Become a trustee
Want to help guide Transition Chesterfield’s next chapter?
Transition Chesterfield is planning to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This would give us a stronger legal footing and an opportunity to expand the activities we run in the community.
We already have the legal minimum number of trustees in place. However, to move forward sustainably, we need more capacity and a broader spread of skills within the Core Group.
In particular, we are keen to hear from anyone who might be willing to take on the role of Treasurer, or who has experience with finance or accounts. We are also welcoming expressions of interest from members who may wish to join as trustees more generally, to help share the workload.
Trustee experience isn’t essential — what matters most is having the time, interest, and willingness to contribute.
What Does the Core Group Do?
The Core Group doesn’t ‘run’ everything. We help to keep it all connected. In practice, this means we:
Support project leads and other volunteers
Oversee finances, risk and group-wide events
Hold the “big picture” for Transition’s strategy and values
Connect the dots between projects and partners
What is a trustee?
A trustee is someone who helps guide the organisation’s direction, ensure it meets its charitable objectives and oversees governance responsibilities. Trustees are legally responsible for:
Acting in Transition Chesterfield’s best interests
Ensuring the charity’s resources are used responsibly
Complying with relevant laws and its governing document
Supporting strategic development and financial oversight
If we become a CIO, Core Group members will become the trustees.
Time Commitment
Attend monthly Core Group meetings (2 hours). Usually a small amount of papers (5-10 pages approx) to review ahead of each meeting. Occasional shared tasks in between (e.g. replying to queries, helping plan a gathering, or welcoming a new volunteer).
You only take on what feels manageable — we aim for realistic, shared workload.
Who Can Join?
Anyone who cares about what we do. You don’t need experience in chairing, finance, or project management — just curiosity, commitment, and a desire to help. You’ll be supported to find your feet and play to your strengths. You must be over 18 and have no unspent convictions and you’ll need to be a member of Transition Chesterfield at the time of appointment.
Treasurer role – what’s involved?
As a member of the Core Group, the Treasurer helps ensure Transition Chesterfield’s finances are kept in good order day to day. In practice, this involves:
Making sure bills are paid on time and records are kept up to date
Recording income and expenditure, typically around 10–15 transactions per month
Using a simple Excel spreadsheet to track spending across projects and grants
Most regular costs are paid by direct debit (e.g. website and email services) and simply need recording and checking. Other invoices are sent to the Treasurer’s TC email address. A simple Excel spreadsheet is used to track spending across projects and grants. It helps to be comfortable with online or phone banking.
How to Stand for the Core Group
Just email hello@transitionchesterfield.org.uk expressing your interest or chat to one of the current Core Group members. We’d love to hear from you.
