Duration: Two Year Term of Appointment, maximum of two terms

Closing Date: 31 December 2025

About the Institute

The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) is the Royal Chartered body for tree professionals in the UK. It has over 2,000 members who practice forestry, arboriculture, and other related disciplines in the private and third sectors, central and local government, research institutions, universities, and colleges. The Institute regulates standards of entry to the profession, provides support to members, guidance to professionals in other sectors, information to the public, and educational advice and training to students and tree professionals seeking to develop their careers. We are currently seeing one of the most intense periods of forestry-relevant policy in decades, which provides a huge opportunity for the Institute. We are currently near the end of our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, and at this critical moment for our work, we are looking for a Trustee to join our Board and help oversee the strategic direction and growth of the organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity to support change. We are values-led, believe passionately in professionalism and are growing.

The ICF is registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (charity number SC016033) and has offices in Edinburgh and Bristol.

Position overview

You will be joining an existing team of both new and experienced Trustees. The Finance Trustee plays a critical role in overseeing the financial health and sustainability of the ICF. As a member of the Board of Trustees, you will ensure that the organisation’s financial practices align with its strategic goals, legal obligations, and ethical standards. This role is pivotal in providing guidance, analysis, and oversight to support informed decision-making and the long-term success of the organisation. All Trustees support the ICF:

• Ensuring that the Institute has a clear vision, mission, and strategy
• Being responsible for the oversight of the performance of the Institute
• Ensuring that the Institute’s governance is of the highest possible standard
• Holding the Executive Director accountable for the achievement of the organisation’s goals
• Ensuring that the Institute complies with all legal and regulatory requirements

Key responsibilities

While financial matters are the responsibility of all Trustees, we require a Finance Trustee with expertise for financial matters. The role of the Finance Trustee can be summarised as follows:

Financial oversight

• Monitoring the financial administration of the charity and reporting to the Board of Trustees, in compliance with the governing document
• Monitor the charity’s financial performance and ensure alignment with its goals and budgetary framework
• Review and approve financial plans, budgets, and forecasts presented by the management team to the Finance and Audit Committee and Council
• Assess the effectiveness of financial controls, systems, and policies, recommending improvements where necessary
• Review the performance of the Institute’s investments and provide recommendations for improvement

Governance and compliance

• Overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process
• Advise the Board on potential financial risks and strategies to mitigate them
• Ensure that the charity and its subsidiary company complies with regulatory and financial reporting requirements, including audits and tax filings
• Oversee adherence to ethical financial practices and ensure transparency in financial dealings

Strategic guidance

• Contribute to the development of the organisation’s overall strategy, specifically in areas that have financial implications
• Provide insight and recommendations on investment opportunities, funding strategies, and resource allocation
• Providing foresight for the Institute’s long-term financial opportunities

Qualifications

Essential skills and experience

• Chartered Accountant or equivalent
• Professional experience in finance, accounting, or a related field, with a strong understanding of financial management principles
• Familiarity with financial statements, budgeting, and reporting practices
• Ability to analyse financial data and articulate insights to non-financial stakeholders effectively

Desirable attributes

• Experience serving on a Board of Trustees or in a governance role
• Knowledge of the regulatory and legal frameworks relevant to the organisation’s operations
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organisation
• Awareness of the charity sector

Time commitment

The role requires the commitment of 10-12 days per year. This includes attending four Council meetings (one is an overnight ‘Away Day’), chairing four Finance and Audit Committee meetings and attending the AGM.

Reporting relationships

The Finance Trustee works closely with:

• The Board of Trustees
• The Chief Operating Officer and the Executive Director
• Board-level liaison with the external auditors on specific issues such as the Auditors’ Management Letter and the related board representations

How to apply

This position is not remunerated, but all reasonable expenses and travel will be reimbursed. Trustees meet formally as part of the Institute’s Council four times a year with additional subcommittee work. Please apply with a CV and accompanying letter to denise.camilleri@charteredforesters.org.