Honorary Treasurer & Adventure Activities Sector Trustee

What does Mountain Training England do?

We are the awarding body for qualifications in walking, climbing and mountaineering leadership in England. We also administer two personal skills schemes, one for walking and one for climbing.

Our Vision

To promote a diverse and active outdoor society, supported by inspirational leaders, instructors and coaches.

Our Mission

To inspire, enable and develop people in walking, climbing and mountaineering through the provision of nationally and internationally recognised skills training and leadership qualifications. 

Role Description – Honorary Treasurer

The Honorary Treasurer is a key voluntary post within Mountain Training England and the wider network of related mountaineering organisations. As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer shares the responsibility for overseeing the management of the organisation and implementing the strategic objectives of its members. 

The Treasurer has an oversight role over all aspects of financial management, working closely with other members of the Board of Trustees to safeguard the organisation financially. They act as an informed reference point for the Chair and other Trustees.

Although it is the Treasurer’s responsibility to ensure proper financial records and procedures are maintained, much of this work is delegated to the Finance and Audit Sub-committee and paid staff.

Our annual statement of accounts can be seen at Companies House.

Role of Mountain Training England Treasurer

• The Treasurer oversees the financial matters of Mountain Training England in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements of the Charities and Companies Acts and reports both quarterly to the Board and also to the Members at three Council meetings per year about the financial health of the organisation.
• The Treasurer ensures that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are in place.
• The Treasurer takes the lead on the formulation of policies for finances, reserves and investments.

Specific Responsibilities

• To oversee/verify and present budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements to the Board and Members after discussion with the Finance Committee.  
• To ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• To ensure that full and accurate accounts and records are kept. 
• In conjunction with the Executive Officer maintain sound financial management of MTE’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.
• To ensure compliance with relevant legislation e.g. Companies and Charity legislation and contractual agreements with external agencies such as funders and statutory bodies
• Chairing the Finance and Audit Committee in line with its terms of reference and reporting back to the Board.
• Present the annual statement of accounts to the Members at the Annual General Meeting. 
• To liaise with designated staff about financial matters
• Advising on the financial implications of MTE’s strategic and operational plan.
• Liaising with the independent examiner to ensure that the annual accounts are compliant with the current Charities Statement of Recommended Practice. 
• Ensure any recommendations of the independent examiner are implemented
• Contribute to the fundraising strategy of the organisation.
• Advise on reserves policy and investment policy
• Ensure that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of MTE or partner organisations
• Ensure that MTE has sufficient liquidity to meet its future commitments.

Commitment

As Treasurer you will chair the Finance & Audit Committee, which meets quarterly. You will also be expected to attend four Board meetings and three Members’ Council meetings per year. 

Occasional attendance at MTUKI Council meetings and Finance Planning Group meetings is required. 

Role Description – Adventure Activities Sector Trustee

Non-executive Trustee with experience/understanding of the Adventure Activities Sector.

Mountain Training England (MTE) is looking for the right person to join a Board of eight Trustees. The Trustees share the responsibility for overseeing the management of the organisation and implementing the strategic objectives of its members. 

Who are we looking for?

We seek a person who has an excellent knowledge of the wider mountaineering, climbing and hillwalking sector, and experience of the Mountain Training qualifications, and who can contribute to the Board’s work in developing and implementing national strategy to support competent leadership and participation in these activities.

Applications are open to anyone who believes they fit the requirements in the person specification.

Role Description 

The role of the Board is to set the strategic direction of the organisation, to oversee the implementation of that strategy and to ensure that the organisation is governed to the highest standards.

Trustees’ Roles & Responsibilities 

• Set the values of MTE with a clear vision and mission statement
• Set the strategy of MTE
• Oversee the work of the management team
• Risk management & monitoring of internal controls
• Finance planning and monitoring
• Policy framework
• Governance 

Additional Responsibilities

As well as the above collective duties, you will be expected to use your skills and experience to advise the Board and the Member organisations.  For example, this may involve producing papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues and providing advice and guidance. 

Commitments

The Board of Mountain Training England meets four times a year. There are a further three meetings of Members per year. See separate document explaining the time commitments.

Trustees also participate in sub-committees and special project groups such as the Finance sub-committee, the Screening committee and Award Review groups.

Trustees serve for a term of three years and are re-elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. At the end of the first three-year term of office Trustees are eligible for re-election for one further term of three years. From time to time the positions of Treasurer, Vice-Chair and Chair become subject to renewal. Applications are invited and the Members appoint at the Annual General Meeting.

Term

Trustees serve for a maximum of three years and are re-elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. At the end of the first three-year term of office Trustees are eligible for re-election for one further term of three years. From time to time the positions of Treasurer, Vice-Chair and Chair become subject to renewal. The Trustees nominate these positions from the Board and the Council votes to approve them at the AGM.

Expenses

Reasonable travel, parking and subsistence expenses are paid to Trustees, in line with MTE expenses policy.

How to apply

Please send your CV together with a letter/personal statement giving your reasons for wishing to become a Trustee of Mountain Training England to: cath@mountain-training.org

• Applications are welcomed after 2 September 2024.
• A webinar for interested applicants will be held on the evening of Tuesday 1st October at 7pm.  For anyone interested in attending, please contact cath@mountain-training.org  and you will be emailed the joining details.
• The closing date for applications is 6 October 2024
• Interviews (online) will held as follows:
• Treasurer role – Evening of 14 October 2024
• Adventure sector role – Evening of 15 October 2024
• MTE Council to receive details of successful candidates and accept nominations – 23 October 2024.
• Induction to role and organisation – November/December 2024.
• Successful candidates to attend first Board meeting in January 2025.

If you have any questions about the roles and would like to talk to one of the Trustees, please email us via our governance officer cath@mountain-training.org who will arrange for a call back to you.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.