Volunteer Trustee with financial expertise required to join Samaritans Southampton & District and help shape the future of the charity | Samaritans Southampton and District

We are looking for a new Treasurer Trustee to join the Branch Leadership Team. In addition to financial responsibilities, you will help us shape how the charity moves forward and be involved in defining and delivering our strategy.

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee and member of the Branch Leadership Team you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as helping us to achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide. The role of Treasurer is very important to us. Not only do we need someone to keep us on track financially and keep us viable, but even more significantly, we are looking for someone to help us formulate our vision for the future.

What are we looking for?

As a minimum, the Treasurer will need to have good financial experience and computer skills with the ability to work with our Independent Examiner in the preparation of our annual report and accounts. The successful candidate will be approachable, able to give and receive support, and be willing to admit and learn from mistakes in addition to being flexible and open to other peoples’ ideas. Our ideal candidate will also be calm, tactful, diplomatic and respectful of confidentiality.

What will you be doing?

The Southampton branch of Samaritans is affiliated to Samaritans and is required to operate under the direction of the main charity but is accountable to its own board of Trustees, as an independent charity. Southampton branch is one of over 200 in the UK and ROI and we operate around the clock with around 80 listening volunteers. Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help. We’re here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis; we’re taking action to prevent the crisis. We give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And we encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives. We offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need. In prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network, Samaritans are working with people who are going through a difficult time and training others to do the same. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide. That’s why we work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority. The financial position of the Brach is presently healthy but, in common with many other charities, we are finding it harder to raise funds. We are currently looking at ways of generating a sustainable income stream in addition to being more innovative with our fundraising ideas. The previous experience of the successful candidate will be vital in helping us achieve these goals. The new Treasurer will work closely with other members of the Branch Leadership Team to communicate clearly and sensitively and to take an active part in discussions and decision making. They should stay informed on financial matters, take advice where needed, and exercise sound and independent judgement. They will need to be able to see the bigger picture, recognise the main points in a complex situation and make informed decisions.