Non-executive financial director the3million

the3million is currently seeking a new finance director to strengthen its board and support the work of this passionate organisation. It is an exciting time to join us. This position is unpaid.

About the3million

the3million is the leading organisation representing EU citizens in the UK. Our vision is a world where EU citizens can thrive, reach their potential and have an equal voice in UK society. Our work ranges from monitoring the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement implementation, advocating for the integration of EU citizens through a pathway to citizenship, informing people of their rights, and giving EU citizens a voice in British society to change the narrative on migration.

We are a grassroots and non-partisan organisation, working with a variety of stakeholders, from MPs to trade unions, NGOs and the media on specific issues affecting our citizens’ rights.

the3million was incorporated as a limited company by guarantee (No. 11083851) with Companies House in November 2017.

More information can be found on our website.

What does the role involve?

You will join a small board of committed professionals passionate about helping EU citizens in the UK. All directors work closely with our very dedicated staff team.

We are specifically looking for a finance director with a proven experience in charity accounting, financial strategy and governance.

As a non-executive director at the3million, you’ll play a vital role in keeping the organisation on track with its objectives. You will apply your professional experience towards shaping our strategy on fundraising, governance, campaigning and other areas of work.

You will be expected to attend our board meetings, every two months, on Zoom, which usually last for two hours. You will also be expected to have some ad-hoc meetings with the Finance Manager and CEO between meetings as required.

Before you apply

One of the3million’s core values is inclusion – we are people led, we value diversity and are enriched by differences. We strive to listen to, engage with and represent the broadest range of people.

We recognise our team is not currently representative of communities that experience racism and that our own ways of working may replicate wider societal oppression and injustices. We are actively working towards becoming an anti-oppressive organisation, including taking steps to create a more inclusive recruitment process.

You may not have worked in the migration sector before, or in an organisation whose focus is campaigning for migrants’ rights. Or you may have experience in grassroots organising in a setting which is not formalised. Please still consider applying as many other sectors and settings offer transferable skills.

If you are from a background that is underrepresented in the migration sector – for example you are from a community that experiences racism, or you have lived experience of migration, or you are a disabled person, or you did not go to University or had free school meals as a child – we strongly encourage you to apply.

We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity. the3million welcomes the whole person to work, and we understand that each of us brings our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique lens to what we do.

The main purpose of the role:

As directors at the3million, we are volunteers with a specific responsibility to:

• Ensure the aims and objectives of the3million are being met from an accounting, financial and compliance perspective;
• Act in the best interest of the organisation;
• Manage responsibility for what we have (our people, our money etc);
• Act with reasonable care and skill.

What you will gain:

• An insight into how the organisation runs,
• A sense of pride when hearing about the difference our campaigning and organising efforts make and that you have had a role in preserving the rights of EU citizens in the UK,
• Confidence in building relationships with a wide range of people,
• An opportunity to use your skills, knowledge and experience to the benefit of the organisation.

Being a director is a voluntary role and is not paid, but expenses including for travel are reimbursed.

Director Person Specification

Key skills

• Knowledge of and ability to carry out the core responsibilities of being a director
• Able to think about the ‘bigger picture’ and longer term as well as think about the ‘here and now’ (being strategic versus being operational)
• Act as an ambassador for the3million, promoting our work to friends and colleagues
• Able to comment, challenge or question in a way that is helpful, supportive and constructive
• Be timely and clear in your communication on and around meetings or projects

Qualification and experience

You will have:

• A strong financial background and experience, having managed the accounts of an organisation
• Experience of operating within a not-for-profit organisation with a range of revenue streams would be beneficial
• Experience of volunteering/working in the voluntary sector
• Membership of one of the CCAB accounting bodies (ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS or Chartered Accountants Ireland)
• Experience of working in senior teams, preferably at board level
• Experience working in the field of immigration would be an advantage
• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences
• Ability to present financial information in an accessible manner to the directors
• Ability to advise directors  on their financial responsibilities
• Interpersonal skills to work supportively with staff, if/when required

Personal attributes

• Integrity and honesty
• Proactive
• A demonstrable commitment to the3million’s aims and values
• Team player, flexible and adaptable

Time commitment 

• A two hour evening board meeting every two months (online)
• One to two away-days per year (in-person);
• Follow up to meetings – reading and commenting on minutes, carrying out any agreed actions.

Restrictions

• Over 18
• Not bankrupt
• Subject to satisfactory DBS check and references
• Not excluded by Companies House or Charity Commission
• Conflicts of interest that would be so significant as to undermine the role in general, such as being a member of a group that discriminated against people based on gender ethnicity or nationality.

Next steps

Applications are welcome from everyone with the relevant passion and experience in accounting and finance. Please send your CV along with an accompanying letter explaining your reasons for applying. If you are on LinkedIn, please share with us the URL of your profile.

We would appreciate it if you filled in the equality and diversity monitoring form. We only use this information to understand the demographics of people we are reaching and to guide us in making the3million fairer.

All applications will be reviewed against the role description and person specification by a small team of directors and the CEO.

Everyone will be contacted by email or phone with regards to the success of your application at this stage and you’ll have the opportunity to get feedback if you are not successful.

If you have been shortlisted, you’ll be invited for a one-hour interview with a director,  the CEO and the Finance Manager.