Volunteer Treasurer Role Description

The vision of the national City of Sanctuary (CoS) movement is that our nations will be safe and welcoming places for all, and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution. In order to realise this vision, CoS supports a network of over 100 groups which includes villages, towns, cities and regions across the UK, and others engaged in Streams of Sanctuary, Sanctuary Awards and activities intended to welcome people seeking sanctuary. 

 

In Bradford our vision is for a city where people seeking sanctuary are not only welcomed and included but recognised for the valuable contribution they make to, and able to fully participate in, our community. Our work is informed by our Advisory Group of people with lived experience of the refugee journey. Our work includes: 

• Supporting organisations from across Bradford interested in working towards a sanctuary award. Those who have received awards include the University, schools and colleges , Bradford Council, the Library Service; arts groups, community gardens and Bradford’s Interchange transport hub 

•  Building and resourcing the local  network of projects supporting people seeking sanctuary Advocating for sanctuary seekers, informed by our Advisory Group 

• Ensuring sanctuary seekers have access to vital information to enable integration and promote mental wellbeing, for example Welcome to Bradford and Free in Bradford

• Working with local media to enable accurate reporting on asylum and refugee issues 

  

We currently have three employees, all part time: our recently appointed Director (21hrs), our Administration and Communications Officer (15hrs) and our Schools and Colleges of Sanctuary Project Coordinator (20hrs). We have no office premises and each is home-based. Our income for the financial year ending 31st March 2025 was £56,000

 

SUMMARY OF THE TREASURER ROLE 

 

The role of the Treasurer is vital to our work and an important contributor to our highly dedicated and friendly team. Key components of the role are:

 

• Maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs. 

• Regular liaison with the Director and Chair 

• Working with the Director and trustees to make strategic plans, advise on the financial impact of these and prepare budgets.

• Ensuring that the charity operates its finances within legal and financial guidelines, maintaining proper records and procedures.

• Together with the Director and trustees, overseeing expenditure and ensuring the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. 

• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy.

• Liaison with Bradford Community Payroll, our payroll provider, to ensure that salaries and pensions are paid on time

• Ensuring that payments and income are efficiently processed and recorded

• Preparing regular accounts and financial statements for the board. 

• Ensuring that Gift Aid is regularly claimed

• Ensuring that the annual accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the Charity Commission.

• Ensuring that the annual accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented. 

• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasurer Person Specification

Essential

• Commitment to the vision and objectives of the charity 

• Strong financial experience 

• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences 

• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel or equivalent

• Willingness to make time to attend our Finance Sub Group and trustee meetings on request, and to make unpopular recommendations if needed

• Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team 

• Ability to to work from home, with a reliable internet connection

• Ability to commit 1-2 days per month with a willingness to be available for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

Desirable

• Willingness to join our board of trustees and attend quarterly online meetings

• Experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes 

• Understanding of the financial aspects of charity law