We are seeking a dedicated Finance Trustee to join our Board and play a pivotal role in ensuring The Spark is well-governed, financially stable, and successfully meets its charitable objectives.
Timeline & Commitment
This is an ongoing volunteer Board position. Trustees are elected for a three-year term, with the scope to serve for more than one term. We ask that Trustees commit to this timeline to ensure continuity, with a general expectation of providing no less than three months’ notice should you need to resign mid-term.
Meeting Frequency
The Spark’s Board meets four times per calendar year. In addition to these quarterly Board meetings, the Finance Trustee will be required to attend specific annual pre and post-audit meetings with our external Auditors.
Key Responsibilities
While all Trustees share a collective responsibility to ensure the charity complies with relevant laws, evaluates performance against agreed targets, and supports the Chief Executive, the Finance Trustee has distinct financial leadership duties. You will not be asked to do the day-to-day bookkeeping but rather provide strategic financial oversight.
The Finance Trustee has additional responsibilities in terms of:
- Attending pre and post audit meetings with the auditors as part of the annual audit process.
- Checking the quarterly Management Accounts and the Audited Accounts.
- Ensuring that the non-financial Directors understand the financial risks.
Our ideal candidate
Our ideal candidate is a qualified finance professional who wants to use their financial expertise to make a tangible difference in the third sector. You should possess the technical knowledge to scrutinise financial reports and be comfortable analysing the broader strategic picture.
Essential Skills and Qualities
- Financial Expertise: A recognised accounting or financial qualification (e.g., CA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent high-level financial management experience.
- Analytical Ability: Strong ability to evaluate and interpret complex management information, data, and financial evidence.
- Communication & Translation: The ability to explain complex financial jargon and financial risks to non-financial Board members clearly and concisely.
- Strategic Vision & Judgement: Good, independent judgement with the ability to think creatively about financial sustainability and organisational growth.
- Constructive Challenger: A willingness to speak your mind and the ability to challenge current thinking, governance methods, and management in a constructive, supportive manner.
- Values-Driven Commitment: A strong commitment to The Spark’s mission.
- Time & Dedication: A genuine willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend Board meetings and audit meetings.
- Team Player: An ability to work effectively and collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary Board.
Desirable Skills and Qualities
- Prior experience serving on a charity board, or an understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
- Knowledge of charity finance regulations, including the Charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice).
- Experience in strategic risk management and mitigating organisational risks.
About The Spark
Our Mission
At The Spark, our mission is to ignite change. We do this by providing compassionate counselling and mental health support to individuals, couples, families, and communities across Scotland. We are committed to creating a safe space where people can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment.
Our Vision
Our vision is a Scotland where counselling and mental health support is universally accessible, irrespective of age, gender, race, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, relationship status, disability, or financial circumstances.
Our History and Objectives
Founded in 1965 and operating for over 60 years, The Spark is a highly respected Scottish charity dedicated to improving mental health, emotional wellbeing, and relationships across the nation. The Spark delivers accessible, high-quality therapeutic services, supporting thousands of children, young people, adults, couples, and families each year towards healthier, happier lives through counselling, psychoeducational group work, and workshops.
Partnership working is central to our delivery model: we collaborate with local authorities, schools, businesses and charities providing counselling services to pupils, apprentices, employees, and vulnerable clients.
As a BACP and Qualifications Scotland approved training centre, we not only support individuals directly but also train the next generation of counsellors and mental health professionals.