Join the Board of Trustees as Chair of Finance & Governance Committee

Devon Community Foundation is the largest independent grant funder for charities and community organisations in the county, created by our communities and for our communities. Community foundations exist to bring together people and organisations wanting to make a positive difference where they live and work through place-based philanthropy.

This means we work with donors and funding partners who care about Devon and want their money to strengthen communities and tackle inequality in the county. And we use our knowledge of the community and voluntary sector in Devon to turn donations into grants that go to grassroots organisations, creating change in the heart of their communities.

DCF is part of a network of 47 community foundations operating throughout the UK. Together we are one of the largest funders of communities across the nation. Joining Devon Community Foundation is an opportunity to help build a vibrant community and voluntary sector in Devon – and help people change lives for the better.

The Foundation’s statement of its values is: We are expert, collaborative, compassionate and trustworthy. These values guide the efforts of all staff and trustees at DCF.

Last financial year we gave out 217 grants worth a total of £1.2 million. We are also growing an endowment fund to ensure we can continue to give grants for generations to come. As of 31 March 2026, our endowment fund was worth £9m and generated £408k for grants in 2025/26.

Our Board of Trustees plays a vital role in the success of our charity. They help us to reach potential donors and charities, and they ensure we are well-managed and have a clear strategy to respond to the needs of communities.

We are looking for a new trustee to chair the board’s Finance & Governance Committee and to advise our trustees regarding financial matters and governance, and to support our Senior Finance Manager and Chief Executive in devising our financial strategy.

At the Foundation, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, regardless of background. We therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are looking for people who share our commitment to working in this way.

This is a great opportunity to use your financial knowledge and skills to help guide a charity and make a positive difference in your community.

If you believe you have the skills and passion for the role, we encourage you to apply and show us how you meet the criteria.

To Apply

Please submit your CV, with a short covering letter (one page of A4) explaining what you would bring to the role of Trustee (Chair of Finance & Governance Committee) and how you meet the requirements of the person specification and send it by email to khubert@devoncf.com. Applications that do not demonstrate essential experience will not be shortlisted.

We'll be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Therefore, we'd encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know, and we will work to accommodate your needs. Interviews will be held at our office in Tiverton.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role with Mary Hancock (CEO), or Jake Moores (Chair), we would be pleased to hear from you. Please email Kate Hubert at khubert@devoncf.com to arrange a call.

Role Description – Trustee (Chair of Finance &

Governance Committee)

The Chair of Finance & Governance Committee is an elected Officer of the Board of Trustees; as such they are also a Director of the Company.

As Chair of the Finance & Governance Committee you will provide oversight and guidance on the financial strategy of the charity, advise the Board on effective governance and support the Chief Executive and Senior Finance Manager to ensure that proper processes and procedures exist for effective management of finance and resources.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic

• To advise and assist the Chief Executive and Senior Finance Manager in the formation of the Foundation’s financial strategy, ensuring this supports the Foundation’s mission

To provide oversight and guidance to the Board on progress against the financial strategy and major financial decisions, long-term financial planning and investment policies

Act as the main point of contact between the Finance & Governance Committee and the Board of Trustees, facilitating discussions on financial matters.

2. Governance

To ensure the Board is aware of its financial duties and responsibilities and the requirements to comply with all legislation

• To ensure all trustees have a good understanding of the Foundation’s financial strategy and financial position

• To ensure financial strategy is monitored and reviewed on a regular basis

To work with the Chair and Vice Chair to provide leadership to the Board and support the Chief Executive on strategic or complex matters as needed.

3. Assets and Investments

• To ensure that the Foundation has an appropriate investment policy and reserves policy

• To ensure that the Foundation monitors the performance of its investments

To ensure that the Foundation regularly reviews performance of investment managers and any other advisers and re-commissions as appropriate.

4. Support for the Senior Finance Manager and CEO

To provide independent financial oversight and strategic advice to the Senior Finance Manager and the CEO.

Person Specification

Essential

An accountancy qualification or an equivalent level of experience and expertise in accountancy and charity finance

Knowledge and experience of Charity Governance and financial management either through an executive or previous trustee role

Knowledge of current charity accounting requirements, including the Charities SORP, and the ability to provide oversight and challenge in relation to financial reporting and compliance

Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of company directors and trustees

• A commitment to the vision, mission and values of the Foundation (see below)

• Able and willing to commit the time to carry out the role effectively

Understanding of and commitment to diversity, inclusion, sustainability and equality in all aspects of the Foundation’s work.

Desirable

• Analytical and strategic thinking, demonstrating good judgement

Good communication and leadership skills, adept at communicating complex financial information to trustees who do not have a finance background; ability to listen openly speak up with honesty, tact and diplomacy

• Experience of (and enjoyment in) building relationships with senior stakeholders and networking

• A good team player with an ability to work in partnership with staff and fellow trustees

A connection with Devon, and a commitment to supporting communities in Devon are desirable, along with the ability to attend meetings in the county.

Time commitment

• Quarterly 3-hour Board meetings, to be attended preferably in person (currently held in Cheriton Bishop)

• Quarterly 3-hour Finance &Governance Committee meetings, to be attended preferably in person (held in our office in Tiverton)

• All trustees are encouraged to attend Community Foundation events and to assist DCF to develop relationships with donors and potential donors

• The time commitment is likely to be around 15 days across a calendar year.

Term of office

• We are looking to appoint trustees to serve for an initial term of three years (for up to a maximum of three terms).

Our commitment to you

We will provide:

• an induction and ongoing opportunities to grow and learn through the role

opportunities to shape the direction of the charity

engagement with people from a variety of different backgrounds

opportunities to see the impact our funding makes in the hands of local organisations

• expenses to cover items such as travel and childcare to enable you to fulfil your role.

Devon Community Foundation 10-year Strategy 2026-2036
Our Vision	Our vision for Devon is a place where al communities have the resources they need to thrive.
Our Mission	We use expert knowledge and insight to inspire local investment, working with people to strengthen communities and tackle inequalities.
Our Values	Trust We are open and transparent about our processes, reflect and learn, and use resources wisely.	Expertise We make impactful grants based on local knowledge and support donors in their giving.		Collaboration We collaborate with donors and actively involve Devons' communities in developing funds that drive the change communities want to see.	Compassion We lead with compassion and treat each other and everyone with kindness.
Our Strategic Aims	Inform through Local Insight We wil establish our reputation as a leading player in VCsE sector research and partnership in the South West region and beyond.		Invest in Local Communities We wil channel locally rooted funds to the communities that need them most, transparently and eficiently.		Inspire Local Giving We will use insights of local issues and solutions to inspire a diverse community of philanthropists.
Enablers	Governance - We are accountable, transparent, responsible and inclusive.
	Operations - We embed systems, technology and culture that support efficiency, growth, and positivity. Finance - We steward our assets and invest responsibly for the long-term benefit of the community.

www.devoncf.com