Developmentplus
29,000 per year (pro rata)
Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Full-time
23rd January 2026
FINANCE OFFICER RECRUITMENT PACK “This is an exciting opportunity to join developmentplus at an important crossroads for the Charity as we embark on our social enterprise journey” Lynsey Collinson (CEO) “Our aim is to build a future where every person thrives, and no one just survives” ABOUT US Developmentplus is a charity based in Lincoln with 28 years' experience of working alongside disadvantaged and vulnerable people within Lincolnshire. We work alongside people in their community, facilitating their involvement in decisions that affect their lives, supporting them to identify and develop initiatives that they feel will help improve their quality of life. Our aim is to build a future where every person thrives, and no one just survives. Our core delivery is based around two forms of activity: coaching and mentoring programmes and advocacy support working with beneficiaries from a broad background including individuals with poor mental health, ex-offenders, individuals furthest from the employment market and rough sleepers. Creative, peer led, group sessions that provide an additional space for support, friendship, and creativity. Supporting over 500 beneficiaries a year, our four main projects include: o Step in the Right Direction - a one-to-one coaching/mentoring programme o Bridging the Gap - a reducing reoffending project o Better Together - a collaborative project with two other charities in Lincoln offering a programme of mentoring and coaching, therapeutic garden- based activities, volunteering and training/work experience and support into employment. o Project Compass - our homelessness advocacy support project. PURPOSE STATEMENT We support people experiencing disadvantage in Lincolnshire to: • • • • Build their trust and confidence – by providing a safe space where we listen/value what they have to say. Develop their capacity and skills – by building on their strengths/aspirations and providing training to improve their economic prospects. Improve their health and wellbeing – by providing a range of services to support mental health. Engage and benefit from additional support – by encouraging service participants to speak out and advocating for them as they seek specialist support about issues affecting their lives. Finance Officer Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire (Hybrid working available) Salary: £29K pa/pro rata Contract Type: 15hrs a week – Fixed Term (Initially for 1 year) Reporting to: CEO Role Purpose The Finance Officer will support the charity’s financial operations by maintaining accurate financial records, assisting with reporting, and ensuring compliance with financial procedures. This role is key to the day-to-day financial administration and contributes to the smooth running of the organisation’s finances. Key Responsibilities Financial Administration Assist in preparing budgets and financial reports. Maintain accurate records of income and expenditure. Support the production of monthly management accounts. Monitor transactions and reconcile accounts regularly. Compliance & Reporting Ensure financial records comply with charity regulations and internal policies. Assist with year-end accounts and audit preparation. Support the submission of statutory returns including Gift Aid and payroll filings. Systems & Controls Maintain financial systems and support improvements to processes. Carry out bookkeeping tasks, bank reconciliations, and data entry. Liaise with external service providers such as accountants and banks. Support & Collaboration Provide financial data for funding applications and grant reports. Work closely with project teams to ensure accurate financial tracking. Support the CEO and Trustees with financial documentation. Person Specification Essential Experience in financial administration, ideally within the charity or non- profit sector. Good working knowledge of accounting software (e.g., Xero) and Excel. Understanding of basic charity finance principles. Strong attention to detail and organisational skills. Desirable Experience supporting audits and preparing financial reports. Knowledge of restricted/unrestricted funding and grant reporting. Familiarity with payroll and pension processes. Benefits Employer pension contribution (up to 5%) 26 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata) Flexible working arrangements Professional development support How to apply Send a completed application form and CV to enquiries@developmentplus.org.uk Closing Date Interviews Friday 23 January 2026 Wednesday 4 February 2026
Welcome to Developmentplus Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee at developmentplus. We hope this pack and our website www.developmentplus.org.uk answer any questions you may have. Our aim is to build a future where every person thrives, and no one just survives. We support people experiencing disadvantage in Lincolnshire to: • • • • Build their trust and confidence – by providing a safe space where we listen/value what they have to say. Develop their capacity and skills – by building on their strengths/aspirations and providing training to improve their economic prospects. Improve their health and wellbeing – by providing a range of services to support mental health. Engage and benefit from additional support – by encouraging service participants to speak out, and advocating for them as they seek specialist support about issues affecting their lives. Our core delivery is based around two forms of activity: 1) 1-1 coaching and mentoring programmes and advocacy support working with beneficiaries from a broad background including individuals with poor mental health, ex-offenders, individuals furthest from the employment market and rough sleepers. 2) Creative, peer led, group sessions that provide an additional space for support, friendship, and creativity. Supporting over 500 beneficiaries a year, our projects include: Step in the Right Direction - a one-to-one coaching/mentoring programme Bridging the Gap - a reducing reoffending project Better Together - a collaborative project with two other charities in Lincoln offering a programme of mentoring and coaching, therapeutic garden-based activities, volunteering and training/work experience and support into employment Project Compass - our homelessness advocacy support project Neurotopia – providing support to neurodivergent adults and parents of neurodivergent children. We also support two, peer led support groups; an Art Group and a Wellbeing Group, both of which are attached to the Better Together Project mentioned above. Our projects are supported by a team of 17 which includes 14 dedicated development workers who bring an array of skills to their roles and are all passionate about supporting people from all backgrounds in moving forward with their lives. I hope this inspires you to read on. We look forward to hearing from you. Lynsey Collinson CEO of behalf of Trustees Our Commitment to Embracing Difference and Diversity Developmentplus is committed to creating a truly equal and inclusive environment. The people we support are diverse individuals and so are we. We aim to recruit and retain great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We are committed to ensuring a welcome for all, and we will do all we can to ensure an inclusive environment where everyone can fulfil their potential and achieve great things, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual expression, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, national origin, disability or age. Our Values Approachable - we are welcoming, friendly, and easy to talk to. Committed - we walk alongside, dedicated to overcoming obstacles together. Empathic - we take time and understand how complex life is without judgement. Inclusive - we acknowledge the diversity of individuals and celebrate their unique circumstances. Supportive - we offer advocacy and hope whilst encouraging people to find their voice. Our Vision, aims and objectives Our Vision Providing hope, empowerment and support to people through our community-based projects. Our Aims • • • To develop capacity and skills of people in such a way that they are better able to participate more fully in society. Provide opportunities that inspire and build resilience in people and their communities. To provide a range of responsive services for the people of Lincolnshire that will improve their wellbeing and mental health, promoting hope and sustainable personal progression. Our Objectives • • • • • To encourage and enable people to access services that improve their wellbeing, physical and mental health To empower people to speak out and seek support about issues that affect their lives. To provide programmes of training and support to enable individuals to overcome personal barriers and improve their economic prospects Committed, personalised support for individual needs. Building peoples strengths through acceptance and validation To develop and maintain partnerships across the County to achieve collective goals Developmentplus Strategic Plan We recently reached a period of financial stability within the organisation which allowed us the opportunity to work on strategic/business plan to plan effectively for the future. Board Structure With the Lloyds funding and specialist support, developmentplus has had the opportunity to explore and implement an alternative governance structure that provides expected accountability from the charity’s senior leadership team. This has included the introduction of sub-groups that meet independently to the board these include a risk and finance sub-group. Introduction to the Trustee role Developmentplus has begun a period of transition which will lead to an ambitious vision for the future, for which we are looking for new Trustees to support the journey. We value diversity in our organisation and recognise the continuing challenge to maintain diversity at the Board, for example in terms of gender, age, ethnicity, disability and perspective. Our goal is for the Board to become more closely representative of our beneficiaries and local communities in all of these aspects. Trustee Role Description Duties To ensure that developmentplus complies with its constitution, Charity law and all the relevant legislation and regulations To act at all times in the interests of the Charity’s beneficiaries To work in the interest of the Charity, not for personal gain The ensure the Charity applies its resources solely and exclusively in pursuance of its objects To support or participate actively in the work of the Board of Trustees whose role is to give clear strategic direction of the Charity, define overall policy, identify goals, set targets, and evaluate performance against agreed targets To safeguard the good name and values of developmentplus To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Charity To make sure that the Charity is properly insured against all reasonable liabilities To ensure the financial stability of developmentplus To ensure that the Charity accounts for its activities to its funders, the Charity Commission, Companies House, its members, and the local community To support the Board of Trustees in the appointment, support, supervision, and monitoring of the Chief Executive To ensure that all staff and volunteers are appropriately appointed, trained, supported and supervised To ensure that the Board of Trustees takes proper professional advice on matters in which it does not have competence To represent and report back to the Board when serving on other bodies Additional Duties In addition to the duties defined above, Trustees should use any specific skills, knowledge, or expertise to assist the Board achieving sound decisions. This necessitates: Scrutinising Board documents and papers Participating in discussions and disseminating accurate information Focusing on key issues Providing advice and guidance (based on individual expertise) on new initiatives and other associated community activities Benefits of becoming a Trustee Meaningful impact – make a real difference to the lives of those we support and contribute to positive change in your community. Professional development – gain valuable leadership experience and expand our skills while working with a dynamic team of like-minded individuals. Networking opportunities – connect with professionals, leaders, and stakeholders in the charity sector and beyond benefiting both the charity and the trustee personally and professionally. Personal fulfilment – the satisfaction of knowing your efforts are directly contribution to the success and growth of a vital charitable organisation. Trustee Specification We are looking to recruit Trustees to support Board succession with any of the following skills and expertise: HR recruitment and personnel management Target setting, monitoring and evaluation of performance and programmes in a non-profit making organisation financial management Income generation legal matters (Charity, employment, company law etc) fundraising equality, inclusion, and community engagement HR recruitment and personnel management Public relations and marketing Communications experience particularly in the area of social media training, education, and learning lived experience in a social issue we work to address In order to ensure a balance of expertise on the Board, each Trustee is asked to complete a Skills Audit and undertake an induction with the CEO. This is in addition to signing a declaration of commitment and qualification for Trusteeship. Each Trustee must have: integrity a commitment to developmentplus an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of Trusteeship, as set out by the Charity Commission a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a Trustee a strategic vision good independent judgement an ability to think creatively a willingness to speak their mind an ability to be an effective team member a willingness to undertake training developmentplus Board Pledge As a developmentplus Trustee I will support the Chief Executive and staff by; Attend meetings and reading papers beforehand Contribute feedback when asked between meetings Act with honesty, integrity and in the best interests of developmentplus Be prepared to challenge in a constructive way Promote developmentplus Attend key organisational events Share and bring my experience and knowledge Respect confidentiality and corporate responsibility Commit to development and training as a Trustee Declare any conflict of interest Terms of Appointment Remuneration: All roles are voluntary and unpaid. Expenses incurred in fulfilling your duties will be reimbursed. Commitment Requirements: Initially 6 weekly moving towards quarterly Board meetings that are on a Wednesday starting at 9.30am Ad hoc Strategic Away Days (held locally) Commitment to preparation for meetings by reading Board papers Board meetings are held within Lincoln/TEAMS attendance as necessary Willingness to be appointed to serve as a Chair of a sub-group Chair of Trustees – to be available when needed to discuss through matters with the CEO Other Information Developmentplus has adopted The Charity Governance Code as its guiding standard, please use the following link:- https://www.Charitygovernance.org Safeguarding: Developmentplus requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. General Data Protection: Please note it is our policy that all recruitment documents, including application paperwork for unsuccessful applicants, are kept in secure conditions for a period of 6 months, after which they will be destroyed. If you are successful in your application, in accordance with GDPR, we will keep your personal data whilst you are fulfilling a Trustee or Committee Member role with us, and for 6 years after you have left. How to apply For an informal meeting regarding this role, please contact Sandra Farrington – Sandra.farrington@developmentplus.org.uk to arrange an appointment with our Chief Executive or current Chair of Trustees. To apply: Completion in full of the Trustee Application form is required. This can be downloaded from the developmentplus website www.developmentplus.org.uk or you can contact Sandra Farrington – Sandra.farrington@developmentplus.org.uk or 07508292808 for a pack and application form to be sent to you. Please return marked Private and Confidential to Lynsey Collinson (CEO) Queens Park Community Hub, South Park, Lincoln, LN5 8EW or e-mail lynsey.collinson@developmentplus.org.uk Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Thank you for your interest in developmentplus, we take great joy from meeting likeminded people who hope to join us in making a difference to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.