Strategic Financial Trustee for Local News

\n About PINF\n

The Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) is the UK’s first charity to promote high-quality journalism.

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Last year, we launched an ambitious ten-year mission to regenerate local news in the UK. We believe that local news is a vital part of the fabric of local communities, drawing people together around shared facts and pride in place at a time of disinformation and division.

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We are pursuing our mission by (1) sourcing new funds for local news; (2) advocating for supportive government policies; and (3) celebrating local news providers from the UK and around the world that are Accountable, Sustainable, in the Public interest, Innovative, Representative and Engaging (ASPIRE).

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Over the last year, we have successfully encouraged the UK Government to launch an unprecedented new £12m Local News Fund. We have also built support for our mission from US and UK donors. And we have launched initiatives such as the Tenacious Journalist Awards, to recognise and support independent news providers who are having a significant social impact.

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We have a small and highly professional staff team and a dedicated board of trustees with skills in governance, leadership, HR, public policy and the news media. We are now looking to recruit a trustee with financial skills to serve as our Treasurer.

Responsibilities of the Treasurer\n

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• Work with fellow trustees and the executive team to maintain effective financial oversight of PINF and support the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
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• Help the Board to understand the charity’s financial position, including income, expenditure, cash flow, reserves and financial risks.
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• Review budgets, management accounts and year-end accounts, and provide constructive challenge and assurance to the Board.
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• Support the development of annual budgets and longer-term financial planning in line with PINF’s strategy and charitable purpose.
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• Ensure that appropriate financial controls, policies and reporting processes are in place and regularly reviewed.
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• Monitor compliance with relevant legal, accounting and regulatory requirements, including charity reporting obligations.
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• Support the Board in overseeing reserves, restricted funds and risk management, and in safeguarding the charity’s assets.
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• Liaise, where appropriate, with auditors or independent examiners and help ensure the Board can approve accounts with confidence.
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• Serve as a trustee of the charity, sharing collective responsibility for governance, strategy, risk and organisational performance.
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Essential skills and experience\n

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• Strong financial literacy and the ability to interpret accounts, budgets and financial reports.
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• Professional experience in finance, accountancy, audit, investment, banking or a related field.
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• Sound judgement and the confidence to provide appropriate scrutiny, challenge and support on financial matters.
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• Understanding of good governance and risk management, and a willingness to uphold the legal duties of charity trustees.
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• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.
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• Commitment to PINF’s mission to promote high-quality journalism and regenerate local news in the UK.
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• Willingness to contribute actively to Board discussions and work collaboratively with fellow trustees and staff.
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Desirable skills and experience\n

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• Previous experience as a trustee, treasurer or non-executive board member.
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• Knowledge of charity finance, charity accounting requirements and the regulatory environment for charities in England and Wales.
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• Experience of supporting organisations through growth, organisational change or strategic development.
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• Familiarity with fundraising, grant funding, restricted income and financial sustainability in the not-for-profit sector.
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• An interest in journalism, the public interest, media policy or the future of local news.
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Time commitment\n

The Treasurer role is voluntary. We expect that the Treasurer will attend quarterly Board meetings, of which two are held in person in London and two are held online, review papers in advance, and offer occasional additional support on financial matters between meetings. The precise time commitment will vary across the year, but applicants should be able to make sufficient time for proper preparation and active participation in the governance of the charity. We anticipate a total time commitment of six days across the year.

How to apply\n

Please submit a short covering letter setting out your interest in the role and your relevant experience, together with a CV, to [email protected]. Please also get in touch if you would like to have a discussion with us before finalising your application.

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We particularly welcome applications from people whose backgrounds and perspectives are under-represented on charity boards and in the news sector.

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