Oxfam shop in Broad Street, Oxford. Pride flags and volunteer posters in window.

The Trustee Role

Oxfam is a global community of people who believe in a kinder, and radically better world, where everyone has the power to thrive not just survive. We believe we can overcome poverty by fighting the injustices and inequalities that fuel it.

Oxfam GB is led by its Board of currently 11 Trustees, who are responsible for overall governance and strategic direction. As a Trustee of the Board of Oxfam GB, you will hold an influential and valuable role in our current work and the future direction of Oxfam GB, particularly the implementation of Oxfam GB’s strategy, which includes a change process in countries and regions to create a stronger, more globally coordinated Oxfam in support of the wider Oxfam Confederation strategy and reforms.

Trusteeship can be rewarding for many reasons – from a sense of making a difference to the charitable cause to new experiences and relationships. It’s also likely to be demanding of your time, skills, knowledge and abilities. This  Charity Commission guidance explains the key duties of all trustees of charities in England and Wales.

We are looking for two Trustees to join the Board of Oxfam Great Britain.

We are seeking two new Trustees to replace current Trustees whose final terms are coming to an end and to strengthen our Board. One Trustee will serve as the Treasurer and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, bringing extensive experience in financial management and risk oversight. The other Trustee will be a senior leader in the charity or not-for-profit sector and will also serve on one of the Board sub-committees.

You will need to demonstrate a commitment to Oxfam’s vision and values along with the knowledge, skills and attributes outlined in this role description and following person specification.

The Purpose of Oxfam is to “prevent and relieve poverty, to protect the vulnerable, to advance sustainable development and to promote human rights and equality and diversity (in particular where to do so contributes to the prevention and relief of poverty).”  It seeks to achieve this by raising funds and other resources and applying these effectively and efficiently to humanitarian, development, policy and public education initiatives.

The Role of the Board through the Trustees is to ensure that there are strategies and policies in place to achieve Oxfam’s purpose, to monitor the implementation of these strategies and policies, and to ensure that Oxfam abides by its ethos, values, stated charitable objectives and constitution and does so within the framework of the law.

The Role of the Treasurer is to act as Oxfam GB’s Honorary Treasurer and chair the Audit and Risk Committee, Chair Pensions Committee and be a member of Rem Comm. The Treasurer will oversee financial matters of the charity in line with good practice, governing document and legal requirements and will report to the Board about the financial health of the organisation.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the treasurer include the following.

• Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy
• Preparing and presenting financial reports to the board
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
• Liaising with any paid staff and volunteers about financial matters
• Advising on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy
• Ensuring that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity
• Monitoring the organisation’s investment activity and ensuring it is consistent with the organisation’s policies and legal responsibilities
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, for example the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies
• If external scrutiny of accounts is required, ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the annual general meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required

Time Commitment

For the Trustee 1 role (Treasurer):

Your minimum commitment in an average year is expected to be approximately 18–24 days (including time for pre-reading), of which 10 days will be on fixed dates scheduled well in advance.

For the second Trustee role:

Your commitment will typically range between 12–18 days per year.

We encourage active participation, and Trustees often choose to contribute additional time. The initial term of office is three years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further three-year term.

There are four Board meetings a year, usually in Oxford, UK, with some being held virtually. We also hold a Strategy Away Day (in practice, a day and a half) in the UK once each year. In addition, we ask Trustees to visit an Oxfam programme internationally once every 3 years.

Trustees are usually expected to participate in one of the Board Committees and occasional stakeholder events, and to be available  to support management with advice as needed. We’d ideally like our new Trustees to  join the Board this November (attending your first Board meeting in November 2024). In your first few months, you should allow for 2 or 3 additional days for induction (including meeting the members of Oxfam’s Strategic Leadership Team).

This is an unpaid role but reasonable expenses (such as for travel and childcare) are paid for attendance at Board and Committee meetings and other Trustee activities, in accordance with our expenses policy.  We’ll give you a full induction and ongoing development, including sessions at every Board meeting. An experienced Oxfam Trustee will be your  mentor for your first year.