Organisation Name:
The Laurence Sterne Trust
Organisation's Cause(s):
Arts / Culture / Heritage / Museums
Education & Learning
Environment / Green Spaces
Location of voluntary activity:
The Trust is based at Shandy Hall, Coxwold, North Yorkshire, former home of author Laurence Sterne (1713-1768). The Grade 1 listed house (the oldest parts are 15th-century) and its two acres of gardens are open to the public.
We have about four trustee meetings per annum at Shandy Hall + other in-person visits, but much of the treasurer's work can be done from home.
When are volunteers needed: See above. The workload varies across the financial year.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Finance Support
Strategy Development & Business Planning
Trusteeship / Committees
Role description:
The Laurence Sterne Trust at Shandy Hall is dedicated to preserving heritage, promoting learning, and inspiring visitors from around the world.
The Trust is looking for someone with sound financial skills to join its enthusiastic team of trustees as treasurer.
This is a voluntary role at the heart of a long-established local charity with literary and environmental interests. Financial oversight is vital to help the Trust meet the challenges of maintaining a historic building and running programmes for the public benefit on a modest budget. Supporting fundraising and financial sustainability are key parts of the role.
The treasurer works closely with the staff team to promote financial health, ensure regulatory compliance, and support activities that strengthen the charity's resilience.
The treasurer's responsibilities include:
- supervising and reporting on the Trust's finances and financial arrangements
- offering financial advice to trustees and the small staff team
- preparing the annual accounts for submission to our Independent Examiner
- assisting with grant applications and fundraising efforts.
The current treasurer is stepping down after several years and will provide a full handover. The Trust also receives support from a helpful local firm of accountants. The trustees are a friendly and committed group, including literary scholars, a media lawyer, garden enthusiasts and local supporters.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
The role of treasurer calls for a person with appropriate financial qualifications and experience to provide oversight of the Trust's finances, ensure compliance with charity regulations, and prepare annual accounts for submission to the Independent Examiner.
Ideally, you will have worked in a financial role and be familiar with accounting practices, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
Will there be a DBS check? No
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
Skilled Volunteer
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
Your will be central to the effective operation of the Laurence Sterne Trust. Your guidance will help ensure the charity's confidence and stability, enabling the continued care of Shandy Hall and its gardens, and supporting the Trust's core mission: celebrating the life, works, and lasting influence of Laurence Sterne, world famous 18th-century author of the comic fictions "Tristram Shandy" and "A Sentimental Journey".
Sterne was not only a literary pioneer but also an early voice against the slave trade and a correspondent of Ignatius Sancho, making his legacy both culturally and morally significant.
As a trustee you'll be part of a committed team supporting the Curator and volunteers who care for the house and gardens, welcome visitors, and deliver a wide-ranging programme of artistic and educational events.
By contributing your expertise, you'll be helping a much-loved Yorkshire charity that offers enriching and restorative experiences to a diverse local, national, and international audience.
How to get involved:
In the first instance, please express your interest by emailing Robert Wyke, chair of trustees: robertwyke2@gmail.com
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 30-09-2025