Trustee – Treasurer (Voluntary Role)
About SWIDN
The South West International Development Network (SWIDN) (Registered Charity No. 1173320) is a not-for-profit network set up to support the ‘international development’ sector in the South West. Our vision is of a thriving, dynamic and diverse network of organisations and individuals in the South West of the UK who effectively contribute to the global delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Established in 2012 by volunteers, SWIDN links the considerable number of organisations based in the region and helps them to be more effective in tackling poverty and reducing inequality. Paid membership has reached over 40 organisations, and the organisation has grown to employ two part-time staff members - an Executive Director and Network Coordinator.
Role Overview (Job Summary)
SWIDN seeks a voluntary Trustee – Treasurer to join its Board of Trustees. This key role involves overseeing the financial health of the network, reporting regularly to the Board, ensuring compliance with best practices and legal requirements, and leading on financial strategy, policy development, and risk management. The ideal candidate will possess strong financial and business planning experience, relevant financial qualifications, and the ability to present complex financial information clearly to a non-finance audience. This position is preferably for someone based in the South West UK with a keen interest in the international development sector. This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to a growing network dedicated to enhancing international development efforts from the region.
Overall responsibilities
The overall responsibilities of the Treasurer (who sits on the Board of Trustees) are to monitor the financial health of the network and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals on the state of SWIDN’s financial health, in line with best practice, and in compliance with the governing document and legal requirements.
Responsibilities and duties:
- Overseeing and presenting budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
- Leading in the Board’s duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly controlled, invested and economically spent, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.
- Overseeing financial reports for donor reporting and working with the Finance and Operations Manager/Network Coordinator.
- Leading in the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost‐management and investment policies.
- Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
- Overseeing the implementation of and monitoring specific financial controls and adherence to systems.
- Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
- Overseeing the charity’s financial risk‐management process.
- Acting as a counter signatory on charity cheques, bank accounts and important applications to funders.
- Attending quarterly Board meetings and one annual planning meeting.
About you (Person Specification):
Essential (E) / Desirable (D)
- Financial and business planning experience, including the skills to analyse funding proposals and interpret financial information including budgets and management reports (E).
- Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management (as necessary) (E).
- Good financial analysis skills (E).
- Financial qualifications (E).
- Experience in budget setting and monitoring (E).
- Ability to present financial information clearly and make it understandable for non-finance people (E).
- Ability to consistently devote time and effort to the role (E).
- Ability to contribute to strategic thinking (E).
- Evidence of personal integrity and high ethical standards and strong values consistent with those of SWIDN (E).
- Commitment to diversity and for the respect and dignity of our stakeholders (E).
- Open to learning (E).
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including teamwork (E).
- Ability to mobilise personal networks for fundraising and advocacy purposes (E).
- Preferably based in the South West region with an interest in the international development sector (D).
- Ability to communicate clearly (D).
- Experience of the not for profit sector either in a paid or voluntary capacity (D).
- Knowledge of the sector’s reporting regimes (D).
- Experience of restricted grant budget management - FCDO experience would be an advantage (D).
- Experience of charity governance and understanding of the respective responsibilities of Trustees and staff (D).
What we offer:
- Opportunities to network with global development organisations, staff and volunteers across the South West and the UK as a whole.
- Experience of being part of a progressive, inclusive and friendly team.
- Opportunities to access reduced rate training.
- Full induction.
- Out of pocket expenses (travel costs).
- References for future employment.
How to Apply
For further information please email: info@swidn.org.uk.
If you feel you have the time to commit to this important role, please send a brief covering letter (1 page maximum) outlining why you are suitable and your 2 page CV to: Hannah (at) swidn.org.uk (email address obfuscated for direct display, use button below) by 9 June 2025.
The email address for applications is hannah@swidn.org.uk
