Vacancy: Deputy Treasurer

Position: Deputy Treasurer (Voluntary / Reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Location: Remote / Hybrid (Must be a UK resident)
Experience: Some basic financial or budgeting experience required. No previous charity Treasurer experience needed.
Core commitment: 5 Board meetings and 6 Officer meetings annually, plus Annual Conference & AGM.
Financial focus: Ongoing collaboration with the Honorary Treasurer to oversee budgets, accounts, and financial systems.
Ideal for: Professionals with experience in finance, accounting, or money management who want to step into charity governance or expand their expertise.

Who we are & why our work matters

Behçet’s UK is the national charity supporting everyone affected by Behçet’s, a rare, complex and lifelong condition that can cause inflammation in blood vessels and affect many parts of the body.

Because Behçet’s is rare, people affected by the condition can face long delays in diagnosis, a lack of understanding and significant challenges in managing their health and everyday life.

Our mission is to care for everyone affected by Behçet’s, promote research and improve understanding of the condition. We provide information and support, help people connect with others who understand, and promote research into the cause, effects, treatment and management of Behçet’s, with the ultimate aim of finding a cure.

By joining our Board, you can help shape the charity’s future and make a meaningful difference to the Behçet’s community.

What does our Deputy Treasurer do?

Like all Board members, our Deputy Treasurer is a Trustee responsible for the overall direction and governance of the charity. However, this role has a specific focus on financial health. Working alongside our current Honorary Treasurer, you will gain hands-on experience with charity accounts, preparing you to step into the lead Treasurer role in the future.

As Deputy Treasurer, you will help:

• oversee the charity’s finances and financial resources
• work alongside the Honorary Treasurer to manage financial systems and reporting
• set the charity’s strategic direction and priorities
• make important decisions about how our resources are used
• make sure the charity meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities
• bring your own perspective, experience and ideas to Board discussions
• constructively challenge and support the charity’s staff and volunteers
• contribute to the practical work of the charity where appropriate.

Volunteering as a Trustee and Deputy Treasurer is a meaningful way to use your financial skills for good. It offers the opportunity to support the rare disease community at Behçet’s UK while strengthening your leadership and board-level governance experience.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from people living in the UK.

If you are new to being a Trustee, a Treasurer role, or working within a charity, you will not be expected to know everything from day one. You will receive appropriate training and support, working closely alongside our current Honorary Treasurer, Chair, Trustees and staff as you develop your understanding of the role.

If you already have relevant governance, professional or voluntary experience, we would also be very pleased to hear from you.

Financial experience

We are looking for someone with existing financial experience to join our Board as Deputy Treasurer. This could include a background in finance, accounting, budgeting, financial planning or working with financial information and accounts.

You do not need previous experience as a charity Treasurer. You will work alongside our current Honorary Treasurer, developing your knowledge of charity finance and governance and gradually taking on additional responsibility, with the intention of becoming the charity’s next Honorary Treasurer.

Experience, diversity and inclusion

Knowledge or lived experience of Behçet’s is welcome, but it is not essential.

We want our Board to reflect the diverse community we support and warmly welcome applications from anyone interested in becoming a Trustee. We are particularly keen to hear from people aged 18 to 40 and individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds, as these groups are currently underrepresented on our Board. We would value the different perspectives, experiences and skills you could bring to our leadership team.

In accordance with our charity’s constitution, appointments take into account the diversity of the Board, representation of people affected by Behçet’s and the skills and experience needed to run the organisation effectively. For this role, we are particularly looking for someone with relevant financial skills and experience, while also considering how the appointment contributes to the overall balance, diversity and future development of the Board.

Time commitment and flexibility

We understand that our Trustees have work, studies, family and other personal commitments, so we aim to make the role as accessible and flexible as possible.

Meetings & Events

• Five Board meetings a year: Four are held online on weekday evenings (1.5 to 2 hours). One is a daytime, in-person meeting in October (up to 3 hours), with a remote option available if you cannot travel.
• Six Officer meetings a year: Held online (around 1.5 hours) and scheduled flexibly to fit around the personal and professional commitments of the Officers.
• Annual Conference & AGM: Normally held on the third Saturday of October and the Honorary Treasurer presents the annual accounts. This is a key opportunity to meet the wider Behçet’s community, staff, and volunteers.
• Friends and Family Day: An optional but highly encouraged event to connect with our members and families.

Ongoing commitments & training

• Meeting preparation: Setting aside time to read or prepare papers and contribute to active discussions.
• Financial development: Collaborating with the Honorary Treasurer, staff, and Officers between meetings to manage financial matters.
• Charity governance: Gradually learning the organisation’s financial systems, processes, reporting mechanisms, and controls.
• Succession planning: Mentoring closely with the current Honorary Treasurer to build the knowledge required to take over the lead role in due course.
• Mandatory training: Completing essential courses, such as safeguarding.
• Optional opportunities: Joining specific projects, working groups, or sub-committees depending entirely on your interests and availability.

What’s in it for you?

Being a Trustee is a voluntary role, but it can be hugely rewarding. In return for your time and commitment, you will have the opportunity to:

• Gain Board-level experience: Develop practical experience of charity governance, strategic decision-making and leadership.
• Develop new skills: Build your knowledge of charity finance, regulation, governance, and strategic planning, with support from experienced Trustees.
• Access structured mentorship: Work closely alongside our current Honorary Treasurer to learn the ins and outs of charity accounting, preparing you to step confidently into a future leadership role.
• Make a real difference: Help shape the future of a national charity supporting people affected by a rare and complex condition.
• Meet people who care about making a difference: Work alongside Trustees, staff and volunteers who are committed to improving life for everyone affected by Behçet’s.

Ready to apply or want to know more?

You can read the full role description here: Deputy Treasurer Role Description

If you are interested in the role, please email info@behcetsuk.org. We will send you an application form and can answer any questions you may have.

If you would prefer a brief, informal conversation with Alan Lane, the Hon Treasurer, about the role before deciding whether to apply, let us know in your email, and we will be happy to arrange a call.

You do not need to have been a Trustee or Treasurer before. If you have something to contribute and would like to help shape the future of Behçet’s UK, we would love to hear from you.