Finance Trustee and GAR Chair

We are looking to appoint a trustee with experience in Finance to oversee our finance functions, providing advice, scrutiny and support to the charity and to be the Chair of our Governance, Audit & Risk Committee (GAR) 

Knowledge & Experience: 

• Qualified accountant with demonstrated commercial awareness and knowledge and thorough understanding of the Charities SORP (statement of recommended practice) 

• Knowledge and experience of charity fundraising and finance practices 

• Ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and stakeholders 

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

• Dedicated to the organisation’s cause and objectives 

The Governance, Audit & Risk Committee (GAR) Purpose & Duties: 

The Governance, Audit and Risk Committee is a Sub-Committee of the Board of Trustees of the 1851 Marine Trust (the “Trust”). The Committee shall meet not less than 4 times a year and at such other times as it considers necessary. 

The Committee shall provide support, assurance and recommendations to the Board on: 

• Best practice in charity governance and as appropriate governance arrangements for the Trust 

• The effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control and risk management framework, including key policies and procedures 

• The conduct of the external independent examination or audit and the Trust’s annual report and accounts, including the performance of the independent examiners’ 

• The day-to-day financial operations and controls including monitoring income and expenditure against the annual budget 

Trustee - Role and Responsibilities 

As a Trustee your role will be to use your skills and your personal experience to contribute to the work of the Board. Trustee responsibilities will include the following: 

Leadership: 

Promote the vision, values and objectives of the 1851 Marine Trust and take an active role in supporting the Trust’s strategy. 

Assist fellow Trustees in agreeing strategic aims, ensuring that the necessary financial and human resources are in place to meet its objectives, and that performance is effectively monitored and reviewed. Engage positively and collaboratively in Board discussion of agenda items. 

Management: 

In accordance with agreed Board procedures, monitor the performance of the Trust, identify and manage risks posed by its activities and assist in the satisfaction of statutory duties around the preparation of annual reports and accounts, fundraising and safeguarding. Provide independent judgement and advice on issues of strategy, vision, performance, resources and standards of conduct and apply this to the benefit of the organisation, its stakeholders and wider community. Participate in committees as determined and delegated by the Board of Trustees. 

Governance: 

Commit to working to, and encouraging within the Trust, the highest standards of probity, integrity and governance and contribute to ensuring that the internal governance arrangements, including the management of conflicts of interest, conform with the Trust’s constitution, best practice and statutory requirements. Obtain assurance that financial information is accurate and that financial controls and risk management systems are robust and appropriate. 

Requirements for new Trustees: 

Able to attend 4-6 meetings a year with sufficient time to review meeting papers. The time commitment is estimated at a minimum 20 hours per year but could increase depending on the outcome of agenda items and related sub-committee work. Documents are sent to Trustees by email and meetings are held both electronically and in person. 

Trustees/Board members are not paid, though reasonable expenses are claimable. Initial term of office is for three years. 

If you would like to discuss the role further or find out more information, please contact us at enquiries@1851trust.org.uk 

To apply please sent a copy of your CV and a brief outline of what you feel you can bring to the role to: enquiries@1851trust.org.uk 

1851 TRUST – SPORT INSPIRED LEARNING 

We use the power of sport to inspire and empower the next generation. At the 1851 Trust, we believe every young person, has the potential to shape the future. Founded by Sir Ben Ainslie, our mission is to transform how young people connect with the world around them, helping them see themselves in it and thrive. 

Through our free to access education programme, STEM Crew, we bring science, sustainability, and innovation to life using the real-world context of high-performance sport. These sport-inspired resources are used in over 40% of UK secondary schools, helping teachers unlock potential, build confidence, and spark ambition in STEM, green skills, and maritime careers. 

Our work is driven by belief in young people’s potential, we focus on removing barriers to education and opportunity, as we aim to level the playing field and help all young people, particularly those from underserved communities to see that they belong in the world of STEM. www.1851trust.org.uk www.stemcrew.org 

Charitable Objectives: 

1. Advancing the amateur sport of sailing for the public benefit by delivering and supporting projects which provide opportunities for participation in sailing, with particular focus on creating opportunities for young people to participate and engaging participants from a wide social demographic in the sport 

2. Advancing education for the public benefit by supporting projects which provide relevant skills and training opportunities, including in maritime, sporting and scientific fields 

3. Advancing science for the public benefit by supporting research and development projects within maritime-based fields, the useful results of which are to be publicly disseminated 

4. Advancing environmental improvement for the public benefit by supporting projects which include safeguarding the marine environment and raising awareness of the need for sustainable oceans and waterway