Chuf are looking to recruit a Finance Trustee in place of Janice Lightley who is retiring from the Board in 2026.

We are looking for a Finance Trustee to join our Board and help provide strong financial oversight, guidance and strategic support as we continue to make a meaningful difference for Heart Heroes and their families. 

Chuf’s vision is to support pioneering services that positively impact heart families, inspire hope and enable Heart Heroes to reach their full potential. We support children, young people, adults and their families receiving treatment at the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital, as well as other hospitals providing care for cardiac patients across the North of England.

About the role:

As Finance Trustee, you will support the Board of Trustees by overseeing Chuf’s financial administration and reporting on the charity’s financial health. You will help ensure that Chuf meets its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities, while supporting informed decision-making and long-term sustainability.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone with finance, accounting or financial governance experience who would like to use their skills to support a charity with a powerful purpose and a strong sense of community.

Key responsibilities:

• Review monthly management accounts prepared by Chuf’s external accountants and discuss these with the Director of Fundraising and Operations.
• Chair the Finance Committee in line with its terms of reference and report back to the Board of Trustees.
• Support the preparation and review of annual budgets, financial reports, annual accounts and the Trustees’ Report.
• Advise the Board on financial strategy, reserves, risk management, financial controls and the financial implications of key decisions.
• Help ensure Chuf maintains proper accounting records and uses its resources responsibly, effectively and in line with good governance.
• Act as a Board-level link with external accountants or auditors where required.

About you:

We are looking for someone who can bring financial expertise, sound judgement and a collaborative approach to the Board. You do not need previous trustee experience, but you should be willing to understand the responsibilities of trusteeship and contribute actively to Chuf’s governance.

Trustees are expected to demonstrate commitment to Chuf, strategic vision, good independent judgement, creativity, the confidence to speak their mind, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Trustees should also be committed to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Our values:

• Always there: we face difficult moments together and ensure families know they are never alone.
• Champion the little things: we value the small acts of kindness that can make a big difference to someone’s day.
• Commit to doing the right thing: we go above and beyond to secure the best possible outcomes for children, families and our wider Chuf community.
• A place for everyone: Chuf is a lifelong family for anyone affected by childhood heart disease, including children, young people, adults, parents, fundraisers and medical professionals.

Time commitment and support:

The Finance Trustee role requires an average commitment of approximately one day per month across the year, in addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee. Board meetings are held bi-monthly in person at an agreed venue in the North East and trustees are required to participate in committees to support the delegation of responsibilities with committee meetings held quarterly.  Please see role description for more detailed information regarding commitment and responsibilities.

Chuf will support trustees by providing timely, high-quality information, access to advice and professional support where required, induction, training, administrative support and reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out trustee duties

For more information regarding the role of finance trustee please read the Finance trustee role description FINAL July 26

How to apply:

If you are interested in joining Chuf as Finance Trustee, please contact our Chairman, Ivan Hollingsworth, at Ivan.Hollingsworth@chuf.org.uk with an up-to-date CV and a short explanation of why the role is of interest to you.  The closing date for applications of interest is the 31^st of July 2026. 

Chuf welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we support and encourages different perspectives, skills and lived experiences.

Next steps:

• We will acknowledge receipt of your application and review your CV and supporting statement.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to have an informal conversation with Chuf’s Chairman and/or members of the Board.
• Suitable candidates may then be invited to meet with trustees and members of the Chuf team to learn more about the charity, the role and the support available.
• Following this process, successful candidates will be asked to complete the required trustee appointment checks and induction before formally joining the Board.

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