Hope for the Future supports anyone who would like to see their MP or local council taking concrete steps towards reducing the UK’s carbon emissions. Whether they are seasoned activists or someone who has never engaged with politics before, its training is tailored to maximise the agency of both constituent and policymaker to deliver measurable progress. So far, Hope for the Future has supported members of the general public, academics, faith communities, schools, climate campaigners, local groups and NGOs to play a part in Britain's journey to Net Zero.

One way or another, climate change and climate policy will affect all aspects of life in the UK. As such, all political decisions can and ought to be seen through the prism of the climate crisis. From transport to healthcare, the policies developed and implemented now will shape the inevitable change witnessed throughout society in the coming decades. Whether the country move towards a future of climate related disasters or a future where human prosperity and wellbeing is achieved within ecological limits, the UK is at a critical moment in history. With the general election on the horizon, it is a vital time to keep up the pressure on the UK government and other parties to influence manifestos and encourage bigger, bolder commitments to positive action for climate and nature.

Hope for the Future is at its own critical moment. The charity has recently undergone a restructure, and has consolidated its activities. The successful Treasurer candidate can expect a challenging but stimulating and rewarding role in the heart of a dynamic and fast-paced organisation. The incoming Treasurer will play a proactive role in steering growth and contribute to the effective delivery against the charity's 2023-2025 Strategy.

The Treasurer is responsible for overall oversight of the financial affairs of the organisation and would be expected to Chair of the Board's Finance Sub-Committee. Importantly, Hope for the Future is moving away from a largely unrestricted funding model to one dominated by restricted grants, and the Treasurer will oversee this process. 

All Trustees share the following general responsibilities, as well as contributing their specific strengths to the organisation’s work:

• Commitment to Hope for the Future and an active desire to tackle climate change
• Ensure that Hope for the Future stays accountable in delivering its mission and vision
• Help provide advice and guidance to ensure that the organisation is sustainable, both financially and in terms of non-financial resources
• Ensure compliance with the legal and regulatory frameworks within which it is required to operate
• Monitor and evaluate the organisation’s performance against the targets it sets for itself, and its original founding purposes 
• Contributing in other, ad hoc ways (outlined in greater detail in the “expectations” section) that might assist the organisation or the board in achieving its aims

Alongside routine Trustee responsibilities, the Treasurer will also be expected to:

• Oversee the budgeting process and, with the Co-Directors, present the budget, accounts and financial statements
• Chair the Finance Sub-Committee of the Board
• Ensure the finances of the organisation will meet its present and future needs, and advising the wider Board of any concerns in this respect, including some overview on fundraising strategy 
• Ensure that Hope for the Future has an appropriate reserves (and, if relevant, investments) policy, which is being observed 
• Assist with the presentation of financial reports to the wider Board (although Hope for the Future staff will prepare reports), including presenting the accounts at the AGM
• Ensure that the organisation’s financial controls and other financial policies are fit for purpose, and advising the board accordingly
• Maintain oversight of financial risks, and see that they are being appropriately mitigated by the staff team
• Support and advise the wider Board on the appointment of an auditor, and providing board-level input to the audit as required 
• Support the senior staff team at Hope for the Future to ensure that the accounts are prepared and submitted to the relevant regulators (eg Companies House, Charity Commission)

With the current Treasurer stepping down, Hope for the Future is seeking a new individual to assume the role. The new Treasurer will be responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the organisation and would be expected to Chair the Board Finance Committee.

The ideal candidate may have experience at a consulting or accounting firm, or may have held a strategic finance function role at a commercial or charitable organisation. Those who have operated in a charity or small business would be particularly competitive, bringing understanding of applying financial strategy within a small and growing organisation. Candidates should possess strategic thinking and communication skills, along with a demonstrated track record of managerial or leadership experience but also be willing to take a more proactive, hands-on approach to their responsibilities. Finally, individuals who are qualified accountants would also be of strong interest to the Board.

Above all, candidates should be aligned to Hope for the Future's mission of empowering of democratic engagement in calling for action on climate change and the nature crisis.

The Board is open to those for whom this would be their first non-executive role, as long as they understand the difference between executive and non-executive engagement, as well have an appreciation of governance and risk.

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The successful candidate will receive a formal onboarding and training in the first month of their appointment. The Board meets four times per year, and the Treasurer will lead four virtual Sub-Committee Finance meetings. 

The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed twice at the discretion of the Board.

This organisation is based in Sheffield and meetings are a mix of in-person and virtually. Candidates should be based in the UK.

As an organisation, Hope for the Future is committed to values of inclusion and equality. The organisation seeks to work with citizens encompassing all socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, races, sexualities, disabilities and faiths. The charity wants its staff team and Trustee board to reflect all the above groups and welcome applications from individuals who may not intuitively see themselves in this kind of role.

Although Hope for the Future was founded on Christian principles and continues to work with churches and Christian charities, it is a secular organisation and non-partisan in its commitment to solving the climate crisis through political engagement.