Make a difference: search volunteering opportunities for CAs

Volunteering opportunities for CAs
ICAS fully supports members taking on voluntary roles, and if you are interested in using your skills and expertise to make a difference we have a range of volunteering opportunities for you to support.
Accountants can play a key role in making sure groups are able to raise funds, plan business strategy, and can work with bodies to ensure the smooth running of not-for-profit organisations.
Taking on a voluntary role can be a great opportunity for CAs to use their experience and skills to make a positive difference, and many finance professionals who volunteer claim giving back is one of the main perks of the role.
A list of non-profit organisations currently accepting vacancies are listed below - we hope you feel inspired to volunteer.
We also encourage non-members from the accounting and finance community to take up these opportunities.
Guidance and CPD
Members who are looking to get involved in volunteering for a charity should ensure that they keep up-to-date with charity sector developments relevant to their role, which will comply with ICAS CPD requirements. For members acting as volunteer independent examiners, ICAS has issued additional Scottish charities guidance for CAs for you.
Advertise a voluntary position with us
If you're a charity or a voluntary organisation looking for a CA, and would like to place a vacancy advertisement on our website, please complete our submissions form.
Available volunteering opportunities:
ICAS Pensions Panel Members
The ICAS Pensions Panel is seeking new members with pensions expertise across a variety of roles.
About the vacancies
The Panel welcomes applications from ICAS Members who work within the pensions industry, have responsibility for company pensions from an employer perspective, or who provide advice to employers and pension schemes on pension matters.
Currently we are particularly seeking applications from:
- Professional pension trustees
- Finance directors working in any sector of the economy
- Pension scheme auditors or other advisers
- Professionals working in the industry with Defined Benefit and/or Defined Contribution expertise.
However, if you are a pensions professional in another role (or are a member of another relevant professional body) with an interest in joining the Panel, we would still like to hear from you.
About the ICAS Pensions Panel
The ICAS Pensions Panel represents ICAS on matters impacting on pension provision and the pensions industry, in relation to:
- Public policy
- Law, regulation and governance
- Corporate and financial reporting
- Auditing and assurance
The Panel publishes articles and guidance on accountancy and audit-related matters for ICAS Members who are involved with pensions in a variety of roles. The work of the Panel also endeavors to support ICAS’ wider strategic goals.
Information about the current membership of the Panel is available here and further information about the Panel’s work is available here, via the dedicated pensions area on icas.com.
Time commitment involved
The Panel meets formally three times a year through a combination of virtual, hybrid and in person meetings held at CA House.
In between meetings, the commitment from Panel members is as much as they feel they can give to the Panel’s ongoing activities. Membership of the Panel is a great opportunity for personal development and to work with other ICAS Members and professionals from across the UK. You will have the opportunity to influence sector developments and support the ICAS Members who are involved with pensions.
How to apply
In the first instance, a short CV should be submitted to Christine Scott, Head of Charities and Reporting at ICAS, via connect@icas.com by 5pm GMT on 3 March 2023.
If you would like to discuss joining the Panel in more detail before applying, please email Christine at the above address.
Trustee with finance experience, Scottish Civic Trust
- Employer: Scottish Civic Trust
- Contact: Ruth Oliver, 1412211466
- Location: Scotland-wide
- Deadline: 17/02/2023
About the Employer
Scottish Civic Trust was set up in 1967, to help people connect to their built heritage and take a leading role in guiding its development. In its infancy, it successfully campaigned for the restoration of Edinburgh's New Town, was instrumental in the revitalisation of New Lanark and can also claim credit for bringing Doors Open Days to the United Kingdom.
About the Vacancy
We are looking for a new trustee to Chair our Finance and Audit Committee and who has the following attributes:
- Is from the Financial Sector with knowledge and experience of charity fundraising
- Has knowledge and experience of Charity Accounting
- A good communicator who can explain financial information to other Trustees
- Willingness to undertake the legal duties and responsibilities of being a Trustee
- Enthusiasm for and some knowledge of Scotland's heritage sector
- Willingness to participate meaningfully in the decision-making of the Trust in all
aspects of its operation.
- Ability to act as an ambassador for the Trust where required
- Willingness to devote a small amount of time to supporting the Trust outside of
quarterly meetings, including at specialist events
The Finance and Audit Committee meets on a quarterly basis. Most meetings are on a Thursday afternoon. The full Board of Trustees also meets quarterly on Thursday mornings.
Time commitment
The Finance Committee meets quarterly, and meetings last 3 hours. Trustees attend quarterly Board meetings, which last 3 hours. Preparing for meetings by reading papers takes approximately 1 hour per meeting.
How to apply
If you think you would be a good fit for the role, please complete a personal statement, and send it to Joe Traynor, Director at Joe.Traynor@scottishcivictrust.org.uk.
In your personal statement, please include consideration of the three following questions:
1. Why would you like this role?
2. What do you consider to be your key skills and can you give us illustrations from
previous roles?
3. What do you think are the three biggest challenges for the Scottish Civic Trust
currently?
4. Please ensure that you application is submitted no later than 17th February 2023.
District Treasurers, Scotland's Gardens Scheme (Stirlingshire / Roxburghshire)
- Employer: Scotland's Gardens Scheme
- Contact: Marianne Spence, 0131 226 3714
- Location: This is a home-based role, but you will be asked to attend local meetings, training and events associated with the role.
- Deadline: 25/02/2023
- Apply
About the Employer
Scotland's Gardens raises money for charity by encouraging, promoting and supporting garden owners to open their gardens to the public; raising money for a charity of their choice through admissions, plant sales and refreshments.
About the Vacancy
We are seeking volunteer District Treasurers to join our Stirling and Roxburgh teams. The Treasurer is responsible for the collection of funds raised at garden openings in their district and making sure that funds are paid to our charities and to Head Office. Treasurers enter information about openings into our database so must be numerate and comfortable with technology. You will also get to visit a wonderful range of gardens and meet the lovely people who are kind enough to open their gardens, as well as being part of a team of local volunteers.
Time commitment
Approximately one hour per garden is required each year. The busiest period in most districts is May to September.
Expressions of interest
Please see the Scotland's Gardens Scheme website for full details and to apply.
Board Member, UHI Argyll
- Employer: UHI Argyll
- Contact: Lauren McDonald, +44 (0)7385029872
- Location: Argyll and Bute / Remote
- Closing date for applications: 10/02/2023
About the Employer
UHI Argyll was formed in 1999 to deliver further and higher education in one of the most geographically fragmented areas of Scotland. The college has grown significantly and now consists of 10 Learning Centres covering Argyll & Bute and Arran. Its educational offering is broad, working with schools right up to postgraduate level as a partner in the University of the Highlands & Islands. We harness technology to reach students across the region and we have won awards for our work.
UHI Argyll is a strongly performing college with the development of a new strategy underway, this is an exciting time to join.
About the Vacancy
Do you want to widen your professional network, develop your strategic thinking abilities, and learn new skills? We are currently seeking four non-executive directors who can help create excellent education and training opportunities for the people of Argyll & Bute, and Arran.
We are particularly seeking members with experience of:
Financial management
Accounting
Audit
Learning and Teaching
Argyll business and community connections
However, we would like to hear from individuals with experience in other areas which may add to the current board's knowledge and expertise in delivering education and training to relevant sectors of the local economy, or who are committed generally to the role which the college plays in supporting dispersed rural communities.
Time commitment
Our board meets quarterly, and you would also be expected to sit on committees which meet every three months.
How to Apply
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the current Chair, Rosemary Allford on Rosemary.allford@uhi.ac.uk.
Applications, which should include a CV and covering letter, should be submitted to board.argyll@uhi.ac.uk.
Board Member, Glasgow Kelvin College
- Employer: Glasgow Kelvin College
- Contact: Elaine Mitchell, 0141 6305000
- Location: North Glasgow
- Closing date for applications: 10/02/2023
About the employer
Glasgow Kelvin College delivers world-class further and higher education across the north and northeast of Glasgow. Formed 10 years ago from some of Glasgow's best loved colleges, the expertise, knowledge and specialisms from Stow, North Glasgow and John Wheatley Colleges continues to thrive in Kelvin today.
About the vacancy
We're looking for some new Board members here at Kelvin. Are you interested in supporting a College that truly changes the lives of the students and communities in the North and North East of Glasgow?
This dynamic and genuinely interesting non-executive role will open up your connections, your experience and your understanding of a diverse community of students. For many of our students, Kelvin will be literally life changing and your contribution to that as a Board Member, can help to transform lives.
We are interested in all backgrounds and skills but to ensure we have a great mix of talents on our Board, if you have a Financial or Communities background, then you could make a unique contribution to the skills of our Board.
Time commitment
Approximately 12 hours per month
Apply
Apply via email
Board Member, Loreburn Housing Association
- Employer: Loreburn Housing Association
- Contact: Nigel Fortnum, 0141 212 7555
- Location: Dumfries
- Deadline: 19/02/2023
- Apply now
About the Employer
This is an exciting time to join our Management Committee as you will be able to help shape our new strategic plan for 2024 and beyond.
The Management Committee set our direction and associated strategies, monitor our performance and oversee risk and audit to ensure Loreburn are well-positioned to deliver GREAT outcomes for customers.
You will provide strong, focussed, governance to our organisation and bring a breadth of experience and specialist knowledge that helps shape our success.
We have two sub-committees that advise on aspects of our work; Audit and Compliance and People and Culture.
About the Vacancy
Board member position
We are seeking voluntary Board Members to help us deliver our services in Dumfries & Galloway.
Specifically, we are looking for new members with experience in:
-Corporate Governance – Performance management; Housing regulation
-Financial planning and strategic management
These skills are sought to ensure we have a balanced group of individuals on our Board. Ideally you might also offer other experience in social housing or have a commercial background. More detail on the skills we require can be found below.
Customer Care
-Customer care & digital Services
-Knowledge of areas, communities & communities of need in D&G
-Resident & service user involvement & scrutiny
-Complaints & feedback
-Health & wellbeing, social policy
-Care & support for elderly / vulnerable people
Money
-Financial strategy, business planning
-Treasury management
-Accounting & external audit
-Efficiency & VFM
People & Culture
-HR / recruitment / remuneration / employment law
Governance
-Performance Management
Homes
-Strategic asset management, repairs & maintenance
General Business Skills
-Strategic partnership with other agencies & organisations
-General business / commercial management & business development
It is helpful if you have previous Non-Executive Board experience, but we can also provide support and training for the right person. Most importantly you will work collaboratively with other Board members and our Executive Team, care about our purpose, and be ambitious and enthusiastic for our future. We are looking for candidates who are interested in joining our sub-committees and as part of succession planning have an interest in office bearer positions.
Time commitment
12 regular meetings of the governing body and at up to 4 sub-committee meetings
How to Apply
The full role profile and person specification together with further information can be found at https://aspenpeople.co.uk/loreburn
For a confidential discussion contact David Currie, Danielle Cairney or Nigel Fortnum on 0141 212 7555.
To apply please upload your CV and supporting statement. Applicants will be shortlisted for interview by matching the details given on their CV and supporting statement against the role profile and the person specification. We would therefore ask applicants to provide clear evidence to show how your experience, skills and knowledge match those requirements.
We would also be grateful if your supporting statement could include details of two referees (please note that referees will not be contacted until offer stage or without prior consent).
Change the Game workshop volunteers, RedSTART Educate
- Employer: RedSTART Educate
- Contact: Claire Fraser-Lim, Education Engagement Manager
- Location: Bristol, London, the northeast of England, Scotland, & Suffolk
- Closing date for applications: July 2022 for next academic year but also ongoing
About the Employer
RedSTART Educate is a charity delivering pioneering financial education to primary school children in England and Scotland.
The charity delivers face to face workshops and activities using game play to help children understand a range of vital financial concepts such as: risk and reward, rewards from working hard, interest and saving, using a bank and financial scams.
RedSTART is partnering with schools in locations across England and Scotland to improve social mobility through an approach which is:
- Targeted towards disadvantaged cohorts of children in each year of their primary education
- Impactful through making a real difference to financial outcomes and the wellbeing of the children when they reach adulthood, their families and communities
- Measurable by demonstrating the long-term, quantifiable benefits of financial education to policymakers
RedSTART sees the same children from Reception to Year 6 (in England) or Primary 1 to Primary 7 (in Scotland) and provides accredited resources to each primary year group.
About the Vacancy
RedSTART has vacancies for lead facilitators and support facilitators to deliver financial education workshops as part of a team. Training will be provided and there is scope for support facilitators to progress to become lead facilitators.
Support Facilitator: minimal training, DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, or a PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Disclosure check required depending on legal jurisdiction, & online safeguarding course (30 minutes).
Lead Facilitator- all the above and additional two hour in person training course, observation and co-leading a minimum of two workshops before becoming ‘accredited’.
There are vacancies in the following locations:
- Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders
- London
- Northeast of England (Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland)
- Southwest of England (Bath, Bristol, Weston-super-Mare)
- Suffolk (Lowestoft, Ipswich, Norwich)
Training is expected to take begin in September continuing throughout the academic year with the delivery of workshops to take place in November and beyond.
Time commitment
For lead volunteers, RedSTART is seeking a minimum four half days per year for three years during term time.
For support volunteers, RedSTART is seeking a minimum one half day per year for three years during term time.
*This is in addition to the training required for each facilitator role as listed above
How to apply or find out more
Please contact Claire Fraser-Lim by email (Claire.Fraser-Lim@redstarteducate.org) for more information or to volunteer.