January 2025
Forest Recycling Project (FRP) is a social enterprise and charity based in Waltham Forest since 1989. We reclaim materials (paint, wood and most recently textiles) and re-purpose and sell them to minimise waste and encourage sustainable living. We are firmly rooted in the local community and we focus our time and attention on practical projects with local people to make East London a greener place to live, work and play. We work with local residents and organisations to make it happen. Learn more at www.frpuk.org.
About this opportunity: The Honorary Treasurer role is a voluntary position and offers the opportunity to lead financial oversight on behalf of the Board and to play a central role in helping FRP succeed in the future.
The role will include:
- Monitoring the financial administration of the charity and reporting to the board of trustees, in compliance with the governing document
- In recent years, we have been improving our systems and processes, but there is more to be done. Working closely with and supporting the Chief Executive and other staff, you will build on the progress we have made so far.
- Overseeing budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the board of trustees.
- Liaising with the Chief Executive, Finance Officer and Independent Examiner to deliver the annual financial reporting process
- Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity
- Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan
You will also contribute more broadly to the strategic direction of the organisation as an active Board member. You will help the Board and management to identify ways to consolidate the financial situation and deliver on our long-term ambition to diversify our income base further, in line with our strategy and to deliver greater social and environmental impact.
Trustees set the strategic direction, help ensure the organisation is run effectively and act as ambassadors. As well as sharing your existing skills and experience, being a trustee offers an opportunity to develop yourself in new areas whilst making a real difference in your community.
This is an exciting and challenging time for FRP. Our retail and paint recycling business is poised for growth, and you will help this to happen and to enable greater sustainability for all our work in the process. Meanwhile, we run a large, lottery-funded volunteering project for vulnerable adults and the general community, having recently secured a significant new grant for this, and will be actively applying for further funding to support both our current work and future projects and growth.
Current trustees represent the public, private and voluntary sectors, and some also bring local knowledge and connections within Waltham Forest and neighbouring areas. The Board is friendly and committed and will actively support newcomers through induction and beyond.
What we’re looking for from you: As a guide, the typical trustee commitment is 8 hours per month. The Board typically holds evening meetings every 6 to 8 weeks, with trustees working electronically in between, collectively ensuring the good governance of the charity.
The key responsibility is to engage actively in board meetings to set the direction and review big decisions for the organisation. In addition to meetings, trustees also respond to any pressing governance needs of the charity, carry out any actions agreed upon at the meetings, and provide support in their area of expertise (for example, finance or fundraising). Much of this is done electronically.
From you, we’ll look for skills and experience in accounting and financial management, as well as a commitment to FRP’s vision and aims, a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to fulfilling the role, the ability to work effectively as a member of a team and plenty of energy and new ideas.
Next steps To follow up on your interest, please email Alison Griffin, Chief Executive of FRP, at alison@frpuk.org with your CV and a short statement explaining how your skills, experience and interests match the requirements of the role.
You are also welcome to contact Alison with questions and to be put in touch with Mona Vakil, Chair and Treasurer of the FRP Board of Trustees, for an informal discussion before you go forward.
Thank you.
