Finance Trustee

ABOUT US The Great Friendship Project is an award-winning non-profit organisation tackling loneliness and social isolation among young adults. We create welcoming, accessible opportunities for people to meet, form meaningful friendships and develop a stronger sense of belonging. Our work combines research-informed community programmes with campaigns, partnerships and advocacy designed to create lasting change. Since launching in 2021, we have built a community of more than 60,000 young adults and become a recognised voice in the national conversation about loneliness and social connection. We have worked with major brands, universities and public institutions, contributed to research and policy discussions, and helped thousands of people develop new friendships and feel more connected to their communities. We are now entering an important period of development and are looking for a Finance Trustee to help us build a financially resilient organisation capable of sustaining and expanding our impact. --------------- THE ROLE As Finance Trustee, you will provide strategic financial leadership and support the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for the organisation's financial governance. You will help trustees understand our financial position, assess the implications of strategic decisions and plan confidently for the future. Working closely with the Chair, Director and wider Board, you will provide constructive challenge, practical guidance and reassurance on financial matters. This is primarily a strategic governance and oversight role rather than responsibility for the organisation's day-to-day bookkeeping. --------------- KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Budgeting and Planning - Support the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and long-term financial plans.
• Financial Reporting - Review management accounts, cash flow and financial performance, presenting key information clearly to the Board.
• Strategic Advice - Help the Board understand the financial implications of decisions about growth, staffing, investment and new programmes.
• Risk and Controls - Monitor financial risks and support the development of effective financial policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Compliance and Accounts - Help ensure financial and regulatory compliance and oversee the preparation and approval of annual accounts.
• Income Strategy - Provide financial insight on fundraising and partnerships, helping the organisation develop a sustainable and diverse mix of income. --------------- WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We are looking for someone who can combine strong financial judgement with a genuine commitment to our mission. You will ideally have:
• Professional experience in finance, accounting, financial management or a closely related field
• The ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly to people without a financial background
• Experience of budgeting, forecasting, financial controls and risk management
• Strong strategic thinking and sound independent judgement
• A collaborative and constructive approach to working with trustees and staff
• A commitment to tackling loneliness and helping young adults build meaningful social connections Experience within a charity, non-profit or social enterprise would be particularly valuable, although it is not essential. Experience of fundraising, grant funding or income diversification would also be welcome. Previous trustee experience is not required. We are more interested in finding someone with the right expertise, judgement and commitment who is willing to learn about charity governance. --------------- WHY JOIN US? This is an opportunity to play an influential role in the development of a growing organisation addressing one of the most urgent social challenges facing young adults. As Finance Trustee, you will help us make confident and responsible decisions about our future, strengthen our financial systems and governance, and build a more sustainable and diverse income base. Your expertise will enable us to invest effectively in our people, programmes and community while expanding our reach responsibly. You will join a committed and ambitious Board, with the opportunity to shape the organisation's strategy, governance and long-term direction. Ultimately, your contribution will help ensure that The Great Friendship Project can continue bringing people together, reducing loneliness and creating communities in which more young adults feel that they belong.