Nominations are invited for the role of Deputy Honorary Treasurer, to take office from the AGM in November 2026, when the current post holder becomes Honorary Treasurer.
We are recruiting a new Deputy Honorary Treasurer for the BGS, to succeed Dr Divya Tiwari as she steps up from the deputy role to become Hon Treasurer in November 2026. The Hon Treasurer is one of the senior officers of the BGS, working with the BGS President and Board to ensure the BGS stewards its resources prudently, is financially solvent, has a sustainable plan for its long-term future and fulfils its legal responsibilities. As Deputy Hon Treasurer you would spend three years learning the ropes and working with the Hon Treasurer before you take over as Hon Treasurer in November 2029.
During the three years as Deputy Hon Treasurer, you will work closely with the Hon Treasurer, the BGS Chief Executive and the BGS Finance Director (a qualified accountant) to set financial priorities for the BGS and ensure that our policies and practice regarding budgeting and financial control, risk management, human resources and IT reflect the strategic aims of BGS and the priorities of the membership. This also gives a three-year lead-in period working with the Hon Treasurer to learn about chairing the Finance and General Purposes Committee and about charity governance by participating in BGS Board meetings.
The Deputy Hon Treasurer and Hon Treasurer roles provide the opportunity to help shape the direction and sustainability of the BGS. You do not need to have an accountancy background or experience in a financial role. More important is the ability to ask questions, to understand the BGS’s business model and to have a calm, pragmatic approach to risks and opportunities. The BGS has an experienced Finance team, who will provide induction and support.
The BGS has been in existence for 80 years, steadily growing in terms of membership across different professions involved in the care of older people. Membership fees and income from our international journal, Age and Ageing, are stable sources of revenue, but in recent times the cost of delivering events has grown rapidly, so these are no longer the net income-earner they once were. The BGS is now adopting a more entrepreneurial approach to selling membership, educational products and services to ensure it can sustain its ambitious strategic goals. This is an exciting time to join the senior leadership team. Building your skills in financial oversight will equip you well for leadership roles in the NHS and enhance your career progression.
Consider applying for the Deputy Honorary Treasurer role if you are:
• Passionate about the aims of the BGS and committed to improving the healthcare of older people.
• A healthcare professional working with older people and a BGS member.
• Interested in developing your financial, governance and leadership skills.
• Keen to contribute to the BGS’s sustainability, use of resources and growth
• Able to commit time and energy to the role (3 years as Deputy, then 3 years as Hon Treasurer).
The role will be supported by the Society’s experienced salaried staff, particularly the Finance Director and the CEO. Additionally, the Finance Committee benefits from a co-opted non BGS committee member who is also a qualified accountant. No previous financial experience is required, though it would be a bonus. The role is about bringing sound judgement and insight to the Finance Committee; helping to lead the committee’s responsibility of scrutinising the work of the BGS staff by asking pertinent and searching questions to help the BGS develop budgets, manage its finances, maintain a sustainable income model and ensure good charity governance.
Duties
The Deputy supports the Hon Treasurer and takes on a share of his/her responsibilities, to be mutually agreed.
The Hon Treasurer is a charity trustee and a member of the BGS Trustee Board. The Deputy Hon Treasurer attends the BGS Trustee Board as a non-voting officer, and supports the Hon Treasurer on financial, human resource, governance and general matters. Both the Deputy Hon Treasurer and the Hon Treasurer are directors of BGS Trading, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BGS.
The duties of the Hon Treasurer are:
• To act as one of the most senior officers of the BGS.
• To advise the Board on recommendations agreed by the Finance Committee, including reviewing annual audited accounts.
• To contribute with the other senior officers to the Society’s strategic planning and direction as a member of the BGS Trustee Board .
• To work with the CEO and Finance Director to develop the governance and financial affairs of BGS, ensuring they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practices.
• To chair the Finance and General Purposes Committee (four online meetings a year, held the week before Trustee Board meetings)
• To approve expenditure in accordance with the Delegated Financial Authorisation Policy.
Term
The Deputy Honorary Treasurer will serve for three years, taking office at the AGM in November 2026. When the Honorary Treasurer demits (November 2029), the Deputy Honorary Treasurer will automatically take over as Honorary Treasurer and serve in that role for a further three years (to November 2032).
Time commitment
Both the Deputy and the Honorary Treasurer attend:
The BGS Trustee Board (4 meetings a year).
The BGS Finance Committee (4 meetings a year).
The time commitment for the Deputy Hon Treasurer will vary but should only very rarely exceed a few hours each month. Once the Deputy takes over as Hon Treasurer, the time commitment will grow to around 1 day per month, spread unevenly.
Both are voluntary, unpaid roles, although travel costs and other expenses will be covered (in accordance with the BGS expenses policy).
Induction
You can expect a full induction and will be offered training if required. You will receive a comprehensive induction pack and will meet with key officers and staff to become familiar with the Society’s policies and practice.
How to apply
Self-nominations are invited, in the form of a CV and a covering statement of no more than 2 pages setting out how you would approach the Deputy Hon Treasurer role and future Hon Treasurer role and what you bring. The closing date for self-nominations is 9.00 a.m. on 21 July 2026. Please send your email to Mark Stewart: m.stewart@bgs.org.uk.
Interviews will be held late July.
The current Hon Treasurer, Dr Liz Lawn, or Deputy Hon Treasurer, Dr Divya Tiwari, would be happy to speak to possible candidates. Please contact Mark Stewart to arrange this.
