Hen Harrier Action Has a Vacancy for a Volunteer Treasurer and Trustee - Do You Know Anyone Who Might be Interested?
After more than 18 months of dedicated service to the charity, our current Treasurer and Trustee, Jack Whitelegg, is stepping down this month. Like all of us, Jack is an unpaid volunteer, and has worked tirelessly to improve the charity’s financial practices and handle the increasing numbers of fundraising campaigns.
He has done all of this alongside a demanding day job for RSPB International as Island Restoration Project Officer, which has seen him travelling to small, far-flung islands to carry out vital conservation work.
Jack now needs to devote more time to this important work for RSPB International, and is stepping down.
We’re looking for someone special to replace him, with financial skills and experience, but combined with a keen interest in wildlife and conservation issues.
The role, which is remote, requires just a few hours most months, and attendance at the six-weekly online meetings, with occasional more intense activity around submission of the annual accounts.
But it is important to note that the role of Treasurer, like all the Trustee roles, is entirely voluntary and unpaid, with the exception of expenses.
Volunteer Treasurer and Trustee: Job Role
Hen Harrier Action’s aim is to help protect the birds and other animals of the uplands, in particular the Hen Harrier and other raptors, by raising public awareness of wildlife crime and other issues related to use of the uplands for driven grouse shooting. We do so by running events such as Action for Wildlife Day and supporting Hen Harrier Day events organised locally.
We also run a popular annual online live broadcast event, Skydancer Day, and regularly run appeals to raise funds for satellite tagging Hen Harriers and other appeals that meet our aims. We try to encourage an early love of nature with two annual competitions for children and young people, Young Wild Writers and Young Wild Photographer.
All of this activity is organised by a small team of unpaid volunteer Trustees. This role, like all others, is unpaid, although expenses will be covered by the charity.
HHA is both a Charity regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and a Company Limited by Guarantee. HHA’s income for the year to 28th February 2024 was £22,540, including restricted funds arising from our satellite tag appeals.
Our current trustee treasurer is stepping down, and we are looking for someone with relevant experience who could take over the Treasurer’s role, with responsibility for financial governance. The role involves a few hours a month, and attendance at online meetings every two months, and includes:
Accounting
• Preparing and maintaining proper financial records including reviews and approving expenses. For prior years, this has meant accounting for the bank transactions (<200 per year) on a spreadsheet
• Liaison with the Charities Aid Foundation through which the charity receives donations
• Liaising with the charity’s Independent Examiner to prepare and file the Annual Accounts
Trustee
• Providing regular financial updates to the Trustees
• Making recommendations on expenditure, grants and fundraising
• Taking an active part in the work and strategic direction of the charity
We are looking for candidates with a passion for conservation and wildlife, and an interest in protecting and improving the biodiversity of our uplands. You may already have experience as a charity trustee or treasurer, ideally combined with some experience in accountancy and financial management.
You’d be joining a committed and enthusiastic team of volunteers who raise funds to tag, monitor and protect hen harriers, support events and publicity, and campaign to improve legislation against illegal persecution and wildlife crime.
We’d be happy to have an informal chat with prospective applicants about the role before applying and answer any questions. To apply in the first instance, send your details and a covering letter or CV to: info@henharrierday.uk