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What is the RHS Treasurer?

The RHS Treasurer advises the RHS President and RHS Council on the organisation’s financial and commercial affairs, including those of its trading subsidiaries. As a key strategic leader, the RHS Treasurer safeguards the charity’s financial health, sustainability, and strategic direction – ensuring we continue to enrich lives through gardening for generations to come.

This role demands sharp financial acumen, strategic insight, and excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with key stakeholders, including the RHS President, RHS Director General, RHS Finance Director, and the wider Board of Trustees.

Financial stewardship

• Champion innovation, growth and financial discipline in the commercial operating model of the RHS
• Oversee short and long-term financial planning of the RHS and the performance of its investment portfolio to safeguard its financial strength and build reserves
• Provide robust oversight of risk, budgetary and cost management processes
• Interpret complex financial reports, providing insightful commentary in an accessible way to RHS Council and at the RHS Annual General Meeting
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory financial obligations, including charity law, the RHS Royal Charter nd Bye-laws

Governance and leadership

• Chair the RHS Finance and Commercial Board with a focus on analysis, insight and actionable advice
• Deputise for the RHS President as a valued RHS representative at public engagements and meetings when needed
• Contribute to the execution of commercial and charitable strategic priorities and goals balancing
• Immediate operational needs with long-term growth and risk management
• Work closely with other statutory board and committee Chairs, to ensure effective oversight and alignment

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement

• Foster productive, challenging yet respectful relationships with the RHS President, RHS Council and the Executive team
• Act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to the RHS Director of Finance and RHS Director General, meeting regularly and as needed
• Support the organisation’s strategic goals by offering insight, advice and connections or networks that enhance its financial resilience and performance
• Represent the RHS externally as needed, acting as a champion and ambassador for its work, donor engagement and values

The RHS Treasurer combines financial expertise with a strong commitment to our growth oriented vision. You will be tactful, disciplined and a strong listener who is personable and collaborative. You will have a sense of fun and perspective, able to balance seriousness with the enjoyment of the role.

• Passionate about gardening, committed to the values and future direction of the RHS
• Non-executive experience in charity and/or commercial environments
• Strategic mindset, with an appreciation of the short, medium and long term financial and operational needs of a large, complex charity
• Strong financial expertise and relevant commercial experience
• Flexible, personable and collaborative with an ability to interpret and communicate financial information effectively to a variety of audiences
• Strong network of relevant corporate and commercial contacts
• Accountancy qualification (optional)

The RHS Treasurer is elected annually by the membership at the RHS Annual General Meeting (AGM) and may serve for up to five years with the possibility of two further annual terms if agreed exceptionally by RHS Council and members. This role will begin following the RHS AGM in July 2026.

• Attend six RHS Council meetings per year and the AGM – some RHS Council meetings are not held in London
• Chair the RHS Finance and Commercial Board and serve as an ex-officio member on other RHS  Statutory groups (principally the RHS Audit and Risk Committee, Investments sub-committee and the Governance and People Committee), each of which meets between two and five times per year
• Visit RHS Gardens and attend RHS events, including donor engagement and similar meetings at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
• Participate in strategy away days and occasional ad-hoc meetings with the RHS President, RHS Director General and members of the RHS Leadership Team

Overall, be available for RHS business for around two days per month (on average).

For any further information or if you would like to express an interest in the role, please send a short biography or CV and a cover letter explaining your interest and suitability to: [email protected].