About Children’s Hearts UK

Heart conditions are the most common defect present at birth in the UK. 1 in 100 children are born with a congenital heart defect, 20–30% of which will require surgery within the first year of life. Thousands more children will acquire a heart condition in infancy each year. Children’s Hearts UK (formerly the Children’s Heart Federation) is the national charity championing all children with all heart conditions across all parts of the UK and Ireland. Dedicated in empowering these children, their families, and carers, our vision is that all children with heart conditions have their medical and social needs met so they can live the fullest life possible.

Role Summary

Post: Treasurer
Location: Remote with attendance at Trustee meetings across the UK
Salary: Voluntary

The Treasurer will provide strategic financial leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring the charity maintains robust financial governance, complies with statutory requirements, and sustains long-term financial health. As a small national charity supporting children with heart conditions, the Treasurer plays a pivotal role in safeguarding resources to maximise impact for beneficiaries and their families.

Trustees are responsible for providing appropriate oversight, governance and leadership to Children’s Hearts UK in the pursuit of its strategies to fulfil its charitable purposes:

• To relieve children and young people suffering from heart conditions and provide support for their families
• To advance public education about the problems experienced by children with heart conditions and their families

The main duties of trustees (as stated by the Charity Commission) are:

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
• Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law
• Act in the charity’s best interests
• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly
• Act with reasonable care and skill
• Ensure the charity is accountable

In addition, the treasurer will be responsible for:

• Leading the Board’s duty to ensure proper financial management and reporting.
• Overseeing preparation of annual budgets, management accounts, and statutory financial statements.
• Monitoring cash flow, reserves, and investment policies to ensure sustainability.
• Ensuring compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House, and HMRC requirements
• Advising on financial risk management, internal controls, and audit processes.
• Supporting the Chair and CEO in maintaining transparent financial reporting to stakeholders.
• Actively participating in quarterly Board meetings and ad hoc sub-committees.
• Providing clear financial updates and guidance to non-financial trustees.
• Contributing to strategic planning, ensuring financial implications are fully considered.
• Liaising with external auditors, accountants, and funders as required.
• Supporting fundraising and grant applications with financial insight and due diligence.
• Championing financial sustainability in external partnerships and donor relations

Trustee Role

The duties of a trustee are as follows:

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects, as defined in the Memorandum (governing document), by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals, evaluates performance against agreed targets and takes correcting action as needed
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive
• Planning for the future of the board membership and developing diverse strategies to support the development and future appointment of individuals at board level.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Treasurer Role Duties (in addition to Trustee Responsibilities)

• Oversee the charity’s financial affairs and ensure financial viability
• Maintain effective financial policies, procedures, and controls
• Monitor and report on financial status and sustainability
• Prepare and present financial reports, budgets, and forecasts to the Board
• Advise on fundraising strategies and income generation
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and statutory reporting
• Work closely with staff to develop financial strategies aligned with organisational goals
• Support the Chief Executive Officer with the completion and submission of annual accounts.

Person specification

• Demonstrable senior financial management experience.
• Proven track record in financial governance, ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-specialists
• A high level of understanding or interest in the issues of children’s heart conditions, and a commitment to addressing the needs of people affected
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and commitment (minimum of 5 meetings per year, plus any special responsibility work and a commitment to undertake any training needed on trustee duties)
• An ability to think strategically about the goals and operation of the charity
• An ability to understand reports and financial information and reach decisions based on evidence provided
• A willingness to speak openly on complex and sensitive matters, with the ability the grasp relevant issues and understand relationships between interested parties
• An understanding or willingness to learn, and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team, to listen and welcome alternative opinions and experiences
• A desire to implement the highest standard of governance

This role description outlines the key responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive; additional duties may be assigned as reasonably required in line with the needs of the organisation.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a role – it’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference. As Treasurer, you will:

• Shape the future of a charity that transforms lives
• Gain board-level experience and expand your professional network
• Contribute your expertise to a cause that matters deeply to families across the UK
• Be part of a passionate, supportive team committed to transparency and impact
• Being part of a varied board that have mutual respect and form lasting friendships

Your skills will help ensure every pound raised goes further; funding research, supporting families, and advocating for better care. Together, we can change lives.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to rajwant@chfed.org.uk by 23 January 2026.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Rajwant Kaur Singh at rajwant@chfed.org.uk.

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