Trustee (Finance​/Auditing Expertise

We are looking for an experienced finance and audit professional to join the Blue Cross Board of Trustees and help safeguard the charity’s long-term financial sustainability.

You will bring strategic financial insight, sound judgement and constructive challenge to Board discussions. Your expertise will help the Board understand and scrutinise financial information, oversee risk and assurance, and maintain strong standards of financial governance and accountability.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with senior-level experience in areas such as finance or accounting leadership, audit, risk and assurance, financial controls, budgeting and financial planning, regulatory compliance or Audit and Risk Committee leadership. A recognised accountancy qualification or equivalent professional expertise would be expected.

Alongside your specialist contribution, you will share the responsibilities of all Blue Cross Trustees. This includes helping to set our strategic direction, overseeing organisational performance and ensuring we use our resources effectively to achieve the greatest possible impact.

You do not need previous Trustee experience. A comprehensive induction and ongoing support will be provided. We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to creating a better future for pets and the people who love them and can make complex financial information accessible to others.

Please see the attached candidate information pack for full details of the opportunity, the experience we are seeking and the recruitment process. As part of your application, you will be asked to provide a supporting statement of no more than 1,000 words.

Trustee

Chairman

Home

Blue Cross has been helping pets and the people who love them since 1897. Our Trustees play a vital role in ensuring we continue to make the greatest possible difference, both now and in the future.

As a Trustee, you will join our Board in providing strategic leadership and effective governance for Blue Cross. You will help shape our future direction, ensure our resources are used responsibly and support and challenge our Chief Executive and Executive Team.

You will bring your experience, insight and independent judgement to Board discussions while working collaboratively with fellow Trustees and colleagues. You will share our commitment to creating a better future for pets and the people who love them and will act in the best interests of Blue Cross and those we support.

We recruit Trustees with different professional backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Any specialist knowledge required for a particular Trustee vacancy will be set out in the relevant opportunity advert and candidate information pack.

Trustees are expected to prepare for and attend quarterly Board meetings, take part in relevant committee meetings and attend occasional events or visits. The anticipated commitment is approximately one to two days per month.

• Help shape and oversee the vision, strategy and future direction of Blue Cross.
• Ensure that Blue Cross remains focused on its charitable purpose and the needs of pets and the people who love them.
• Contribute independent judgement, experience and constructive challenge to Board discussions and decisions.
• Ensure that Blue Cross is well governed and complies with its legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities.
• Oversee the charity’s financial sustainability, use of resources and management of risk.
• Appoint, support and hold the Chief Executive to account, while delegating responsibility for the day-to-day management of Blue Cross.
• Contribute your professional knowledge and experience to relevant strategic discussions.
• Participate fully in Board meetings and serve on committees or working groups where appropriate.
• Act as an ambassador for Blue Cross, representing our values and protecting our reputation.
• Maintain confidentiality and declare and manage any potential conflicts of interest.
• Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the Executive Team while making decisions collectively as a Board.

• Commitment to the purpose, vision and values of Blue Cross.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to consider the long-term interests of the charity.
• The ability to understand complex information, consider different perspectives and reach balanced conclusions.
• The confidence to offer constructive challenge while remaining supportive and collaborative.
• Integrity, openness and a commitment to high standards of governance.
• An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and a commitment to helping create an inclusive organisation.
• The time and commitment needed to prepare for and participate fully in Board and committee activity.
• An understanding of the responsibilities of charity Trustees, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.

• The opportunity to help shape the future of a leading national pet…