Fundraising & Finance Trustee

At Women for Refugee Women, we support refugee and asylum-seeking women who have fled persecution to rebuild their lives on their own terms.

We have an overarching vision that women who come to the UK in search of safety experience a fair and compassionate asylum system and are supported to feel free, welcome and able to rebuild their lives. We currently work in three main areas:

Power: To support women who have sought asylum to reclaim their power through opportunities to develop new and existing skills, access information and advice, and build confidence and connections.

Influence: To amplify the voices of women who have sought asylum to wide audiences through research, events, creative projects, the arts, social media, print and digital media and other means of communication.

Change: To support women who have sought asylum to influence public perceptions of refugees, and to challenge and change the UK's asylum system so that it is fair and supportive.

Role Description

Time commitment

• 2-hour quarterly Board meetings - plus pre-reading of Board papers.

• Annual strategy planning meeting (full day).

• 1.5-hour quarterly Finance & HR Committee meetings - plus pre-reading of papers

• Ad hoc events (including launches, networking events).

• Periodic support where needed (such as interviewing for senior candidates, offering advice to staff, etc.)

Term

An initial term of 3 years, renewable once up to a maximum of 6 years.

Salary

Trustee roles are voluntary. They are unpaid, though expenses incurred in the role will be reimbursed.

Role Purpose

• To support Women for Refugee Women in delivering its vision, mission and values, ensuring strong financial stewardship and long-term sustainability

• To ensure the Board fulfils its responsibilities in relation to financial oversight and governance

• To provide strategic financial insight to support long-term planning and decision-making

• To contribute financial and fundraising expertise to Board discussions and decision-making

• To act as an ambassador for the charity

Responsibilities

• Ensure WRW operates in line with its governing document and all relevant legal and regulatory requirements

• Fulfil the responsibilities of a trustee and company director, acting at all times in the best interests of the organisation

• Contribute to the Board's role in setting strategic direction, priorities and goals, and reviewing organisational performance

• Work collaboratively with trustees and Co-Directors to support and guide the organisation's work

• Play an active role in Board and Finance & HR Committee discussions, bringing financial and fundraising expertise to support informed decision-making

• Support strong financial oversight, ensuring the organisation's sustainability and responsible stewardship of its resources

• Work closely with the Co-Directors and relevant staff to review budgets, management accounts and financial forecasts, offering appropriate support and challenge

• Help ensure strong and proportionate financial controls, systems and processes are in place and operating effectively

• Support the Board in overseeing financial risk, reserves and long-term sustainability

• Contribute insight into and, where appropriate, support the development of fundraising strategy and income generation

• Support building financial understanding and confidence across the Board

• Safeguard WRW's values, reputation and commitment to the women it works alongside

• Contribute to wider Board responsibilities, including subcommittees, recruitment and ambassadorial support

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Personal integrity and sound judgement

• Commitment to WRW's vision, mission and values, and to the rights of refugee and asylum-seeking women

• A thoughtful and analytical approach, with strong attention to detail and the ability to engage with complex information

• Collaborative approach, with the confidence to contribute, ask questions and offer constructive challenge

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and respectful relationships

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of charity finance and financial oversight (gained through senior professional experience or equivalent)

• Ability to interpret and communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences

• Understanding of fundraising and income generation, ideally with an appreciation of ethical and values-led approaches

• Awareness of financial sustainability, risk and funding landscapes

• Understanding of investment principles and oversight (including endowments or reserves), or willingness to engage with this area

• Understanding of governance and the respective roles of trustees and senior staff

• Awareness of data, digital and cybersecurity risks, and the role of trustees in supporting effective oversight (desirable)

Experience

• A background in financial planning, budgeting or oversight

• Familiarity with financial governance, controls and reporting

• Experience contributing to fundraising strategy or income generation

• Experience of working with finance teams, staff or committees

• A track record of working collaboratively to achieve shared goals

• Sound judgement and the ability to make balanced, well-informed decisions

• Lived experience of seeking asylum (desirable)

Application Process

We welcome applications from individuals who are excited by our work and feel they can contribute meaningfully to the Board.

To apply, please submit your CV and a short covering statement (maximum 2 pages), via CharityJob, outlining:

• Which role you are applying for

• Why you are interested in joining WRW

• What you would bring to the role, including any specific skills, experience or perspectives