Finance Expertise

How to Apply