Glasgow-based mental health charity Common Wheel is seeking a Volunteer Trustee Treasurer to join its Board

Organisation profile

Our vision is that people with mental illness in Glasgow can live a meaningful and satisfying life and contribute to society.

Our mission is to improve mental wellbeing, increase skills and reduce isolation through the provision of supported, meaningful activities for people with mental illness and dementia.

Our values are Care, Equality, Positivity and Partnership

We currently provide four principal activities as well as “drop-in” sessions at various Glasgow locations:

• Bicycle building, maintenance and repair at workshops in Maryhill and Bridgeton
• Participatory music, in a variety of settings
• Carnival art – creating art in all forms.
• Indoor climbing

We support people living in the local community, on hospital wards and in care homes. Over 500 people a year benefit from the work we do.

We will have an annual turnover of just under £300K and a permanent workforce of approximately seven staff, supported by volunteers and freelancers who help deliver our programmes.

Who are we looking for?

This is a volunteer role joining the existing Board of Trustees. The Treasurer will be a full trustee and will provide leadership and assurance on Common Wheel’s finances, while sharing collective responsibility for the charity’s governance and strategic direction.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with financial management, accounting or audit experience. A recognised accountancy qualification is welcome, but it is not essential where applicants can demonstrate strong financial literacy, sound judgement and experience of explaining financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.

Experience of charity finance, governance, budgeting, risk management, reserves planning, payroll, funding or regulatory reporting would be valuable. The Treasurer should be collaborative and willing to work constructively with the Chair, Charity Manager, external Finance Manager, staff, trustees, independent examiner or auditor, and external advisers.

We welcome expressions of interest from younger candidates, women, people from ethnic minority communities, and disabled people, as we recognise our board would benefit from a greater diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.

Knowledge or experience of the charity or community sector is desirable but not essential. Direct experience of the issues our charity seeks to address is also welcome but not essential.

Role profile

As a trustee, the Treasurer shares the Board’s collective responsibilities and leads its scrutiny of financial matters. Key responsibilities include:

• ensuring that Common Wheel pursues its charitable purposes and complies with its governing document, charity law and other relevant legislation
• working with the Charity Manager, Finance Manager and relevant staff to prepare annual budgets, cash-flow forecasts and longer-term financial plans for Board approval
• presenting clear and timely financial reports to each Board meeting, highlighting performance against budget, cash position, forecasts, risks and decisions required
• helping trustees understand the charity’s financial position and the implications of strategic, operational and funding decisions
• overseeing the adequacy of financial controls, delegated authorities, banking arrangements, record keeping, fraud prevention and management of financial risk
• being an authorised user for banking purposes, able to deputise for the Finance Manager and other authorisers as required
• monitoring the charity’s reserves, restricted funds, income sustainability and use of resources, and advising the Board where corrective action is needed
• coordinating preparation and Board review of the annual accounts and trustees’ annual report, and liaising with the independent examiner or auditor
• supporting timely and accurate regulatory submissions, including annual returns and accounts, and helping ensure compliance with OSCR requirements, relevant accounting standards, tax and other applicable financial obligations
• contributing to strategic decision-making and working in partnership with the Project Manager and fellow trustees to achieve Common Wheel’s aims

The responsibilities of charity trustees in Scotland are set out in detail at oscr.org.uk/media/2728/v10_guidance-and-good-practice-for-charity-trustees.pdf

Time commitment

Board meetings typically take place on a Tuesday at 6pm each month and last for approximately 2 hours.

In addition, Trustees have historically taken part in an annual strategy development meeting, either at the weekend or extended evening session.

Trustees are also invited to join one of the sub-committees (currently focused on our bike project) or occasional working groups to suit their skills. These groups meet as and when necessary, at times to suit the members.

The Treasurer should also allow time between Board meetings to review management accounts, budgets, forecasts and year-end information; discuss material issues with the Chair and Project Manager; and liaise with the independent examiner or auditor. Additional time is likely around budget setting and preparation of the annual accounts.

Common Wheel is a small organisation supported by volunteers, so the Treasurer should be comfortable combining strategic oversight with occasional practical support, while respecting the distinction between governance and day-to-day management.

Expenses

All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

‘Connect to Community’ is part of Bethany Christian Trust and seeks to support men and women leaving prison to achieve their goals and to build a positive pathway after prison, by providing a relationship that integrates people into their local community.

As the demand for this service grows geographically, we are looking for a candidate who will strengthen and develop our existing service. A significant part of the role will be to facilitate volunteer mentoring by working in partnership with churches and other organisations across the central belt of Scotland.

The successful candidate will work as part of a team alongside the Referrals and Communications Worker and under the supervision of the Community Reintegration Coordinator.

Starting salary for a successful candidate with an SVQ3 in a relevant qualification would be £29,570 (pro rata). Applications from individuals with and those without a qualification are both welcomed.

As Bethany is a Christian organisation, this post carries an Occupational Requirement in line with the Equality Act 2010. Please note that one reference must be from your church minister or leader to endorse your live and active Christian faith and commitment.

Successful applicants for this post will require membership in the PVG scheme.

A driver with their own vehicle is desirable.

We are committed to helping our employees flourish personally and professionally. Below are a few examples of the ways we support our employees.

• Bethany provides 30 days of annual leave initially to all contracted staff, rising to a maximum of 40 days depending on length of service.
• Bethany provides enhanced payments for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
• Bethany operates a company pension scheme to which all staff are auto-enrolled, with option to opt out. We will match any staff member’s pension contribution up to a maximum of 5%.
• Bethany provides a death in service benefit scheme.
• (Depending on the role) Optional clinical supervision will be offered in line with best practice and fully funded by Bethany.

Putting people at the heart of our work

Foundation Scotland puts people at the heart of its work. We rely on the expertise, trust and experience we’ve gained in the last 30 years working with communities, philanthropists and companies all over Scotland.

Our people are passionate experts in bringing lasting, positive change to Scotland’s communities. We take great pride in supporting local projects by taking a personal approach to every meeting and decision. We’re in a unique position to fully understand communities’ needs and fund solutions that will make a difference.

Our work is nationwide. We’re working with different industries, funding various projects from renewables to digital, through to arts and heritage. Our people are always challenged and have an opportunity to learn and grow. In short - no two days are the same. Ultimately, our work is highly rewarding, and the best part is seeing the real impact we can make within Scottish communities. If you share our passion for shaping Scotland’s communities' future, think about joining our team.

We currently have a vacancy for a Community Funds Adviser

About the role

We have an excellent opportunity for a well organised and motivated individual to join our Communities team to run a portfolio of community benefit funds across Dumfries & Galloway with particular focus on Wigtownshire.

Our Communities Team works with communities across Scotland to devise and implement their own strategies for place-based funds coming from a range of sources, notably renewables businesses. We provide fund governance, grant administration and related services for a range of commercial and community-sector clients, combined with a commitment to community-led approaches. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, thrives on new challenges, and is passionate about making a meaningful difference for communities.

About you

Reporting to a Community Funds Manager, you will bring experience in grant making, excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills, the ability to learn and adapt quickly and a strong understanding of community-led approaches. More detail about the role and experience required is available in the job description/person specification which can be found here.

Foundation Scotland is an independent charity that provides funding to charities, social enterprises and community organisations. We do this on behalf of over 400 individuals, charitable trusts and companies.

The role

We are looking for a Philanthropy Manager to build trusted donor relationships, guide meaningful giving and lead a team connecting philanthropy with applicant needs. You’ll work with individuals, families and other donors to shape giving plans, oversee fund delivery and help donors see the difference their support makes. Alongside your own donor relationships, you’ll support and develop Fund Advisers and Grants Officers, bringing colleagues together to deliver thoughtful, accessible and equitable funding.

About you

We’re looking for someone with substantial experience of working with philanthropists, strong relationship building skills and experience of managing and developing people. You’ll bring sound judgement, a collaborative approach and a commitment to impact. Grant making experience is welcome, but your ability to advise and engage donors matters most, alongside a willingness to develop your funding expertise.

If you’re motivated by purposeful giving and helping others thrive, we’d love to hear from you. More detail about the role and experience required is available in the role profile/ person specification which can be found here.