Trustee – Treasurer

Are you a finance professional, passionate about supporting people with Learning Disabilities?

We are looking for a dedicated and skilled Treasurer (Lead Trustee for Finance) to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of our charity.

The role:

As Treasurer, you will play a critical role in overseeing the charity’s financial health and long-term sustainability. Whilst you will share overall governance responsibilities with fellow trustees, you will act as the board’s financial lead, translating complex financial data into clear strategic insights and ensuring our resources are used to works towards our goals.

Key responsibilities:

– Lead the Finance Subcommittee in providing informed, sustainable financial decisions to the rest of the Board.
– Align the Charity strategy with sound financial practices, internal controls, and Charity Commission governance expectations.
– Collaborate with the CEO and Charity Management Team to assess financial risks, review funding streams, and evaluate cost-effectiveness across service areas.
– Oversee financial areas of the risk register, including our reserves, financial controls, and insurance coverage, supporting our operational readiness for regulatory inspections (such as CQC and Ofsted).
– Support the Director of Operations with the review of financial policies and systems where necessary.
– Work with the Charity Management Team with setting, monitoring and reviewing annual budgets.
– Support the Charity with annual external audits.
– Present financial reports, commentary, and advice at Board meetings and AGMs, translating complex financial details for non-financial trustees.

Time commitment:

– New trustees are required to have an induction session before their first board meeting.
– Trustees are expected to attend all five board meetings, held annually during standard business hours at Lifeworks, Lescaze, Shinners Bridge, Dartington. One full-day meeting is dedicated to strategic planning, while the other four meetings are approximately three and a half hours each. Meeting materials are distributed one week prior to each meeting.
– As the Treasurer, you will lead on all finance subcommittee meetings.

What we’re looking for:

We’re seeking someone with a proven background in senior financial management, including budgeting and financial reporting (preferably within the charity or non-profit sector), to provide overarching support. You will be professionally qualified and will also have a strong understanding of charity accounting standards (Charities SORP), UK financial regulations, and Charity Commission frameworks.

You’ll be practical, able to exercise independent judgement and contribute actively to overall strategic direction. Excellent communication skills, a collaborative approach, and the dedication to devote the necessary time to the role.

You don’t need to have previous experience as a charity board trustee – we will give you the support that you need to learn about us and your role.

We believe that having a diverse board of trustees is key to our success so we’re especially keen to receive applications from under-represented communities and people with lived experience of learning disabilities.

What you’ll gain from the role:

This is an opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and adults with learning disabilities. As Treasurer, you will have genuine influence over Lifeworks’ strategic direction and long-term sustainability, while gaining valuable board-level leadership and charity governance experience.

You will work closely with fellow trustees, our CEO and Charity Management Team, broaden your knowledge of the charity, education and social care sectors, and develop your understanding of regulation, safeguarding and charity finance. You will join a committed and collaborative team and receive a thorough induction and ongoing support.

We are looking for a dedicated and skilled Treasurer (Lead Trustee for Finance) to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of our charity.

Since 1996, our charity has been dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with learning disabilities and safeguarding is at the heart of our work. We operate in three areas:

– Lifeworks College: A welcoming and lively further education college for 16–25-year-olds with a learning disability.
– Lifeworks Day Services: A programme of activities for children and young people with learning disabilities giving them opportunities to meet friends, improve their health, try new activities and support them to achieve their best futures.
– Lifeworks Residential: A warm and welcoming home providing 24-hour residential care and support to adults with learning disabilities.

Building a diverse and safe team:

At Lifeworks, we’re committed to fostering an organisation that reflects the diversity of our community. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals with disabilities who meet the criteria, and we guarantee qualified candidates with disabilities an interview.

However, ensuring a safe environment for everyone we support is our top priority. Therefore, all trustees undergo pre-appointment checks, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS check.