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Join The Basketmakers’ Association Board: Finance Director

18th Aug, 2025
Finance

The Basketmakers’ Association – Strategic Board

Location: Remote/Hybrid (occasional in-person meetings)
Commitment: 10 Board meetings per year. The Treasurer is also expected to have regular meetings with the Accounts Assistant and key funding partners.
Voluntary: (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Term: 3 years, renewable
Application Deadline: Sunday 28 September 2025

The Basketmakers’ Association

The Basketmakers’ Association (BA) is a member-led UK-based organisation committed to supporting basketmakers, chairseaters and those interested in related crafts promoting traditional and contemporary approaches, fostering learning, appreciation, and innovation in the crafts. As we enter a critical phase in our evolution, the BA is establishing a new Board to guide our development and ensure a proactive and sustainable future.
In line with our 2025 Position Statement, we are seeking a Finance Director to join the Board and help to shape and drive forward our bold new organisational direction – one that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the basketmaking community.

Role Purpose

The Finance Director will lead the strategic financial planning and oversight of the Basketmakers’ Association to help make the new strategic vision become a reality.
Key Responsibilities
– Strategic Financial Leadership
  • Work with the Strategic Board, Volunteers and Membership to develop and implement a financially sustainable roadmap in line with BA’s mission and vision.
  • Lead on identifying and securing diverse income streams, including partnerships, grants, sponsorships, local and regional fundraising activities and ethical commercial opportunities.
  • Offer financial insight and oversight in the planning of new programmes, membership models, and digital/educational initiatives.
– Financial Oversight and Governance
  • Ensure robust financial management, risk management, and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
  • Continue the development of transparent budgeting, reporting, and forecasting systems.
  • Work with the Board to deliver clear, regular financial reports.
  • Manage the Accounts Assistant to ensure payments are made accurately and promptly and invoices sent in a timely manner.
  • Oversee and facilitate future finance and fundraising volunteers
  • Support the Accounts assistant to prepare the Year end accounts for auditing
– Innovation and Equity
  • Help design financial pathways that reduce barriers to participation and support equity of access and representation within the organisation.
  • Champion imaginative and values-led approaches to finance that reflect the creative nature of the basketmaking community.
Essential Experience & Skills
  • Demonstrated experience in financial strategy, planning, and governance (ideally within the charity, arts, or not-for-profit sector).
  • Knowledge of 3rd Sector finance and UK accounting practices (e.g., SORP).
  • A commitment to the values of equity, sustainability, and creative practice.
  • Experience in securing or managing funding (public, private, earned income).
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate financial matters for a non-specialist audience.
Desirable
  • Experience working with arts/craft/heritage organisations or community-based networks.
  • Understanding of contemporary issues in craft, culture, or heritage funding.
  • Interest in basketry, chairseating or crafts.

What We Offer

  • A meaningful opportunity to shape the future of a respected national craft organisation.
  • Collaboration with dedicated, values-driven Volunteers and membership community.
  • The chance to bring innovation to the financial life of an evolving organisation rooted in both tradition and contemporary practice.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send:
  • A brief statement (max 1 page) outlining why this role interests you and what you would bring to the BA
  • A CV or summary of relevant experience.

Deadline: Sunday 28 September 2025
More Information: We will be running to Q&A Zoom Sessions on Wednesday 3 September at 7pm or Thursday 18 September at 7pm (via Zoom) – Register Here to join either of these sessions.
Contact: Anna Stickland — [email protected]

Recruitment Timeline Highlights

  • Applications Open: Monday 18 August 2025
  • Application Deadline: Sunday 28 September 2025
  • Q&A sessions: Wednesday 3 September at 7pm or Thursday 18 September at 7pm (via Zoom) – Register Here to join either of these sessions.
  • Interviews: Week Commencing 6 October 2025
  • Board induction: November 2025

Help us co-create a thriving future for basketmaking, chairseating and allied crafts—apply now and bring your voice to the table.

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