Chair of Finance & Risk Sub-Committee
Open School East Closing date: Wed, 30 Sep 2026
- Part time
- Unpaid
- Apply now
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with expertise in Finance.
A person with experience in finance management or accounting, with the capacity to provide a strategic overview of finances, ensuring viability, compliance with relevant legislative frameworks, effective use of resources and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.
We are especially keen to hear from people with knowledge of, or an interest in, education and the arts. By committing your time and expertise to our two meetings a quarter (full Trustee meeting and Chairing the Finance and Risk Sub-committee meetings), you can become part of a leading arts education charity, making a real difference to emerging creatives of all ages and from all backgrounds.
We also warmly welcome people who bring lived experience of the barriers OSE seeks to dismantle including people of colour, disabled people, those from working class backgrounds, or people with experience of marginalisation in the arts or education sectors.
Trustees will:
Ensure compliance with OSE's governing documents and relevant laws
Support strategic planning and organisational development
Oversee financial health and risk management
Contribute to the fundraising strategy and act as an ambassador
Attend and contribute to quarterly Board meetings (online)
Join subcommittees or working groups as appropriate
Provide support and challenge to the Directors and team
We are looking for individuals who are:
Passionate about the mission and values of Open School East
Committed to equity, inclusion and accessibility
Willing to dedicate time and energy to the organisation
Able to think strategically and act collectively
Confident in offering constructive support and challenge
You do not need previous board experience to apply. We welcome expressions of interest from first-time trustees and will provide support and training as needed.
Job Requirements
Summary of responsibilities
Oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.
Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place.
Monitor and report on the financial health of the organisation.
Oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits.
Liaise with relevant staff and committee members to ensure the financial viability of the organisation
Make fellow committee members aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.
Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures place
Appraising the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.
Job Responsibilities
Trustee Role Description:
Chair the quarterly Finance and Risk subcommittee (online)
Attend and contribute to quarterly Board meetings (online)
Oversee financial health and risk management
Ensure compliance with OSE's governing documents and relevant laws
Support strategic planning and organisational development
Contribute to the fundraising strategy and act as an ambassador
Provide support and challenge to the Directors and team
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Chair of Finance & Risk Sub-Committee
- Salary: Unpaid
- Hours: Part time
- Artform: Visual arts
- Role: Finance
- Contract: Temporary
- Closing date: Wed, 30 Sep 2026
- Location: Remote
How to Apply
Please send the following by email to: [email protected]
A CV or summary of your experience
A short covering letter or audio/video (max 3 minutes) telling us:
Why you’re interested in becoming the Chair of the Finance Subcommittee at Open School East
What you feel you can contribute to the organisation
Deadline for applications: 5pm Wednesday 30th September 2026
If you would like an informal conversation with the Co-Chair of the Board about the role before applying, please contact us at the above address.
We are committed to making this process as accessible as possible. If you require this information in another format, or have access needs for applying, please let us know.
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Open School East
Established in 2013 and located in Margate, Open School East is a free, independent art school and community space that focuses on collective learning through the arts. We support cultural practitioners at an early stage of their career to develop and sustain their practice, and enable young people and adults alike to learn new and transferable skills, develop their confidence and shape their creative voice by becoming active learners and co-producers of OSE’s programmes.