Calibre Audio

Finance
Trustee

Keeping the joy, comfort and possibilities of reading within everyone’s reach.

Calibre Audio is a national charity that has been opening up the world of reading since 1974.

They support people with print disabilities by providing access to thousands of audiobooks—keeping the joy, comfort and possibilities of reading within everyone’s reach.

Conditions we support include:

Neurodivergent conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD or autism
A visual impairment or blindness
Physical dexterity problems such as Parkinson’s, arthritis or MND
A brain injury or cognitive impairment, including head trauma or stroke.

They have a growing collection of over 23,000 audiobooks for all ages and interests – from children’s favourites and YA fiction, to bestsellers, non-fiction and classics. Members can borrow as many audiobooks as they like and listen in the way that suits them best.

Download Candidate Pack

Welcome from the Chief Executive

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee of Calibre Audio

Calibre Audio exists for a simple but powerful reason: everyone deserves access to books, stories and information, regardless of how they read. For people who are print-disabled, audiobooks aren’t a luxury, they’re a lifeline to learning, imagination, independence and connection.

Our trustees help steer Calibre’s strategy, support and challenge our leadership team, and ensure we continue to serve our members with integrity, ambition and care. Calibre Audio’s new strategy is centred on widening our impact and ensuring long‑term sustainability. We are committed to improving the lives of both older and younger people with print disabilities, growing and diversifying our membership, and strengthening our reputation as a leading accessibility charity. Underpinning all of this is a clear focus on financial sustainability, ensuring we can continue to deliver high‑quality services for years to come.

We recognise that becoming a trustee is a commitment of time and energy, and we are transparent about what the role involves. But for those who share our values and want to use their skills for good, it is a deeply rewarding way to make a difference.

If Calibre’s mission resonates, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Anthony Kemp

Chief Executive Officer

Role Overview

The Finance Trustee plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Calibre Audio is financially well-governed, sustainable and equipped to deliver its charitable purpose effectively, both now and for the long term.

Working closely with the Chair, fellow Trustees, Chief Executive and Executive Management Team, you will provide financial leadership and oversight, ensuring that the charity maintains strong financial controls, sound decision-making and effective management of risk. You will bring constructive challenge and informed advice to the Board, helping Trustees understand the financial implications of key strategic decisions and ensuring that Calibre’s resources are used effectively to maximise its impact.

As a Finance Trustee, you will act as a steward of Calibre’s financial health and long-term sustainability, supporting the Board in maintaining robust financial governance while enabling the charity to remain focused on meeting the needs of people who are print-disabled. You will also work closely with the Chief Executive and relevant members of the Executive Management Team to ensure that financial planning, reporting and performance are aligned with Calibre’s strategy, mission and values.

Search Overview

We are seeking a Finance Trustee who brings strong financial expertise, sound judgement and a genuine understanding of the charity sector. You will have senior-level finance experience, ideally within a charitable organisation, and be comfortable providing constructive challenge and insight to the Board on financial performance, planning, risk and long-term sustainability.

We are particularly interested in individuals who understand the nuances of charity finance and the different considerations involved in managing a charity’s finances compared with a commercial organisation. This will include an appreciation of restricted and unrestricted funds, reserves, budgeting and forecasting, financial controls and reporting, as well as the particular dynamics of fundraised income and the importance of aligning financial planning with fundraising strategy.

You will be confident engaging with Trustees, the Chief Executive and Executive Management Team, translating financial information into clear strategic insight and ensuring that the Board has the information it needs to make well-informed decisions. You will bring an appropriate level of challenge while working collaboratively and constructively, helping to strengthen financial oversight and accountability across the organisation.

This search prioritises individuals who bring more than technical financial expertise. We are keen to hear from people who can connect financial stewardship with Calibre’s wider charitable purpose and who understand how effective financial management can enable greater impact. Experience of working with fundraising teams, funders, grant income or other voluntary-sector income streams would be particularly valuable.

You do not need to have previously served as a Finance Trustee to be considered. We are open to individuals who are looking to take their first Trustee role, provided they can demonstrate the financial expertise, strategic perspective and commitment required. What matters most is your ability to apply your experience in a charitable context, contribute thoughtfully to Board discussions and help Calibre maintain strong financial foundations while continuing to deliver for people who are print-disabled.

Process Overview

We are committed to a transparent, engaging and accessible recruitment process, designed to give candidates a strong understanding of the organisation and the opportunity to demonstrate their interest and suitability.

We would like a CV and cover letter

Closing Date: Friday 23rd October
Anthony, Chief Executive is available for a call throughout the search
Interview: Friday 30th October

Please contact eddie@charitybegins.org to discover more and register your interest.