The Black Researcher Consortium is a newly formed community interest company (C.I.C.), designed, developed and built by people with Black heritage, for people with Black heritage. The Consortium objects are to address the systemic underrepresentation of Black researchers across educational institutions, research organisations, government, and industry environments in collaboration with Black researchers, Black-led community initiatives and all those bridging the systemic gap, connecting Black researchers.
By 'Black' we mean anyone who identifies as having Black or Black British African, Black or Black British Caribbean, Mixed/Multi-ethnic Black or Black British or any other Black or Black British background.
Interviews, focus groups, workshops have provided an initial proposal and draft business plan. The Consortium founding interim Board are conducting an open recruitment process for the leaders who will develop the Consortium into a useful resource for Black Researchers.
This is a Non-Exec role for 2.5 days a month, remuneration is £4,320 per annum.
Purpose of the job:
The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for ensuring the success of the Consortium and ensuring its compliance with all legal and regulatory obligations by directing and supervising the Consortium's affairs. The Board provides leadership, sets the Consortium's strategic aims, ensures the necessary financial and human resources are in place for the Consortium to meet its objectives and reviews organisational and management performance.
The Board are now seeking a talented individual with finance and audit experience to ensure that BRC can deliver against its strategic ambitions and ongoing financial sustainability. Ideally the successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong analytical and financial abilities and be proficient with financial systems and reporting for charity/not for profit accounts. This role will Chair the Audit, Finance & Risk Committee, act as Treasurer to the CIC and support risk management and audit preparation.
Main duties and responsibilities:
* Create and maintain a holistic overview of BRC's financial affairs
* Make every effort to achieve the statutory financial viability and sustainability of the CIC
* Collate and maintain compliant financial records and procedures
* Provide guidance on all financial matters to BRC
* Review annual accounts prepared by accountant to the Board and at the AGM
* Advise on financial implications of BRC's strategic plans
* Chair the Audit, Finance & Risk Committee and report back to the Board on recommendations and activities
* Establish appropriate risk mitigation strategies, including the creation and maintenance of a Risk Register
* Oversee, approve, and present annual budgets, financial statements, and quarterly management accounts
* Make every effort to achieve compliance with Financial Reporting Requirements of Companies Act legislation
* Support the Director with overseeing tax liability activities and insurance coverage
* Support financial audits as and when they arise
* Review and approve related party expenses e.g. Board & Director's expenses
* Act as signatory on behalf of the Consortium as required
Person specification:
Essential Criteria:
* Role models inclusive behaviours, fostering a collaborative environment that values a diversity of perspectives, ensures opportunities for all and builds trust through active listening and understanding
* Knowledge and experience of strategic financial planning, financial management, budgeting and book-keeping
* Financial analysis skills with the ability to think in the long-term as well as in the present
* Working knowledge of current financial systems (i.e. Xero) and statutory reporting
* Critical thinking and financial decision-making skills
* Communication skills, confident in educating and updating colleagues on financials
* Understanding of charity/not for profit finance and governance
Desirable Criteria:
* Capable of working with autonomy
* Experience in a start-up environment
* Knowledge of fundraising and pension schemes
Additional Information:
* There will be at least four Board meetings annually, held once per quarter.
* There will be at least one strategy day each year which will take place in person.
* There may be a requirement to attend extraordinary meetings or events which could occur outside of regular working hours. Advance notice will of course be provided.
* Some travel will be required for events, stakeholder and networking meetings, funder presentations and other occasions
BRC's desired behaviours:
1. Inclusive leadership
2. Strategic thinking and Critical Analysis
3. Self-awareness and Empathy, Emotional Intelligence
4. Building and managing collaborative relationships (internal and external)
5. Responsible use of resources
6. Communicating to influence (internal and external)