We are looking for a volunteer to join our Board of Trustees as Honorary Treasurer. This is an important and rewarding role which is vital to the financial wellbeing and future sustainability of UKCISA. The Honorary Treasurer will develop their skills in strategic planning and stakeholder and financial management. 

As Honorary Treasurer, you will bring proven current or recent experience of working at a senior level in a relevant industry or sector, with a strong understanding of financial and budget management. Financial qualifications are desirable but not essential. This role requires direction of financial strategy and UKCISA’s reserves policy, oversight of UKCISA’s financial management, risk management, external statutory financial reporting and membership pricing decisions.

 Time commitment 

The Finance, audit and risk committee meets three times a year and has six members, including the Honorary Treasurer (Chair). Three members are trustees and three are non-trustees. It is supported by UKCISA’s Head of Finance and Resources and Chief Executive. Meetings are usually two hours long and held online during UKCISA’s normal working hours of 9.00am-5.00pm.

Additional preparation time is needed for each meeting, to confirm the agenda and review the papers with the Head of Finance and Resources before distribution to the wider committee. Additionally, the Honorary Treasurer is required to attend four board meetings a year. The Honorary Treasurer is also invited to attend UKCISA Annual conference each year.

It is estimated that the total time commitment will be a maximum of seven days per year.

The appointment is for an initial period of three years, with potential for reappointment for a further three.

The first meeting for the role will be on Thursday 8 February 2024. 

Core responsibilities 

• Act as the key technical advisor to the Finance, audit and risk (FAR) committee.

• Advise on the development and implementation of the financial strategy.

• Provide strategic advice/direction.

• Work in conjunction with other senior stakeholders and relevant committees.

• Share best practice and industry insights.

• Review and sign off the annual report and accounts.

• Report on FAR activities to the UKCISA Board of Trustees.

• Make recommendations to the UKCISA Board of Trustees on delegated committee responsibilities.

• Agree annual schedule of business and support advance agenda planning.

• Review meeting papers before distribution to the FAR committee.

• Approval of committee meeting minutes.

Person specification

UKCISA Trustees must be able to demonstrate the following skills, experience and values: 

• A commitment to the organisational values of UKCISA and understanding of our charitable aims. 

• A commitment to equal opportunities and the promotion of diversity. 

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to attend meetings and contribute to the organisation’s vision and mission. 

• Strategic vision. 

• Good, independent judgement. 

• An ability to think creatively. 

• A willingness to speak their mind. 

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship. 

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team. 

• An ability to challenge current thinking, the method of governance and management of the organisation in a constructive manner. 

• An ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data/evidence. 

• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

About UKCISA 

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) supports international students and the institutions, students' unions and organisations who work with them.

We provide membership services including advice, training and policy guidance to over 400 members and direct support services to thousands of international students each year. Our membership includes every university in the UK, many further education colleges, independent schools and students' unions.

Further information about us and the services we provide can be found on our website: ukcisa.org.uk