Volunteer Treasurer and Board Member

SE1 Solar is a not for profit Community Energy organisation operating in Southwark and Lambeth and has been established by members of the South London community to relieve fuel poverty by providing renewable energy locally. We have been set up as a Community Benefit Society, which means we are a business managed for the benefit of the community. It’s is run by its shareholders, and shareholding is open to everyone. 

We were established in 2023 and received grants from four funds (Government, Mayor of London, Southwark Council, Centrica Energy for Tomorrow) and a fuel poverty alleviation contract from Uk Power Networks (Leaving No One Behind) in 2024 to set up our pilot projects. We have two part time paid managers running the fuel poverty activity and the overall programme. 

Our pilot projects include a fuel poverty service delivering energy advice and support for those in need and we currently have five trained energy champions who work with us part-time. We are also running feasibility studies for four solar arrays on housing estates in SE1 and we’re exploring different possible business models. If we can make this work then we will be setting a precedent for a model for renewables on mixed tenure estates and long term financial sustainable fuel poverty alleviation. 

At this exciting and pivotal time at the beginning of our journey we are looking for a Treasurer to support our organisation by overseeing the financial affairs. 

The Role

The Treasurer will be overseeing the work of Martin, our dedicated Lead Finance Volunteer, who is an accountant working in Government and has been supporting our work for several months. We estimate that the treasurer role will require an average of less than one day a month, including attendance at six board meetings a year and weekly half hour meetings as necessary to be a mentor to Martin. We hold board meetings every other month on Tuesdays 1-2.30pm. The majority of these are held online with occasional in person meetings in SE1. The Treasurer will also be responsible for holding a general oversight of financial activities and ensuring that we are keeping in line with our financial responsibilities. 

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial matters to ensure that SE1 Solar is compliant with regulations and good practice
• Support the finance team and other members of the board to ensure that effective financial procedures are in place
• Support the team in maintaining accurate financial records and oversee the year-end and funders financial reporting processes
• Advise on finance related initiatives that could benefit SE1 Solar and input to strategy
• Support the creation of financial prospectuses for community share offers

Essential Qualities, Skills and Experience

• Chartered accountant with at least three years experience
• Understanding of financial management in organisations
• Ability to communicate financial information in a clear and effective manner
• Interest in renewables, sustainability and Community Energy
• Willingness and ability to work as part of a team and build good relationships
• Willingness to mentor our Lead Finance Volunteer 

Desirable Qualities, Skills and Experience

• Experience of Community Energy and/or the renewable energy sector
• Knowledge of social enterprise structures 
• Experience of being on the board of a not for profit organisation 
• Being a resident of or having a connection to South London