Finance Committee Profile
Role Profile
- Serve as an active member of the Finance Committee, contributing to it effectively fulfilling its overarching responsibilities of:
- supervisory oversight, judgement and scrutiny of the Charity’s financial policies and financial operations; and
- advising the Board of Trustees on matters that may affect the short and long-term financial viability of the Charity and the proper and effective stewardship of the assets of the Charity.
- Employ any specific personal skills, knowledge or experience to help the Finance Committee to reach sound decisions and to provide high quality advice to the Board of Trustees in the areas set out in the Committee’s terms of reference (see below).
- Act prudently at all times including assessing any risks involved in the matters considered.
- Always act in the best interests of Versus Arthritis, safeguarding the good name and values of the Charity.
Person Specification
- Genuine appreciation of and commitment to the mission, values and behaviours of Versus Arthritis with a desire and ability to be a good advocate for the Charity.
- Ability and willingness to develop knowledge about arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions and related matters.
- Experience, knowledge and understanding of finance, including most of the specific areas covered by the Finance Committee’s terms of reference (see below), in an organisation of at least the size and complexity of Versus Arthritis.
- Ability to focus on key issues and provide informed guidance and advice, employing strong analytical skills, judgement and decision-making.
- Ability to think creatively and independently, confidence to speak openly and to challenge diplomatically, positively and constructively.
- Highly developed communication skills and inter-personal behaviours to be able to gain trust and confidence quickly and to build effective working relationships and work constructively with committee and executive colleagues.
- Understanding and acceptance of the duties and responsibilities of the role and the principles of good charity governance.
- High levels of integrity and probity and acceptance of collective responsibility for decisions taken for the good of Versus Arthritis.
- Willingness and ability to meet the minimum time requirement.
Remuneration
This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses incurred in the course of carrying out the duties will be reimbursed in line with the Charity’s expenses policy.
Time commitment
The overall time commitment for committee members is typically an average of two days per quarter (excluding induction sessions in the weeks following appointment).
Committee members are normally expected to attend four committee meetings (each lasting approximately three hours) a year. These are currently held during regular working hours, although it is intended to review this in light of members’ preferences. All meetings are currently held online, but it is anticipated that we will revert to face-to-face meetings in due course, usually in London, but with provision to join remotely as required. Meeting dates are set at least a year in advance. Additional meetings may be held on an exceptional basis. Committee members may also be expected to attend a range of other events and meetings; to participate in development and annual appraisals; to continue to raise their own awareness and understanding of Versus Arthritis and its work and their insight into the needs of people with arthritis; and to support Versus Arthritis in a range of different of ways, such as fundraising and communication. Whenever possible these additional activities are scheduled for the same days as committee meetings.
Location
Meetings and activities take place both at the charity’s offices and a range of other locations throughout the UK, as well as, when appropriate, online.
Length of appointment
Committee members are appointed for an initial term of four years, with the possibility of a similar second term.