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UNITED REFORMED CHURCH TRUST
Remote
Part-time
Role Description

Role Title

Member of Resources Committee - Finance

Governance Area

Finance, Central Properties, Church House Management, Human
Resources, Compliance inc. GDPR and Health & Safety, IT
services, Database and Records and Archives (as outlined in the
Terms of Reference)

Main points of
contact

Chief Operating Officer as Head of the Admin & Resources Team

PA to the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Finance Officer

Connected Roles

Sources of Support

Chief Finance Officer,

Treasurer & Deputy Treasurer

None

Administrative support for the committee is provided by PA to the
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Finance Officer

Secretary to the Committee is Chief Operating Committee

Location

The majority of meetings will be online.  Where meetings are in
person, these are take place at URC Church House, London.

Time Commitment

Two online meetings and two in person meetings per annum (dates
and times suitable for the membership of committee) plus additional
follow up work between meetings.

Remuneration

Volunteers are not remunerated. The URC will ensure financial
expenses incurred by volunteers whilst supporting the work of the
Resources Committee will be reimbursed, in accordance with the
URC expenses policy.

Background: In 2023, General Assembly agreed to create this new Resources Committee
to draw together the work of four committees (Human Resources Advisory Group,
Communications Committee, Finance Committee, Church House Management Group).  The
Committee has therefore established its pattern of working and is an effective and strategic
committee leading on key pieces of work relating to the work of Administration and
Resources Department which is led by the Chief Operating Officer.  The remit of the
Committee means it is regulated consulted on broader pieces of work and works
collaboratively with other General Assembly Committees.

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Committee Summary:  The work of this committee covers operational aspects of the life of
Church House through the management of the offices as a place of work and through the
provision of HR.  This is not just about governance; it is also about shaping culture and
demonstrating the ethos of the URC in our care for the team.

Similarly, the work relating to the portfolio of central housing is both an exercise in managing
assets but also in appropriate care and provision for Moderators and other General
Assembly Appointed ministers. Through the work on finance and communications, this
committee will play an important part in serving the wider denomination at a key moment in
the life of the denomination with the Church Life Review work and the planning to tackle the
deficit budget.

The work of this committee in terms of finance, HR, properties and matters of Compliance
requires collaboration with the URC Trust and the Terms of Reference detail the reporting
duties in this regard.

The work of the committee will be at a strategic level, allowing the operational
implementation to be undertaken by those employed in the relevant roles within the Admin &
Resources team.

Principal responsibilities and duties

Attending & Participation in Meetings

1.  Attend as many of the Committee’s meetings as practicably possible.
2.  Read all papers carefully in advance of each meeting in order to participate in

discussions and ask appropriate questions.

3.  Familiarise yourself with the Committee’s Terms of Reference and delegated authority

from General Assembly and the URC Trust.

4.  Familiarise yourself with the relevant policies and procedures which relate to the work

of the Resources Committee.

Specialist Area Related

1.  Offer guidance, views and recommendations where these relate to your particular area

of specialism.

2.  Be willing to support particular pieces of committee work outside of the meetings from
time to time, especially where these relate to your particular area of specialism. This is
likely to include, but not limited to, involvement in the annual budget setting process
and exploring issues of funding which flow from discussions at General Assembly or
assembly Executive.

Training

1.  Undertake training in key areas as highlighted within the induction and through ongoing
conversation with the Convenor and Secretary, such training is to include anti-racism
training.

Working with other Committees and Volunteers

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This section lists the type and level of interaction that this role has with committees and other
groups.  It may vary from time to time and as directed by the Business Committee/General
Secretariat.

This member of Resources Committee will work closely with: -

•  The Chief Operating Officer and the PA to the Chief Operating Officer and Chief

Finance Officer

•  The Convenor of Resources Committee
•  Chief Finance Officer
•  Other members of the finance team as necessary

There may be contact from time to time with: -

•  Pensions Committee
•  URC Ministers’ Pensions Trust
•  URC Investment Committee
•  URC Trust
•  Business Committee
•  Faith in Action Committee
•  Ministries Committee

Expected Standards

This section refers to the way in which the role should be done rather than the

duties/responsibilities.

1.  Promote a culture of open and effective communication.

2.  Actively foster an environment which nurtures equality and cherishes diversity.

3.  Take responsibility for own personal development and develop skills and knowledge

applicable to this role.

4.  Ensure compliance with Safeguarding practice.

This role description reflects the overall scope and responsibilities of the role.  However, it
may change and evolve over time in order to meet organisational needs and this job
description will therefore be subject to periodic review and change if required.

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Role: Member of Resources Committee - Finance

Person Specification

Requirements
Experience and
Knowledge

Skills and
Abilities

Other

Essential
1.  Experience of local church

Desirable

•  Knowledge of URC

governance structures or a
willingness to learn.

•  Some knowledge of the law

relating to trusts and charities

finance.

2.  Experience of budget.

setting and management.

3.  Working knowledge (or

ability to acquire it) of
Charity SORP.

4.  Work collaboratively with a

diverse range of people

5.  Ability to read and

understand financial reports

6.  Ability to engage with

complex financial issues

7.  Attention to detail.
8.  Good IT skills including

Microsoft Office, Zoom and
email.

9.  Member of the United
Reformed Church

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