The Hearth Centre is governed by a Board, the members of which are also the Trustees of the company as a charity. All Board members are non-executive directors who give their time and expertise on an unpaid basis. 

 

The Board is responsible for setting strategy and ensuring the company has the financial and staff resources it needs to meet its objectives, alongside maintaining the Grade 2 listed building.  It delegates the day-to-day management of the company to a Centre Coordinator / Administrator who manages the staff team and, with the support of the Board, manages our stakeholder relationships.

 

Our Board is currently composed of 5 members appointed by the Board and its members.  At present, the full Board meets on a monthly basis.

 

A Chair is appointed by the Board. 

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WE ARE SEEKING A NEW VOLUNTARY TREASURER / BOOK-KEEPER AND FINANCE TRUSTEE 

The Hearth Arts Centre is seeking support for its financial management as our long‑standing Treasurer prepares to step down after many years of valued voluntary service. We are a small, friendly Board of Trustees and are open to appointing either:

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• A combined Volunteer Treasurer/Bookkeeper who also serves as Trustee responsible for Finance, OR

• A Volunteer Treasurer/Bookkeeper plus a separate Trustee (Finance)

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Our priority is to recruit someone who can take on the Treasurer/Bookkeeper responsibilities. The Trustee (Finance) role may also be filled by this same person or can be undertaken by a separate / second post holder.

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ABOUT THE ROLES
Voluntary Treasurer / Bookkeeper – Role Description Purpose

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To manage the charity’s day‑to‑day financial processes, maintain accurate records, and provide clear monthly reporting to the Board.

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Estimated Time Commitment

• Routine monthly tasks: approx. 2–3 hours per month

• Year‑end and budgeting periods may require some additional time

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Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the Nominal Ledger using Sage Accountant

• Upload invoices into Sage

• Prepare monthly payments via the our online banking system (typically one payment run per month)

• Transfer all receipts and payments into Sage, update all nominal ledger accounts including debtors

• Other ad‑hoc accounting tasks, such as liaising with the payroll provider, entering journals and corrections, and producing aged debtor reports

• Prepare a monthly financial summary for Trustee meetings 

• Support the preparation of the annual budget (a few hours each year)

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Skills & Experience

• Bookkeeping experience

• Accuracy, reliability, and good organisational skills

• Confidence with online banking and basic accounting processes

• Ability to communicate clearly and liaise regularly with fellow Trustees and our Centre Administrator

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Trustee (Finance) – Role Description Purpose

To provide strategic financial oversight, ensure legal and regulatory compliance, and support the Board in making informed decisions about the charity’s financial health.

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Estimated Time Commitment

• Attendance at Trustee meetings (monthly)

• Additional involvement in strategic or operational matters as needed

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Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure compliance with charity and company law

• Ensure proper financial records and effective procedures are in place

• Monitor and report on the financial health of the organisation

• Lead on interpreting financial information for fellow Trustees

• Oversee the production of the annual budget and propose its adoption

• Ensure timely production of statutory accounts, returns, and audits

• Liaise with staff, volunteers, and external professionals to ensure financial viability

• Contribute to broader Trustee responsibilities, including:

  • Strategic planning

  • Risk management

  • Stakeholder engagement

  • Compliance with the Charity’s Articles of Association and Charity Commission guidance

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Skills & Experience

• Financial literacy and confidence interpreting accounts

• Ability to think strategically and contribute to governance discussions

• Understanding of charity finance 

• Willingness to engage in the wider work of the Board

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 Why Join The Hearth?

• A warm, community‑centred arts organisation with a strong local presence

• A manageable and well‑structured financial system already in place

• Support from a friendly team, including an experienced Administrator

• A chance to give back to a much‑loved local charity and help it thrive

• An opportunity to develop committee and leadership skills in a supportive environment

• Flexibility for the appointment to work around your availability (many employers also offer charitable volunteering schemes, which can provide paid time to support roles like this).

 

We appreciate that your time is given voluntarily, and we’re committed to being flexible so the role can be shaped around your availability and other commitments.
 

Get in touch

If you’re interested in joining our Board we would love to hear from you.  Please contact office@thehearth.co.uk for further details, or reach out to our Chair of Trustees, Julie Straw  (juliestraw@thehearth.co.uk), for an informal conversation.