Treasurer - Trustee Position

Treasurer - Trustee Position

[Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] is an alternative education provider supporting young people aged 14–25 who struggle to remain in mainstream education due to social, emotional, and mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, abuse, and neglect. We work with young people who often feel disengaged, excluded, or unable to succeed within traditional educational settings. Many arrive at [Employer hidden] having experienced significant disruption to their education, low self-esteem, and a loss of confidence in their ability to achieve. We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to progress and thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. Increasingly, young people feel there are no viable alternatives when mainstream education does not work for them. Without appropriate intervention and support, they risk long-term disengagement, limited qualifications, and reduced life chances. As the [Employer hidden] continues to grow and respond to a rapidly changing regulatory and financial landscape, the Trustee Board is seeking a Treasurer who can provide strategic financial leadership, robust oversight, and constructive challenge to the professional team. With strengthened operational capacity now in place, the Treasurer will no longer be involved in day-to-day financial administration. Instead, the role will focus on high level governance, long-term planning, and ensuring that [Employer hidden] remains financially resilient, compliant, and well-positioned for future expansion.

The Treasurer is a key member of the Trustee Board and a critical friend to the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for overseeing the organisation’s financial health, supporting long-term sustainability, and providing strategic financial guidance. The role contributes to effective governance by offering independent scrutiny and constructive challenge where appropriate, helping ensure that financial considerations are embedded within organisational planning and decision-making.

Working with the COO, the Treasurer also supports the development and oversight of budgets, financial forecasts, and long-term financial planning, ensuring that financial information is presented clearly and transparently to the Board. This enables trustees to understand key financial risks, opportunities, and the implications of strategic decisions. Through this work, the Treasurer strengthens financial accountability across the organisation and provides assurance that financial management is robust, transparent, and aligned with [Employer hidden]’ mission, values, and long-term strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Financial Oversight

• Provide high-level scrutiny of financial reports, budgets, forecasts, and cashflow projections via monthly Finance meetings with the CEO and COO .
• Ensure that financial planning supports [Employer hidden]’ strategic priorities, including potential expansion and property acquisition.
• Monitor long-term financial risks and opportunities, advising the Board on sustainability and resilience.
• Oversee the development of fee structures and funding strategies, particularly in relation to increasing pressures on EHCP-linked funding and local authority commissioning.

2. Accountability and Governance

• Hold the professional team to account for effective day-to-day financial management with out becoming operationally involved.
• Ensure that internal controls, financial policies, and compliance frameworks are robust and adhered to.
• Support the Board in meeting its statutory and regulatory responsibilities, including those arising from the new education white paper and any subsequent reforms.

3. Regulatory and Policy Insight

• Stay informed about changes in education policy, funding mechanisms, and regulatory expectations affecting alternative provision.
• Provide guidance to the Board on the financial implications of new legislation, DfE directives, and sector-wide developments.
• Work with the leadership team to ensure [Employer hidden] remains compliant and well-pre-prepared for external scrutiny, including statutory audits.

4. Project Based Financial Leadership

• Act as a ‘critical friend’ on major projects, including:
• Capital projects such as exploring and evaluating options for securing a new property to support expansion.
• Strategic initiatives such as curriculum development, service diversification, or partnership opportunities.
• Provide financial challenge, risk assessment, and scenario modelling to support informed decision making.

5. Board Contribution

• Present clear, accessible financial information to the Trustee Board.
• Support fellow Ttrustees in understanding financial matters and their implications.
• Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the organisation as an active and engaged member of the Board.

Person Specification

Essential

• Strong financial literacy, with experience in finance, accounting, audit, or strategic financial management.
• Ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate it clearly to non-specialists.
• Understanding of governance roles and the distinction between oversight and operational involvement.
• Capacity to provide constructive challenge while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Commitment to the values and mission of [Employer hidden]

Desirable

• Experience in the education, charity, or public sector.
• Familiarity with SEND funding, EHCP processes, or local authority commissioning.
• Experience with capital projects, property acquisition, or organisational growth planning.
• Knowledge of current and emerging regulatory frameworks in education.

What training we will provide for you

Compliance training

What you will get out of volunteering for us

Volunteering as Treasurer for [Employer hidden] offers a meaningful opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable young people while contributing your expertise at a strategic level.

In this role, you will play a pivotal part in shaping the financial sustainability and future growth of a unique and impactful organisation. Your input will directly support our mission to provide alternative education and life-changing opportunities for young people facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges.

You will gain valuable experience in charity governance as a key member of the Trustee Board, developing your strategic leadership skills and deepening your understanding of the education and non-profit sectors. The role provides exposure to high-level decision-making, including financial planning, risk management, and organisational growth, such as potential expansion and capital projects.

This is also an opportunity to work collaboratively with a passionate and committed leadership team, offering both support and constructive challenge as a “critical friend.” You will build strong professional relationships, broaden your network, and contribute to an organisation that is continuously evolving to meet increasing demand.

Above all, this role offers a strong sense of purpose and fulfilment. You will see the direct impact of your contribution in helping young people re-engage with education, rebuild confidence, and move towards brighter futures.

Not sure which role suits you or need a little friendly help? Please contact Angie at [contact hidden] for London or Rebecca at [contact hidden] for Manchester.