Plant Heritage National Treasurer

Plant Heritage, a world leading cultivated plant conservation charity responsible for the National Plant Collection® scheme and research into threatened cultivated plants, seeks a Treasurer with appropriate experience in financial management. The Honorary Treasurer is a key governance position and the role’s overall purpose is to maintain an overview of the charity’s financial affairs and support fellow Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer in ensuring sound financial management.

The Treasurer is a member of the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens and is an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees.

The Treasurer’s main involvement would be at Board(4 p.a.) and Council meetings (2 p.a.mainly in London on a weekday (between 10-4), with frequent contact, primarily via email, with the CEOand Finance Officer. As circumstances require, additional time, roughly an hour or two a week, will be needed to keep abreast of the charity’s work and any developments and provide comments as appropriate.

In addition to the general responsibilities of Trustees, the Treasurer:

  1. Provides advice to the Board of Trustees and relevant sub-committees on financial policy such as major items of expenditure, cash management, reserves policy and risk.
  2. Works with the CEO in preparing the annual Budget and presents this to the Board of Trustees and the Council and ensure that its progress is monitored throughout the year.
  3. Liaises with the CEO over the year end accounts as required and reviewsthe Annual Report and Accounts to ensure these are accurately and fairly presented.
  4. Liaises with local Group Treasurers as required
  5. Acts as an authorised cheque and electronic bank signatory
  6. Assists the CEO when required in a wide range of matters such as company and charity law, governance, taxation, and contracts

The day to day bookkeeping is carried out at the National Office (at Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey) by the Finance Officer, overseen by the CEO.

Person specification

  • Relevant financial experience at a senior level with an accountancy qualification or equivalent
  • Good understanding of relevant, e.g. company, law
  • Strategic vision and ability to think creatively
  • Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
  • Willingness to make robust recommendations to the Board and/or Council
  • Competency with Word and Excel
  • Willingness to givethe necessary time and provide advice on an ad hoc basis

The Treasurer serves on the Council and Board for 3 years before re-election, following which a period of up to 3 years may be served before further re-election. [can do more than 6 years!]

The post is non-remunerated but reasonable expenses are paid.

For more information on this position, or for an informal discussion, please contact Sarah Quarterman the Chief Executive via the Reach Volunteering website.

Plant Heritage is the working name of National Council for the Conservation of Plants & Gardens