Trustee Recruitment: Treasurer - Down's Syndrome Manchester
Trustee
Recruitment:
Treasurer
Our warm and friendly team is here for every stage of a family’s journey. We are here to help members find friendships, connect with other families, and access professional support and advice. People join our supportive community for answers, information, and access to a wealth of knowledge and understanding.
Find out more at www.dsmanchester.org.uk
We are an inclusive, welcoming, member-led charity for individuals with Down’s syndrome, parents, caregivers and professionals, from diagnosis through to adulthood.
Welcome
Our values
We respect everyone We include everyone and are mindful of stages and needs. We meet you where you are.
We are caring We are welcoming and
supportive. We know what it’s like and take time to empathise
and support you on our journey.
We work together With other organisations, with professionals, with each other. With everyone involved.
We are positive We are optimistic about the future and share stories and successes.
We want to uplift and inspire each other. We’ve found our tribe!
We are ambitious We want you to thrive
and we will help you to reach your potential.
Help shape the future of Down’s Syndrome Manchester (registered charity no. 1164570).
Are you passionate about inclusion and community?
Do you believe in a world where everyone is supported to thrive?
We are at an exciting point in the Charity’s development. After a few years of sharp growth and with a new strategic period due to begin in September 2026, there is potential to deepen our impact, grow our community, and strengthen our support to members. We believe that everyone deserves to be included and celebrated — and we’re proud to be a charity shaped by the voices and lived experiences of our members.
Join us as Treasurer
The Treasurer is a key member of the Board of Trustees and takes the lead in overseeing the charity’s financial health and accountability. They ensure that Down’s Syndrome Manchester manages its resources responsibly, meets its legal financial obligations, and can plan confidently for the future.
As Treasurer, you'll bring clarity and reassurance to the Board on financial matters, working closely with the Chair, fellow trustees, and the staff team to support good governance and strategic decision-making.
This voluntary role suits someone who is financially literate and aligned with our mission to support and celebrate people with Down’s syndrome and their families.
> More about the role via the Charity Commission website
Treasurer - Role description
The Treasurer will: Lead on financial oversight at Board level, ensuring trustees understand and can engage with financial information. Support the Board to meet its legal and regulatory responsibilities for financial reporting and compliance. Oversee as required annual budgets, management accounts, and financial statements. Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies, and procedures are in place and fit for purpose. Monitor the charity’s financial position and bring any risks or opportunities to the attention of the Board. Liaise with the independent examiner or auditor during the annual accounts review. Support the Charity CEO and finance staff with clear guidance and a collaborative approach. Provide financial insight to help inform strategic decisions, fundraising planning, and resource allocation. Act as a trusted and accessible point of contact for financial matters across the organisation.
Main Responsibilities
We are looking for someone who: Has experience of financial management (e.g., budgeting, reporting, financial planning) – a professional finance qualification is helpful but not essential. Can communicate financial information clearly to those without a finance background. Is aligned with our values and committed to inclusive, transparent, and collaborative governance. Knowledge and experience of charity finance and the regulatory environment (e.g. Charity Commission reporting). Can work well with others and build strong, supportive relationships with fellow trustees and staff. Brings a pragmatic, solution-focused approach and is willing to ask questions and provide reassurance when needed.
Person Specification
Approximately 1-2 days per month (including preparation for and attendance at Board meetings, 1-1 with the CEO and Trustees, subcommittees, and ad hoc events). Board meetings are held quarterly on Wednesday evenings in person (venue usually the office location in Hulme) Occasional external meetings, events, or engagement opportunities.
Time Commitment
To express interest, please send us: Your CV or LinkedIn profile A short cover note (1 page or less) telling us:
Why you're interested in the role What skills or experience you bring What our values mean to you
Email: esther@dsmanchester.org.uk Deadline: 1st December, 5pm If you'd like an informal conversation before applying, we’d love to hear from you. Just get in touch with Esther on 07593 542 107.
How to Apply
Meet the CEO Esther Whitaker
After starting out in media sales, I made a life-changing move into the charity sector - a place where passion, purpose and people come first. Ever since, my work has focused on helping individuals realise their potential and breaking down barriers. I’ve been fortunate to learn from amazing organisations such as The Prince’s Trust and Marie Curie, and those lessons continue to guide my leadership today.
We were lucky enough to give birth to our first daughter in 2015 who happens to have Down’s syndrome.
A little bit about my approach and values and what you can expect from me:
Collaborative - I think the best ideas come from everywhere in the organisation
Empowering - I like to give people space to own their work and grow their strengths
Value driven decisions - Decisions made reflecting member voice and values
I love building relationships and you can expect me to invest in them - I know how much they matter to getting things done and supporting each other.
CEO - Esther Whitaker
Fundraising Manager Amy Town
Family Support Worker Suzi Lindsay
Programme Manager Emma Goswell
Programme Manager Susan Macdonald
Finance & Admin Assistant Kayleigh Howarth
Team Structure
Full time equivalent = 3.8Head count = 6
Meet the Trustees
Tina Lydia Chair:
Treasurer Steve
Charlotte Sean
Catherine
Preschool – Our preschool group runs twice a month and is a chance to get together with other families while the children play and explore the fantastic sensory room. We also have regular visits from a speech therapist, an occupational therapist and portage. Venue: The Ivy Cafe Off Meadway Road Cheadle Hulme SK8 5NZ
Social events – We run social groups for members across all age ranges from 5–9 years, 10–16 years, over 17 years, over 25 years, and for parents / carers. Venue: Various depending on activity
Holiday club - We offer a few days of holiday club each year for our members to enjoy. Venue: Various
Chatterbox - Our monthly flagship event for all members. This is a Saturday morning (9am - Midday) social event offering speech therapy, occupational therapy, arts & crafts, sing and sign Makaton sessions and other themed games and activities to enjoy whilst catching up over food and drink with other families. Venue: Lancasterian School Elizabeth Slinger Road M20 2XA
User group - We have a monthly user group open to everyone aged 11 years and above. This group is for members with Down’s syndrome to come together and discuss topics that are important to them. Venue: 243 Barlow Moor Road Chorlton M21 7QL
We are lucky to work with industry leaders to
provide training sessions for parents, carers, and
professionals.
We cover a variety of topics including literacy,
numeracy, behaviour and understanding the
learning profile of someone with Down’s syndrome.
We have an employability programme in partnership with the Down’s Syndrome Association called WorkFit.
Our dedicated WorkFit officer supports our members who have Down’s syndrome to find paid employment.
Employment allows members to be more independent, learn new skills, meet new people, earn money and increase their self-esteem.
We offer family support to every member.
Whether you need support with education,
toileting or sleep we will work with you to
advise, signpost, and connect you to the
right services.
Family Support Service
Our Family Support Service is here to walk alongside you and your family, offering practical guidance, support, and a listening ear when you need it most. We provide 1:1 sessions where families can discuss challenges they are facing, and we signpost to appropriate services or create bespoke resources tailored to your needs.
We also deliver regular training for families, designed to meet evolving needs, with Q&A sessions at the end to answer your questions and share ideas. Families are welcome to drop in to Chatterbox sessions, where informal support and connections are encouraged.
Through our School Engagement Programme, we support schools by providing bespoke training for professionals on the learning profile of individuals with Down’s syndrome, practical strategies to support them, and opportunities to build a network of member schools to share best practice and celebrate success stories.
At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to ensure families feel supported, empowered, and part of a friendly, inclusive community.
“I like going to work – I have work friends and I can buy things I want with my money. I learn new things.”
Hear from our members
“This group was a life saver – it
made me and my family feel far
less isolated and put us in touch
with professional services we
couldn’t have done without.”
“Chatterbox is amazing. I know that my little girl will have a blast, make friends, and learn in her speech session”
Telephone: 07593 542 107 Email: contact@dsmanchester.org.uk www.dsmanchester.org.uk
We are affiliated to the National Down’s Syndrome Association.
Registered Charity Number 1164570
Contact us