Every week, ScoutsCymru gives more than 14,000 young people across Wales the opportunity to develop skills for life.
We couldn’t do this without our network of more than 5,000 volunteers. You’ll likely be aware of the leaders who run weekly meetings in halls across Wales, and organise activities and camps for young people aged between four and 25.
But what you might not also realise is that there’s an equally important team of volunteers working behind the scenes to ensure this all runs smoothly.
The ScoutsCymru’s Trustee Board is an integral part of delivering Scouting in Wales. This group of volunteers is responsible for the governance of the organisation, setting the strategic direction of the charity and ensuring it is effectively and properly run with legal and other obligations met.
We are currently looking for a new Chair of the Finance Committee, to help develop ScoutsCymru’s financial strategies, and to provide specific support and direction on all matters money-related.
The Chair of the Finance Committee will also ensure that ScoutsCymru has in place appropriate processes for setting and monitoring its budget, as well as providing specialist knowledge to the Board of Trustees and ScoutsCymru staff in relation to financial management. The Chair of the Finance Committee makes a full contribution to all areas of Board of Trustees business.
This is a voluntary position, initially for a term of three years, and then renewable for up to six years, and thereafter annually up to a maximum of 10 years.
As with all Board members, the Chair of the Finance Committee will be required to attend four board meetings and four sub-committee meetings a year as well as one residential weekend and an AGM. As a voluntary position, this role is unpaid although reasonable expenses will be remunerated.
The ideal candidate will have professional experience in a similar finance role, with the skills and ability to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences. They will have a proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision making, a history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences, as well as some experience of audit and/or finance committee governance.
Kirsty Palmer, who joined the Board of Trustees as Chair in February 2024, said: “As we look forward to the 100th anniversary of ScoutsCymru in 2025, we are working hard to make sure that we have the strong foundations to deliver on our mission of Scouting being available for every young person in Wales.
“If you share our commitment to young people developing Skills for Life through a wide range of activities, then please think about coming forward.
“Our next Chair of the Finance Committee will continue the development of our financial strategies, providing specific support and direction on all matters money-related. They will also work with me to increase the general financial skill and understanding across the Trustee Board to develop resilience and confidence. You will need to be a great team player with an eye for detail, as well as being able to engage a wide range of audiences with the finances.”
As ScoutsCymru strives to create a diverse and inclusive Board of Trustees, we are particularly (although not exclusively) keen to see interest from groups currently underrepresented on the Board, including women, people from identities included under the BAME label, disabled people, and people who identify as LGBTQ+.
Previous trustee experience is not required – you’ll be given full support in the role – and it doesn’t matter if you’ve never been a Scout. But you will need to be able to think strategically and be prepared to ask challenging and meaningful questions of senior volunteers and staff, and to be able to give the time needed.
Kirsty added: “Being part of ScoutsCymru is great fun, and really rewarding. We have an excellent senior staff and volunteer team, who are delivering Scouting for over 14,000 children and young people and have many bright plans for the future.
“Please come and join the adventure.”
Find out more about the role and apply here. Closing date for applications is Monday10 February 2025, at 12pm.
Download the application pack here