The candidate
Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee
The successful candidate will go on to succeed our current Honorary Treasurer who will be stepping down from the Board in November 2025 having completed their final term of 3 years of service.
The Treasurer will work closely with the Chair, and the Chief Financial Officer providing governance-level leadership and oversight of financial strategy and financial management of the Charity. The Treasurer will provide constructive challenge and Chair the Finance Committee to ensure the proper use of Scope’s resources for its charitable objects in accordance with charity and company law. You will be a CCAB qualified accountant (or equivalent) with extensive strategic financial leadership expertise, probably in the charity or commercial sectors, and with significant experience outside professional accountancy practice. As well as your professional expertise you will bring integrity, the ability to work constructively with colleagues in ensuring Scope’s financial resilience, and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities an organisation of Scope’s size and impact has.
The Board’s responsibilities
The successful candidate will be a full member of the Trustee Board and Chair the Finance Committee; and serve on one or more of the 5 Committees which include, External Audiences; Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and People; Audit and Risk; and Nominations and Governance Committee.
All Trustees must show:
- An understanding of the challenges facing UK charities in delivering charitable impact and in maximising income streams in the current economic environment.
- An interest in, and enthusiasm for, championing equality for disabled people. This includes (desirable) lived experience of disability. This can be directly identifying as a disabled person, or indirectly through family, social or carer networks and relationships.
- A sound understanding of charity governance and the responsibilities of charity trustees, including in areas such as governance, strategy and planning, finance, risk, and safeguarding.
- An understanding of the importance of satisfying the demands of the Charity Commission, Fundraising Regulator and other relevant regulatory bodies Business acumen.
Support and development
In line with good governance, and to support our Trustees to fulfil their duties, Scope provides a Board strategic and development schedule of training.
Time commitment
The time commitment for Trustees varies depending on their areas of expertise, however, you will generally be expected each year to attend:
- 4 Board meetings and, for each Committee you’re a member of, 4 Committee meetings, including preparation time.
- Attend up to 2 strategy days.
- Attend the Annual General Meeting.
- Attendance where possible at stakeholder engagement events.
On average, Trustees can expect to give approximately 15 to 20 days a year of their time to undertake this role effectively, probably slightly more than this for the Honorary Treasurer.
Meetings are a blend of virtual, hybrid and face-to-face. In-person meetings are usually, but not always, held at our Here East office in the Olympic Park, in London.
Trustees serve for 3 years, with the possibility to renew for another 3 years after their first term following a review of performance, a consideration of the balance of skills and expertise needed on the Board at that time and of course whether you, as a Trustee, feel you are fulfilling the role you set out to achieve.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our Mission, and everything we do at Scope. The Board has recently approved Scope’s new equality, diversity and inclusion strategy.
We recognise that diverse Boards make better decisions, so it’s important to us that we have a variety of perspectives and experiences on our Board.
We warmly welcome all applicants who meet the criteria for the role. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, and those who bring lived experience to the role. We also encourage applications from individuals of all socio-economic backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, and abilities, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities. If you’re passionate about making a difference for disabled people as a Trustee for Scope, we’d love to hear from you.
Expenses and other matters
This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, including to satisfy any accessibility needs.
Trustees are subject to an enhanced disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service. Trustees have to declare interests, gifts and hospitality in accordance with Scope’s Standing Orders.
Appointments will be made subject to approval by the board and the receipt of satisfactory references.