Recruiting: Finance and Governance Consultant (Freelance/Self-employed)

Start Date: September or October 2025, as preferred
Hours: 2-3 days per week, including either a Tuesday or Wednesday in Brighton office
Duration: 6 months
Reporting to: Senior Leadership Team & Board of Trustees
Deadline for Expression Of Interest: Monday 8th September 2025 by 10am

1. About Survivors Network

For 35 years Survivors Network has continued to hold a vital role in supporting all survivors of sexual violence and abuse in Sussex.

Survivors’ Network Vision

Uniting to confront sexual violence, abuse and harassment so that no one has to face the impacts alone.

Survivors’ Network Mission

• Delivering accessible, survivor-centered services across Sussex
• Empowering our communities to stand up against sexual violence, abuse and harassment
through education, training and campaigning
• Demonstrating and advocating for intersectional feminist leadership

2. Purpose of the Role

To maintain financial management processes of the charity, delivering insight and guidance in accordance to best practice to relevant team members, Board of Trustees and commissioners.

To enhance governance policy and practice across the charity, working
alongside other members of the team to implement recommendations from a recent external review, while ensuring approach reflects organisational ethos.

The role will work closely with existing leadership team members, operational team members and be involved in the on-going development of our leadership structure. Strategic input, from a financial and governance perspective, will be welcomed throughout all areas of the role.

3. Scope of Work & Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for the following duties and deliverables:

Finance
● Work alongside the CEO and other members of the senior leadership team to develop and deliver strategic plans, business plans and budgets in line with the charity’s vision and mission.
● Provide interim line-management duties and support to Finance Officer, ensuring a collaborative approach in the effective completion of key tasks including operating and maintaining payroll, book keeping and reconciliation of accounts.
● Prepare monthly and quarterly management accounts, presenting to leadership team, Board of Trustees and/or commissioners as necessary.
● Alongside the Finance Officer, ensure the provision of financial management information to relevant users including the Board, leadership team and commissioners on a regular basis supported by commentary appropriate to the various stakeholders.
● Support budgeting and forecasting processes, providing strategic insight as appropriate
● Liaise with external accountants/auditors as required, working alongside other key team members to ensure these are completed to the highest standard
● To assist the Board to ensure that Survivors’ Network meets the financial requirements of Charity and Company law
● With agreement, seek and share specialist financial advice as appropriate.

Governance
● With support from the Senior Leadership Team, lead on the development of an Implementation Plan in response to the recent governance review.
● Develop and enhance Survivors’ Network core policies in line with charitable objectives, applying a values-led approach, seeking the input of team members, beneficiaries and commissioners as appropriate
● Contribute strategic insight and input to Senior Leadership Team & Board of Trustees, ensuring mission-focus
● Alongside appropriate team members, update and maintain relevant risk registers as appropriate
● Work alongside the existing Senior Leadership Team & Board of Trustees to onboard new team members as appropriate.
● With agreement, seek and share specialist advice as appropriate.

4. Duration & Time Commitment

● 6 months, with immediate start available during September-October 2025
● 2-3 days per week, including a Tuesday or Wednesday in the central Brighton & Hove office to ensure cross-over with key team members
● Attendance at monthly Board and/or Senior Leadership Meetings as appropriate

5. Skills & Experience Required

● 3+ years experience in a senior leadership role involving financial management and maintenance, including but not limited to oversight of budgets, payroll, cash-flow and forecasting.
● Relevant and up-to-date financial qualification
● Strong understanding of charity governance frameworks and regulatory requirements
● Experience producing financial reports for senior leadership teams and Boards of Trustees, and/or similar equivalent.
● Track record of maintaining and developing financial and governance processes, including but not limited to management accounts, audits, policy and process developments.
● Proven ability to work both independently and part of a team, managing multiple priorities.
● Demonstrable values-led approach to leadership and collaboration
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both online and in-person, with a variety of stakeholders.

6. Contractual Arrangements & Fees

● This is a freelance/consultancy arrangement; not an employment relationship.
● DBS and qualification/accreditation checks required where relevant, instructed by Survivors Network.
● Fee payable to consultant to be agreed via EOI and appointment process (see below) upon receipt of invoice detailing days / duties worked.
● Reasonable expenses to be covered in line with existing policies, by agreement.
● The Consultancy Service Contract will be subject to standard Terms & Conditions and will include notice period, intellectual property rights, confidentiality and data handling.

7. How to submit an Expression of Interest

Please send a copy of an up-to-date CV alongside a covering letter (up to 2 sides of A4) outlining:
● Your interest in the consultancy opportunity with Survivors Network
● Availability for an online meeting with our relevant team members for the week commencing 8th September. Please include any access requirements required to enable you to attend.
● Day rate and availability for commencement of service
● Contact details for two previous clients as references

EOIs to be sent to: Admin@survivorsnetwork.org.uk by Monday 8th September 2025 by 10am.

For all queries and EOIs please contain ‘Finance Consultant
Recruitment’ in the subject line.

We aim to respond to EOIs regarding arrangement of conversations on a rolling basis, and by end of day on 8th September at the very latest.

Please note you may receive a response from a different email address to the one above, so please do check spam/junk folders.