Trustee (Finance) - Fuel Poverty

What will you be doing?

We are establishing a new Scottish charity focused on supporting households experiencing fuel poverty. The charity will work in partnership with foodbanks to provide energy advice, benefits guidance and access to crisis energy support for vulnerable households.

The charity already has a founding trustee in place with experience in running a small non-profit organisation and delivering frontline support, including benefits advice, debt support and income maximisation. We are now looking to build a small, effective board to support the charity’s development and governance.

From the outset, the charity will operate as a lean, low-cost and fully remote organisation. This approach is designed to minimise overheads while focusing resources on direct support. In the first year, activity will centre on working with foodbank partners, supporting referred individuals, and building evidence to support future funding and growth.

We are currently seeking a finance-focused trustee to join the board at this early stage, as we prepare to register with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and begin delivery.

As a founding trustee (finance), you will play a key role in establishing and overseeing the charity’s financial foundations. Responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the setup of a charity bank account
• Putting in place simple, appropriate financial processes and controls
• Providing oversight of income and expenditure
• Assisting with basic financial reporting to the board
• Supporting preparation of annual accounts and returns

Financial activity in the first year is expected to be low, as support such as fuel top-ups and essential items will primarily be delivered through partner organisations rather than direct grant funding.

The board will be small and collaborative, with trustees contributing to key decisions and ensuring the organisation is well-run, practical and focused on impact. Board meetings will be held remotely, with an expected commitment of approximately four meetings per year and occasional input between meetings as needed.

This is an opportunity to join at an early stage and help build a focused, practical charity addressing fuel poverty and the cost-of-living crisis, with the potential to grow its impact over time.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a trustee who can support the charity’s early development, with a particular focus on financial oversight and ensuring the organisation is well-run, practical and sustainable.

You may have experience in accounting, bookkeeping or financial management, and feel comfortable supporting basic financial oversight in a small organisation. This could include setting up simple financial systems, monitoring income and expenditure, and contributing to annual reporting.

Previous charity experience is helpful but not essential. We are open to people applying their professional skills in a trustee context for the first time.

More broadly, we are looking for someone who:

• Is reliable and able to commit to occasional meetings and input
• Is interested in supporting a small, early-stage organisation
• Can contribute to discussions and decision-making in a constructive way
• Is comfortable working in a simple, low-cost and fully remote environment

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups.

This role would suit someone looking to contribute their financial skills in a manageable, low time-commitment role while helping to build a new charity from the ground up.

What difference will you make?

As a trustee, you will help establish a practical charity supporting people experiencing fuel poverty and financial hardship.

Your financial oversight will ensure the organisation is set up responsibly from the outset, with clear, simple systems that enable it to operate effectively and build trust with funders and partners.

By helping to maintain a lean and well-managed organisation, you will support the delivery of direct help to individuals referred from foodbanks, including access to energy support and advice during the cost-of-living crisis.

As part of a small founding board, you will play a key role in shaping how the charity develops, ensuring it remains sustainable, focused and impactful.

Over time, your contribution will support the charity to grow, secure funding and expand its reach, helping more households access support and reduce financial hardship.

Before you apply

Please apply via Reach with a short message outlining your interest in the role and any relevant experience.

We are particularly interested in understanding:

• Your experience in finance, accounting, bookkeeping or financial management
• Any experience of supporting financial oversight, reporting or governance
• Your interest in supporting a small, early-stage charity

We will review applications on a rolling basis and aim to respond within 1-2 weeks.

Suitable applicants will be invited to an informal video call to discuss the role, expectations and your interest in supporting the charity at an early stage.

We aim to make an appointment as soon as a suitable candidate is identified, so early applications are encouraged.