Accountants to treasurers - Steve's story

Steve Marsden talks about the contribution he has made since becoming the treasurer of Home-Start Bury.

"As an experienced businessman I saw a charity treasurer role advertised by Reach that obviously played to my skills. But would it be a rewarding challenge, and was it able to offer me something new?

"Any concerns were soon dispelled. The team in place had coped reasonably well on its own for a couple of years, but quickly appreciated the reassurance and the steer I was able to give them.

"I set up and chaired a sub-group to develop a 3 year business plan, and a 1 year operational one. I’ve been asked to help with fundraising bids, and been called upon to offer advice on a range of issues facing the charity.

"It’s not all been a one-way process. Since joining the charity last year I’ve learned a lot about how third sector organisations cope in a tough economic climate. I’ve also been trained to understand how the local authority commissioning system for funding works.

"It’s been a genuinely rewarding experience, enhanced by my growing involvement with a charity I now feel passionate about. "

Learning more

If your interest has been piqued, try some of the links on the right. Our resources for new trustees are linked, as well as a blog piece from Denise Fellows, CEO of the Honorary Treasurers Forum. You can also watch a video guide to trusteeship from Reach's former CEO Sarah King.

What is the next step to becoming a trustee or treasurer?

If you are interested, register now with us. Just click on our registration form, fill in your details and click 'submit'. Our dedicated team will then contact you within five working days. If you have the right blend of skills and experience to help the thousands of charities we work with, we will then activate your account.

At that point, you will be able to update your details and search on our thousands of volunteering opportunities. At the same time, we will be doing our very best to suggest roles you will find rewarding and challenging.

We're looking forward to finding out about your professional skills. Here's the link to the registration form again.