TRUSTEERECRUITMENTPosition: Finance TrusteeLocation: Flexible, quarterly board meetingsat Bore Place, Chiddingstone, KentSalary: This role is unremunerated, however,reasonable expenses may be coveredOUR CHARITY The Commonwork Trust is a UK charitycommitted to sustainable living,environmental education, and socialjustice. Situated at Bore Place, a 500-acreregeneratively managed historic estatein Kent, the charity was established in1976 by Neil and Jenifer Wates. Itsfocus is on organic farming andregenerative land management, whilstsupporting people to live happy,fulfilling and sustainable lives. Being a Finance Trustee for the Commonwork Trust is an opportunity to make atangible difference in areas that matter—regenerative farming, sustainability, andeducation. Whether you’re experienced or exploring your first Trustee role, you’ll workalongside a passionate team committed to inspiring sustainable living and fosteringcommunity impact.The following outlines what’s involved in being a Finance Trustee and how yourexpertise can contribute to our success.To learn more about the Commonwork Trust, including our mission, vision, and strategy,visit our website: www.boreplace.orgJOIN OUR BOARD"When Neil and I set up Commonwork in 1976, we saw it as an exploration of what it would be like inpractice to live and work sustainably, recognising that 'all waste is a misplaced resource' and that weare all interconnected. We intended the farm, our core activity, not only to generate profit to helpfinance the educational work, but itself to be part of the process of discovery. And we were convincedthat everything we did had to embody the principle of 'learning by doing'; risky, but in the end theonly effective way."Jenifer WatesEmeritus Trustee and co-founder of The Commonwork Trust at Bore PlaceWe are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with seniorexperience in finance, audit, or risk management.You will bring:Strong technical accounting and financial analysis skills.Experience in board-level financial oversight or charity governance.Understanding of risk management frameworks and internal controls.The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-specialists.Integrity, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach.Experience in one or more of the following areas would also be valuable:Charity or not-for-profit financeProperty, land or asset managementAgricultural or environmental organisationsThe RoleWe are seeking a Finance Trustee to strengthen the Board’s financial oversight andgovernance capabilities.This individual will bring both technical accounting expertise and a collaborative,strategic mindset to help guide the charity’s financial sustainability and riskmanagement.Following an initial six-month period, the successful candidate will assume the role ofVice-Chair of the Finance & Risk Committee, supporting the Committee Chair andproviding continuity of leadership on financial and audit matters.You will play a key role in ensuring financial integrity across the charity and its tradingsubsidiary, Commonwork Organic Farms Ltd, and work closely with the Chief Executiveand Finance Director. What We Are Looking ForKey ResponsibilitiesAs Finance Trustee, you will:1. Provide Financial LeadershipOversee and scrutinise management accounts, budgets, and forecasts.Support the Finance Director in developing and maintaining robust financialpolicies, controls, and reporting processes.Ensure compliance with charity SORP, statutory accounting requirements, andinternal governance frameworks.Guide the Finance & Risk Committee in identifying and managing financial andoperational risks.2. Strengthen Strategic DirectionContribute to the development of the Trust’s strategy and long-term financial plans.Provide a financial perspective on investment, fundraising, and partnershipdecisions.Promote sustainable financial practices aligned with the Trust’s mission.3. Uphold Good GovernanceEnsure timely and accurate submission of accounts, returns, and audit materials.Act as a mentor and sounding board for the Finance Director and CEO on strategicfinancial issues.Support the Finance & Risk Committee Chair and, after six months, deputise in thatcapacity.4. Act as an AmbassadorRepresent the charity’s financial stewardship to external stakeholders, partners, andfunders.Advocate for the Trust’s mission and help strengthen its financial and reputationalresilience.How to Apply:To express your interest, please send a cover letter and CV tojobs@boreplace.org Background Information for ProspectiveTrustees: 1.Organisational Structure 2.Commitment 3.Responsibilities, Liabilities andProtections4.Person specification5.Appointment Process  Commonwork Trust (Registered Charity Number 1160725 & Company Limited byGuarantee 09254227)  The Commonwork Trust owns the Bore Place estate and is responsible for delivering theobjects of the charity which are to apply the capital and income of the Charity towards suchcharitable purposes or charitable activities as the Trustees may direct.  The Trust has a trading subsidiary, Commonwork Organic Farms Ltd, which has a separateBoard of Directors (company 1977080). The ‘farming’ and ‘financial’ Trustees for theCommonwork Trust also sit on the Commonwork Organic Farms Ltd Board.  The Chief Executive (Anna Bullen) of Commonwork Trust and Commonwork Organic Farms Ltdattends trustee meetings. The Trust’s Senior Management Team consists of Venue andMarketing Director, Education and Community Director, Head of Development, and FinanceDirector, who attend trustee meetings as required.  The Trust sets Annual Strategic Aims and Objectives in February each year which theManagement Team develop into annual work programmes.    1.ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE  Edward Wates (Business development)Emma Renals (Finance) Antonia Dixey (Youth engagement &Safeguarding)Francine Norris (Education)Emeritus Trustee: Jenifer Wates  Current Trustees:Jas Rai (Chair)Linda Davies (Local andSustainability, Acting Vice Chair)William Waterfield (OrganicFarming)Martin Dunn (Finance andCommunity)As Finance Trustee, you are expected to:Attend quarterly Board meetings (3–4 hours each) at Bore Place, Kent Attend Finance & Risk Committee meetings (typically quarterly) - remoteattendance possibleBe available for occasional consultation or project input between meetings.Additional requirements include: Being consulted on major issues arising between meetings which need theagreement of all trustees Working with the CEO on key projects or initiatives Participating in activities as agreed at trustee meetings  Attending outside functions representing the Trust as agreed   Trustees are asked to make a minimum commitment of three years.    2. COMMITMENT 3. ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES  The Trustees are the governing body of the Commonwork Trust and are entrusted tolook after the resources of the charity and to utilise their assets in the interests of thebeneficiaries of the charity, and in accordance with the governing documents.  New trustees’ attention is drawn to the Trust’s Articles of Association and the followingpublications by the Charity Commission in particular: The Essential Trustee - what you need to knowCharity trustee – what is involved  Main role:  To work with the other trustees and staff to develop the policies and strategies for the Trust, andto ensure that these are being effectively implemented by the Commonwork Trust ChiefExecutive.  All trustees will be expected to have: A commitment to the work of the Trust and its constituent parts A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of the role Relevant experience and expertise in one or more of the organisation’s areas of work Financial experience An ability to contribute to the development of the Trust's policy and strategic vision An ability to work effectively with others and to reach decisions through consensus Tasks:  To ensure that the Trust pursues its objectives as defined in its governing documents, andapplies its resources exclusively to meet these objects To contribute actively to the trustees’ role in giving firm policy and strategic direction, andevaluating performance against agreed priorities To ensure that the organisation complies with governing documents, charity law, companylaw and any other relevant legislation or regulations To be accountable to legal bodies such as the Charity Commissioners, to beneficiaries andother stakeholders including staff To ensure the financial stability of the Trust through scrutiny of quarterly managementaccounts, development of annual budgets, and actively participating in identifying newsources of finance including charitable funding for each part, as appropriate To promote the work of the Trust through external networks and contacts To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment ofTrust funds To appoint the Chief Executive and support him/her/them in fulfilling their role Provide advice and guidance on new initiatives Offer special expertise on certain topics Send to people expressing interest Covering letter/email Trustee recruitment packOther information as requested Interested individuals to provide CV Letter of interest References Shortlist using person spec form ifappropriate Trustees Informal interview Invite on site to meet staff and trusteeObserver statusIf both parties keen to proceed, invite to attendone or two trustees' meetings as an observer.Candidates will receive all necessary papers andbe encouraged to participate in discussion,though not in formal decision making. Allinformation (written and during discussion) willbe deemed confidential and not for circulation.  Liabilities and ProtectionsTrustees are protected by the Trust’s indemnity insurance, provided decisions are made ingood faith, within the law, and in line with the governing document. While trustees can beheld personally liable for decisions, this risk is minimised by acting responsibly and adheringto the Trust’s legal framework. The Trust is also a Company limited by guarantee 09254227. 5. APPOINTMENT PROCESSFor further information please see our websitewww.boreplace.org and/or contact Anna Bullen (Chief Executive) Tel: 01732 463255 Email: anna.bullen@boreplace.org