We are the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting anyone affected by retinoblastoma (Rb), a rare form of eye cancer that affects young children, mainly under the age of six. Our mission is to lessen the impact of this condition through lifelong support, funding research initiatives, and driving early diagnosis.

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is looking to appoint a new trustee with a professional background in charity fundraising to join the Board of Trustees.

This is a voluntary position, and one that makes a real difference to all those affected by retinoblastoma. By joining you’ll be part of a small, professional, and dedicated charity with big objectives. Your direct and relevant fundraising experience will help us to develop and realise our income generating ambitions.

The role of trustee

CHECT’s Board of Trustees share ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run. As a member of the Board of Trustees you will help set the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. The skills and knowledge you bring will enhance the Board and support CHECT in achieving its charitable objectives.

Key accountabilities

• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving strategic direction to the charity, setting overall strategy and policy, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation and the proper investment of the Charity’s funds.
• Ensure the Charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuing its objectives.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Charity.
• Safeguard the good name and values of the Charity.
• Declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a Trustee.
• Be collectively responsible for the actions of the Charity and other Trustees.
• Attend meetings as appropriate and read papers in preparation for the meeting.
• Keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work.
• Use any specific skills, knowledge, or experience to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions.

General requirements

• Act as an ambassador for the charity and represent the interests of all stakeholders.
• Actively participate in all Board meetings and other Trustee meetings as they arise.
• Contribute to the effective performance of the Board.
• Support the executive team in managing the charity.
• Support the fundraising team with advice and guidance.

Term of appointment

The period for which Trustees are appointed is three years, with an option to serve two further terms by agreement of the Board of Trustees.

Time commitment

Trustees attend six Board meetings annually, the majority of which are virtual with all held on a Saturday morning.
There will be occasions when Trustees are required to attend other planned meetings i.e., fundraising planning meetings, committee meetings and events.

To apply please email recruit@chect.org.uk with your CV and a covering letter outlining how your skills and experience match the role. We are actively interviewing for this role so apply early!

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

We are the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting anyone affected by retinoblastoma (Rb), a rare form of eye cancer that affects young children, mainly under the age of six. Our mission is to lessen the impact of this condition through lifelong support, funding research initiatives, and driving early diagnosis.

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is looking to appoint a new trustee with a professional background in charity fundraising to join the Board of Trustees.

This is a voluntary position, and one that makes a real difference to all those affected by retinoblastoma. By joining you’ll be part of a small, professional, and dedicated charity with big objectives. Your direct and relevant fundraising experience will help us to develop and realise our income generating ambitions.

Treasurer role summary
The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is looking to appoint a qualified finance professional to join the Board of Trustees as Treasurer.

You will provide scrutiny and oversight of the work of the charity, with a particular focus on all financial issues. This will include providing the Board with the reassurance that the finances and the related processes are operating effectively, ensuring best use of the charity’s resources.

You will use your financial knowledge and experience to undertake a monthly review of the Charity’s management accounts, assisting the Management Team in achieving the charity’s financial targets, as well as providing the necessary oversight of the annual audited accounts process.

This is a voluntary position, and one that makes a real difference to all those affected by Retinoblastoma.

The role of trustee
CHECT’s Board of Trustees share ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run.

As a member of the Board of Trustees you will help set the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. The skills and knowledge you bring will enhance the Board and support CHECT in achieving its charitable objectives.

Key accountabilities

• Overseeing the financial stability of the organisation and that all accounting processes and procedures are adhered to.
• Reviewing and giving assurance to Trustees on the charity’s financial performance, finance and investment policies, insurance provision and risk management.
• Ensuring that the charity has robust and effective financial controls in place.
• Liaising with and supporting the CEO and Head of Finance and the charity’s independent auditors.
• Providing finance updates and reports to the Board.
• Playing a key role in the Finance & Risk committee.

General requirements

• Act as an ambassador for the charity and represent the interests of all stakeholders.
• Actively participate in all Board meetings and other Trustee meetings as they arise.
• Contribute to the effective performance of the Board.
• Support the executive team in managing the charity.
• Support the fundraising team with advice and guidance.

Specific skills and knowledge

Essential

• Qualified and practicing accountant with demonstrated financial awareness and knowledge.
• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• The delivery of timely and accurate Annual Report & Accounts.
• Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Good communication and leadership skills

Desirable

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of charity finance practices.
• Skills and experience in one or more areas of non-executive governance and management e.g., risk management, strategic planning, financial/accountancy.
• A team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management.

Term of appointment
The period for which Trustees are appointed is three years, with an option to serve two further terms
by agreement of the Board of Trustees.

Time commitment
The time required is in line with the need to hold a suitable level of oversight of the management and reporting of CHECT’s finances, and to provide detailed technical advice to the Head of Finance and CEO.

The Treasurer remotely attends six Finance & Risk Committee meetings (weekday evening) and attends six Board meetings (five remote and one in person – held on a Saturday morning) per annum.

• It is also required that there is availability for:
• Ad hoc financial advice and guidance.
• Monthly meetings with the Head of Finance and CEO to review management accounts – including a more detailed quarterly review of performance.
• Input in the annual budget setting process.
• Oversight of, and engagement in the annual audit – including meetings with Auditors, review and sign off of financial information and management letter, and approval of final annual report & accounts for review by the Board and sign off by the Chair.

There will be odd occasions when Trustees are required to attend other planned meetings i.e., strategy meetings and events.

Expression of Interest
To express your interest, or for further information please contact CHECT’s CEO, Richard Ashton with your details and covering note. Email: richard.ashton@chect.org.uk