Audit and Risk Management Committee Independent Member

Could you be one of our new Independent Members for our Audit and Risk Management Committee? Would you like to help shape the strategic direction of University of Essex and contribute to our continued success?

Share your expertise and strategic insight, and offer a fresh perspective.

Joining Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARMC)

This is a time of significant change and challenge for the higher education sector, and the University of Essex is responding with ambition, clarity, and resilience.

In this rewarding opportunity, you will make a significant contribution to the future direction of the University. We are home to the curious, the brave and the bold. If you share our passion and have the requisite skills and experience, we would be keen to hear from you.

We’re looking to strengthen and diversify our committee membership with new independent members who share our ambitions, and reflect our inclusive community. As a member, your experience, skills, and insight will be crucial to shaping the work of ARMC.

We are seeking to appoint new independent members who can bring fresh and diverse perspectives, relevant professional expertise, and a shared commitment to public services in higher education. We welcome applicants whose insight will support the Committee in ensuring that the University continues to fulfil its strategic potential and manages risk in a way that delivers economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Roles and Responsibilities

As an Independent Member of the University’s Audit and Risk Management Committee, you would:

• Seek assurance that the University has effective internal controls and financial systems in place to manage risk, ensure transparency, and safeguard resources.
• Oversee internal and external audit arrangements, including advising on the appointment of auditors, reviewing audit scopes, plans, and reports, and ensuring appropriate responses to findings.
• Review the annual financial statements, accounting policies, and consider the adequacy of arrangements to ensure value for money.
• Gain assurance on the effectiveness of risk management, including how strategic and operational risks are identified, assessed, and addressed.
• Consider external reports and regulatory requirements, including those from the Office for Students and statutory bodies.
• Provide oversight of policies and frameworks relating to ethics, compliance, fraud, whistleblowing, and other behaviours affecting institutional integrity.
• Oversee the governance relationship with the Students’ Union, including its audited accounts and internal controls.

The role requires a normal time commitment of around six days per year, including meeting attendance and preparation. All members are expected to attend Board meetings, in person or online, and induction and training events.

How to Apply

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role and details of how to make your application.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a Register of Interest form and a Fit and Proper Declaration. Successful candidates will also be required to sign up to the University’s Governor Code of Conduct, copies of which will be provided to each short-listed candidate ahead of the final interview stages.

Further Information

For more information about the subsidiary companies, please visit www.essex.ac.uk

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