Trustee & Treasurer

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of The Henley Festival Trust’s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

Treasurer role

To maintain oversight of the work of the Finance Director who is responsible for preparing budgets, forecasts, management accounts and annual financial statements and presenting financial information to the Board.

To oversee the Board’s duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place, financial resources are properly controlled, invested and economically spent, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.

To oversee the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost management and investment policies.

To monitor and advise on the financial viability of the charity.

To advise on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.

To chair the Finance Committee, a sub-committee of the Board of Trustees with delegated powers, and report back to the Board.

To serve as a Director of the trading subsidiary, Henley Festival Limited.

What we are looking for

●    A qualified accountant with a proven track record of commercial awareness and knowledge;

●     An understanding of charity finance and regulatory requirements would be an advantage;

●     Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement;

●     Clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to members of the Board;

●     A team-oriented approach to problem solving and management.

 In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

●      Support and provide advice on The Henley Festival Trust’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

●      Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

●      Oversee The Henley Festival Trust’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

●      Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

●      Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

●      Review and approve The Henley Festival Trust’s financial statements.

●    Provide support and challenge to The Henley Festival Trust’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

●      Keep abreast of changes in The Henley Festival Trust’s operating environment.

●      Contribute to regular reviews of The Henley Festival Trust’s own governance.

●      Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

● Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect The Henley Festival Trust’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

●    Contribute to the broader promotion of The Henley Festival Trust’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Attributes and qualities

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

Personal skills and qualities

●    Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

●    Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

●      Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

●      A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

●      Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

●      Willingness to lead according to our values.

●    Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Terms of office

●      Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewable for 2 further terms up to a maximum of 9 years.

●      This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment (typically 4-6 hours per month, with increased commitment in July)

●      Attending 4 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held in Henley on Thames;

●   Attending Finance Committee meetings and being available to discuss financial matters arising between meetings;

●      Attending the Henley Festival; 

●      Attending occasional other events during the year.