The Pony Club Board of Trustees. The Pony Club is seeking to recruit the following: Treasurer

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1 The Pony Club Board of Trustees The Pony Club is seeking to recruit the following: Treasurer Background The Pony Club is an international voluntary youth organisation for young people interested in ponies and riding. Founded in England in 1929, and granted independent charitable status on 1st January 1997, there are around 340 Branches and 540 Centres in the UK alone. The Pony Club has been the starting point for a large majority of equestrian team members and medal winners. The Pony Club is represented in no less than 27 countries with a worldwide membership exceeding 110,000 making it the largest association of young riders in the world. Objectives The objectives of The Pony Club are: to encourage young people to ride and to learn to enjoy all kinds of sport connected with horses and riding to give instruction in riding and horsemastership and to educate Members to look after and to take proper care of their animal to promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty to create strength of character and self-discipline Membership Membership is available to young people until the end of The Pony Club Year or the Centre Membership Subscription Year, whichever is relevant, in which they become 25 years old. ROLE PROFILE The Board currently consists of a Chairman, and seven other Trustees (for further details please visit our website: This is supported by the Management Team. The Committee on Standards in Public Life believes that all those in public life should adhere to the following seven principles: Selflessness Integrity Objectivity Accountability Openness Honesty Leadership Page 1 of 7 June 2016

2 It is important to remember that a trustee (in fact all trustees) of a charity must always act in a fiduciary capacity, ie. in the best interests of the charity, even if that conflicts with the interests of an organisation of which they are a nominee or representative. It is helpful if the respective interests can be reconciled but, in the case of conflict, the interests of the charity must prevail, even if they differ from the trustee s personal opinions. Applicants would be expected to prove that there is no conflict of interests which may be hard to manage, or which may be open to misinterpretation. Accountable To: Board of Trustees Role Purpose Maintain an overview of The Pony Club financial affairs; As Treasurer, provide leadership on financial matters pertaining to The Pony Club, advising the Board of Trustees and other standing Committees, and working closely with the Chief Executive and Director of Finance & Operations; Ensure that The Pony Club complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation and regulations; Ensure the financial viability and sustainability of The Pony Club; Ensure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained; Ensure that financial reporting and scrutiny is regularly reported to the Board of Trustees and other relevant Committees on a best practice basis; Ensure that a programme of continuous improvement in financial and operational systems and processes is implemented and maintained, in conjunction with the Chief Executive and Director of Finance & Operations; Chair the Finance Committee; As appropriate lead and contribute to The Pony Club project teams charged with implementing improvements to The Pony Club financial systems and processes, working closely with the Director of Finance & Operations; Contribute to The Pony Club strategy and development as a Trustee and Member of the Board. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership As Treasurer, provide leadership on financial matters pertaining to The Pony Club, advising the Board of Trustees and other standing Committees at a strategic level, and working closely with the Chief Executive and Director of Finance & Operations; Provide leadership at Board of Trustees level to ensure that The Pony Club complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant Page 2 of 7 June 2016

3 legislation or regulations, particularly ensuring that the appropriate financial returns are lodged on an accurate and timely basis; Provide leadership at Board of Trustees level to ensure that The Pony Club pursues its objectives as defined in the governing documents and The Rules of The Pony Club; Provide leadership at Board of Trustees level to ensure that The Pony Club applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects and in accordance with charity law; Provide leadership at Board of Trustees level to ensure that The Pony Club is both viable and sustainable financially; Provide leadership at Board of Trustees level to ensure, and assure the Board, that accurate financial records and procedures are maintained; Provide leadership at Board of Trustees level to ensure that financial reporting and scrutiny is regularly and accurately reported to the Board of Trustees and other relevant Committees on a best practice basis, and to to ensure that financial reporting and scrutiny is understood by Trustees and standing Committees; Provide leadership at Board of Trustees level to ensure that The Pony Club has an appropriate reserves and investment policy, and that the Board is advised and consulted on a regular basis; Provide leadership at Board of Trustees level to ensure that a programme of continuous improvement in financial and operational systems and processes is implemented and maintained; Chair the Finance Committee, with responsibility for overseeing the finances of The Pony Club, including ensuring the preparation of Management Accounts, Budgets, Cash Flow Monitoring, and the adequacy of Internal Controls. Maintain an overview of the potential risks affecting The Pony Club and the management measures put in place to eliminate or mitigate the identified risks; As a Trustee and member of the Board of Trustees, contribute actively and effectively to the overall governance and strategic direction of The Pony Club. Additional Duties of the Treasurer Formal presentation of The Pony Club Accounts & Balance Sheet at the Annual General Meeting, drawing attention to key points and issues in a coherent and understandable manner and responding to questions from the membership; Oversee, approve and present budgets, accounts and financial statements regularly and as appropriate; In conjunction with the Chief Executive and Director of Finance & Operations, advise on the implications of The Pony Club Strategic Plan and ; Ensure that The Pony Club has an appropriate investment policy and that there is no conflict of interest with the charity s aims, objects, policies and legal responsibilities; Page 3 of 7 June 2016

4 In conjunction with the Director of Finance & Operations, ensure that The Pony Club has an accurate and regularly updated Asset Register, and that assets and equipment are adequately maintained, renewed as required, and insured; Keep the Board of Trustees informed about its financial duties and responsibilities, including the induction of new Trustees; Contribute to the fundraising strategy of The Pony Club through its Strategic Plan. Other Duties and Tasks Work within policies, procedures and budgets set and agreed by the Board of Trustees, and in accordance with equal opportunities principles; Act at all times in the best interests of The Pony Club; Work with the Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive to support and remedy any training needs required or identified by the Chairman. PERSON SPECIFICATION The position of Treasurer of The Pony Club is an independent professional appointment and as such it is appropriate to prescribe a person specification that should be applied when future recruitment and/or identification of a suitable individual is required. The Treasurer should meet the following requirements: An ability to provide leadership skills as Treasurer of The Pony Club in line with the Role description described above; Professional accountancy qualification; Demonstrable understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of accountability; Understanding and acceptance of the legal and fiduciary duties, responsibilities and liabilities of a Trustee of The Pony Club; An understanding of charity law requirements or a willingness to learn and meet the required standards; Skills to analyse proposals critically and constructively and advise the Management Committee and Board of Trustees in terms of financial consequences and risk, working in conjunction with the Chief Executive and Director of Finance & Operations; Independent judgement and willingness to question or challenge, including the ability to make reasoned, but possibly unpopular, recommendations to the Board of Trustees if and when necessary; Ability to work effectively as a member of The Pony Club Board of Trustees; Longer term commitment to The Pony Club; Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort; Page 4 of 7 June 2016

5 Distinguished career in a private, public or voluntary sector organisation. EXPECTATIONS OF TRUSTEES Trustees are elected for an initial term of three years. They may offer themselves for reelection for a further three year term. The Board of Trustees meets 6 times a year (meetings alternate between London and The Pony Club Office, Stoneleigh). In addition there are 2 Trustee Strategy Awaydays. Trustees are also invited to attend Equestrian Council meetings (3 times a year). Trustees may also be invited to attend other Pony Club events eg Pony Club Championships, Conference, Awards. New Trustees will be supported with a half day induction at The Pony Club Offices, and should attend the NCVO Charity Trustees: Induction Training if new to the role of Trustee (this will be funded by The Pony Club, together with any other ongoing training). The role is voluntary but reasonable expenses will be paid. HOW TO APPLY Please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter setting out your skills and experience, and expressing why you wish to become a Trustee of The Pony Club to: Trustee Recruitment c/o Sarah Baker The Pony Club Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire CV8 2RW Or send an to sarah@pcuk.org. Deadline for applications: Thursday 14 July 2016 The Pony Club is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, disability, sexuality or religion. Page 5 of 7 June 2016

6 Person Specification for Treasurer Essential Knowledge Advance level of financial knowledge and management experience Desirable Knowledge of equestrianism Skills Minimum of 5 years experience at senior management level A proven track record of implementing processes and policies. Successful experience of working with senior management team and developing corporate strategies. Excellent written and communication skills to be able to guide and influence appropriately. Demonstrate strong analytical, data and knowledge on management skills Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Excellent effective judgment and decision making skills. Keeping abreast of developments the charity and equestrian sectors. Advanced level software skills and knowledge. Experience Experience in demonstrating commitment in successfully managing and setting budgets. Practical evidence of developing and maintaining good working relationships with a wide range of clients / partners. Experience in delivering strategic plans. Working with volunteers. NED/Trustee. Experience of setting and implementing KPIs. Financial management of charitable organisation. Abilities Ability to work to deadlines. Excellent time management abilities. High level of written and oral communication skills. Ability to mentor and guide. Ability to evaluate professional development and progress. Page 6 of 7 June 2016

7 A proven ability of increased turnover and business growth within set parameters. Able to work flexibly to meet organisational needs. Personal Qualities A highly motivated individual. Flexible approach to workload and an open door policy. Able to travel to other locations around the country. Committed to equal opportunities and diversity in a focused and caring organisation. Enhanced DBS certificate. Page 7 of 7 June 2016