Volunteer role: Federal Finance and Resources Committee members

Job title: member, Federal Finance and Resources Committee (FFRC).

Responsible to: the Federal Board.

Salary: N/A; this is a voluntary role.

Tenure: until the next scheduled appointment for a two year term, due Q1 2026.

Location: this role may be conducted predominantly remotely, primarily using Zoom. Some in-person meetings may be required, usually in Lib Dem HQ (1 Vincent Square, London).

Time requirement: minimum 3 hours a month, with meetings usually outside normal working hours.

Closing date: 12th February 2024 at 12noon

Introduction

There is one casual vacancy to be filled by the Federal Board by election.

This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in the Party’s work in a volunteer non-executive position. You will help us win by ensuring our financial resources are well used. 

You will also have an important role in helping to deliver the party’s overall strategy set by party conference. It includes five organisational priorities: developing a compelling liberal narrative, promoting campaigning excellence, improving our record on diversity and equality, enhancing the membership experience and working together as one party. 

FFRC reports directly to the Federal Board and to Conference, planning and administering the finances of the Federal Party. It leads the budget process, presents the audited annual account to Conference, oversees the party’s regulatory compliance and works particularly closely with HQ staff on the operation of the party. More information can be found in Article 12 of our Constitution.

FFRC meets roughly nine times a year, scheduled outside of working hours, and this role can be conducted remotely. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. 

Responsibilities 

• Oversight of the Federal Party ‘s finances, providing constructive scrutiny of the party’s finance operation and making recommendations on the Federal Party’s budget and other key issues to the Federal Board;
• Helping convert the party’s strategic objectives into realistic financial plans;
• Attend the regularly scheduled meetings; 
• Assist the preparation of the party’s annual budget and reporting to external regulators and conference;
• Support projects as they arise and provide input into strategic decision making around resources; and
• As necessary, advise, encourage and mentor staff.

Person specification

You must be a member of the Liberal Democrats and able to demonstrate your affinity with the values of the party, as well as an understanding of its structures, relationships and financial needs. 

A commitment to the Liberal Democrats is required but evidence of substantial prior involvement is not and induction and training will be available. The Party is keen to encourage new talent. 

Prior professional experience in a relevant field, such as finance or risk, and/or experience as a non-executive, trustee, or similar scrutiny role, is highly desirable. Also desirable is experience with understanding and managing how financial decisions sit within a complex stakeholder environment. 

The Liberal Democrats are committed to diversity and inclusion and we welcome applications from candidates from all walks of life. 

Our policy on parental, adoption and dependant leave can be found here. 

How to apply

You are very welcome to get in touch before making an application if you wish to understand more about the role. We can put you in touch with someone with experience of the role to discuss your potential application if you would like. 

For questions and to submit an application, please contact carl.cashman@libdems.org.uk 

Please apply by email, including:

• A 200 word manifesto in support of your application.
• A completed due diligence form.
• A completed diversity monitoring form.

Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process.

If you are employed by the Liberal Democrats in any form, you should consult with your employer about potential conflicts of interest before applying for this role.