Trustee

TRUSTEE

About The MSE Charity

The MSE Charity exists to support UK-based not-for-profit organisations to deliver activities that will have a lasting impact on how people think about, behave with, and manage their money throughout their lives.  

We award grants of up to £10,000 to organisations to deliver financial capability projects across the UK. Applications are assessed by our Operations Manager and an independent Grant Advisory Panel (GAP), whose expertise helps ensure our funding reaches organisations creating real social impact. Grantees provide evaluation reports so we can measure outcomes, demonstrate public benefit, and continually improve our grant making.  More information about our work, grant criteria, and previously funded projects is available at www.msecharity.com.

Why Become a Trustee?

Joining The MSE Charity as a Trustee is an opportunity to shape the future of financial education in the UK. You will help ensure our grants reach the communities that need them most, strengthen our governance, and support a small but high‑impact charity with a strong reputation and national reach.

Trustees gain:

• Experience in strategic decision‑making and charity governance
• Insight into grant making, evaluation, and financial inclusion
• The chance to influence how financial education is delivered across the UK
• A collaborative, supportive Board environment
• Induction and ongoing support from the Operations Manager

We welcome people who are passionate about financial inclusion and committed to improving outcomes for people experiencing financial vulnerability.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking an additional Trustee with current experience and knowledge of financial inclusion in the voluntary sector. This may include work in:

• Money advice, debt support, or financial capability
• Community‑based financial education
• Financial wellbeing programmes
• Research, policy, or advocacy relating to financial inclusion
• Grant making, programme delivery, or evaluation

You do not need previous trustee experience. We value lived experience, sector insight, and a commitment to our mission. 

Your Role as a Trustee

Trustees work collectively to ensure The MSE Charity is well‑governed, financially sound, and delivering meaningful impact. While the Operations Manager oversees day‑to‑day operations, Trustees provide strategic oversight, support, and constructive challenge.

Key Responsibilities

• Uphold the mission and charitable objectives of The MSE Charity
• Ensure compliance with charity and company law
• Act with integrity, objectivity, and in the best interests of the charity
• Provide strategic direction and support long‑term planning
• Oversee financial management and ensure proper use of resources
• Monitor risk and ensure appropriate policies are in place
• Support and advise the Operations Manager
• Contribute expertise in advance of and during remote GAP meetings

Trustees are expected to familiarise themselves with Charity Commission guidance, including The Essential Trustee and The Trustee Board and Role Guidance, as well as Companies House guidance on the duties of company directors. 

Time Commitment

• Three Board meetings per year, plus an AGM held immediately after one of the meetings
• Meetings last around 1-2 hours and are usually held remotely; occasional in‑person meetings take place in London
• Some engagement between meetings via email and WhatsApp
• Trustees serve a three‑year term
• Reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed

Eligibility

You must be legally eligible to serve as a charity trustee and company director in the UK. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage people who may not have considered a trustee role before.

We particularly welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in charity governance, including people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and people with lived experience of financial hardship.

How to Apply

Applications should include a CV and a short statement outlining your interest in the role, your relevant experience, and how you feel you could contribute to the work of The MSE Charity. Please send your application to  info@msecharity.com by Friday 27 March.

 If selected for an initial interview, this will be held remotely week commencing 20 April.

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.