Treasurer
The Role:
Underfall Yard
The Client:
In 2023, an arson attack destroyed the Big Shed and several workshops. The fire was a huge setback for resident businesses and the wider community. The Trust is now focused on a recovery project, and restoration is well underway. They were seeking an Honorary Treasurer to support the rebuilding efforts and broader site initiatives, and turned to us to ensure the right candidate was placed.
The Underfall Yard Trust began in the 1990s with a team restoring the yard’s slipway and historic buildings. Today, the Trust oversees the site, preserving several Grade II and II* listed structures of architectural and historical value. The Yard also provides essential workshop spaces for local maritime businesses and serves as an educational hub through its visitor centre.
One of the Trust’s board members, whom we had worked with previously, recommended us for this search. Sandy Hinks, Head of our Charity Practice, and Leighann Beck, Executive Search Consultant, oversaw the campaign. We were excited to partner with Underfall Yard for the first time and contribute in a small way towards the preservation of Bristol’s maritime history.
This was the Trust’s first time working with an exec search firm, so we began with an in-depth briefing session. This allowed us to align our search with their specific requirements, unique culture, and long-term objectives.
A primary focus of the campaign was overcoming the typical barriers to recruiting a Treasurer. The role demands significant expertise in charity accounting and regulatory compliance, which can often deter qualified individuals due to the perceived risk or time intensity. Our approach was designed to demystify these responsibilities and identify a candidate with the confidence and professional background to navigate the financial complexities of a charitable trust.
We combined targeted advertising with modern headhunting techniques to reach a diverse talent pool. After identifying a set of promising individuals, we conducted interviews to narrow the pool to the most qualified candidates. Following this, we presented a shortlist to the Trust, accompanied by a detailed report outlining each candidate’s key strengths, potential areas for development, and a strategic assessment of how they could help the Yard achieve its goals. We’re delighted that Underfall Yard appointed one of our recommended candidates, Chris White.
Chris is the Head of Corporate Finance for a media group with an annual turnover of £23 million. He brings 25 years of financial expertise alongside governance experience, having held non-executive roles, including as a school governor and Chair of a Finance Committee. For over 15 years, Chris has also acted as an independent examiner for a preschool. This background has given him a practical understanding of Charity Commission requirements and the specific financial and governance standards required within a charitable environment.
Sarah Murray, Director at Underfall Yard Trust commented:
“Sandy and Leighann went the extra mile to understand our organisation and find out exactly what we needed from a Treasurer. They identified candidates with the skills and expertise needed to support our rebuilding project and wider organisational goals.”
Sandy Hinks commented:
“Partnering with Underfall Yard was a wonderful experience. We enjoyed learning about the Yard’s rich history and targets for the future. As this was the Trust’s first time working with a search firm, the briefing process was extra detailed to identify their specific needs and ensure the best candidate was identified. We’re delighted with the outcome of the campaign. Chris is an experienced finance leader who will have a huge impact on Underfall Yard’s future.”
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