Trustee recruitment

About Us

UMHAN is a national UK charity. We are the largest network of mental health professionals working in education, and have 20 years+ experience in the sector. Our members are dedicated to, and have a practical role in, providing support to students with mental health conditions.

Role Overview

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the future of the charity. You will contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, provide governance, ensure financial stability, and ensure we achieve our charitable aims.

The role of the Treasurer is to assist with the day to day financial running of the organisation. They have a key role in ensuring that UMHAN complies with charity law, helping to minimise risk to the Charity as a whole and it’s employees.

Day to day tasks are vital in ensuring a set of checks and balances are in place.

The Treasurer is a key committee member and their role is to work closely with the Charity Manager and Trustees to help with financial compliance and planning.

Duties

General committee duties

To ensure that UMHAN complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects (the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are).
To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.

General financial oversight

To ensure travel and other expenses policies are maintained and up to date and ensure responsible use of the charity resources.
Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements.
To maintain payroll for employees.
To ensure pension compliance for employees.
Approval and processing of expenses.
Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures, audits and controls are in place.
Liaising with any paid staff and volunteers about financial matters.
To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds.

Financial reporting and planning

To present the annual report to the trustees and to report this to the Charity Commission.
To ensure that any funding reports are prepared and distributed appropriately.
To identify budgets for training and other charity activity.
Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs.
Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy and that this is adhered to.
Ensuring the organisation's compliance with legislation.
Ensuring equipment and assets are adequately maintained and insured.
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.

Other duties

Sitting on recruitment, appraisal and disciplinary panels as required.
Attend the AGM and quarterly Board meetings.

Qualities of a Treasurer

To be an 'upstanding' person adhering to the Nolan principles - the seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Commitment to the organisation.
A methodical way of thinking.
Be capable of handling figures.
An eye for detail.
IT literate and willing to learn new software packages as required.
Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
Strategic vision.
Good, independent judgement.
Good communication skills.
Problem-solving skills.
Willingness to speak one’s mind and listen to the views of others.
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board.
Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

Desirable experience

Prior experience of basic accounting and finance.
Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.
A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.

Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings (which are held online) and may be asked to aid the UMHAN team on an ad-hoc basis. This might equate to 40 hours a year (roughly 30 minutes per week plus attendance at meetings).

It is important that the Treasurer is able to be available to the Charity Manager on a regular basis with monthly virtual meetings and email contact as required.

Other information

This position is not remunerated but reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred fulfilling the duties of the role are reimbursed.

Support for the role, including induction and training, will be supported by the Charity Manager.

The charity and Board currently use the following packages: Google Workspace and Zoom.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

This position is fully remote and there are no requirements for travel.

Application process

Please send a cover email to [email protected] stating why you would like to become a Trustee (Treasurer) and detail the skills, experience and values you could bring.

Please include your CV.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 30th April 2025.

Shortlisting will be undertaken by the Charity Manager before passing to the Chair and Board to finalise.

We are happy to make adjustments to any step of the process, and aim to be flexible. Please email [email protected] with any requests, or to discuss this.

If you have any enquiries about the Treasurer role please send them to [email protected]

Any Trustees recruited by the Board will then need to be confirmed by our voting members at our next AGM.

About being a Trustee

If you’d like to know more about being a Trustee:

What is a trustee? Information from NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations).

There is information and support from GOV.UK.

Our Trustees