Audit and Risk Committee External Member

The Audit and Risk Committee plays a key role in supporting the Board of Governors by providing assurance on the effectiveness of the School’s financial systems, internal control environment, and risk management arrangements. This appointment is intended to strengthen the Committee’s collective expertise, particularly in audit and finance.

The successful candidate will:

• provide independent professional insight and constructive challenge in the context of the Audit and Risk Committee;
• review audit reports, financial statements, accounting policies and the risk register as part of the work of the Audit and Risk Committee;
• contribute to the work of the Audit and Risk Committee in a manner that supports strong governance, regulatory compliance and effective risk oversight;
• be a full voting member of the Audit and Risk Committee 

Focused on the work of the Audit and Risk Committee, this role does not involve membership of the Board of Governors and carries no wider Board responsibilities. The Audit and Risk Committee Remit and Membership can be located here for information. 

Skills and Experience 

We are particularly interested in candidates with strong experience in the following:

• Accountancy / Finance (e.g., qualified accountant or senior financial leadership)
• Audit and assurance - ability to interpret audit reports and financial information
• Risk management in a complex or regulated environment 

Any application should make it clear where the applicant’s skills and experience meets one or more of these areas. In addition, experience in public, third sector or education governance is desirable but not essential.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at 3-4 meetings annually (normally held via video conference between November and May) ) – attendance at in-person meetings is not normally required but may exceptionally be requested
• Approximately 16 hours per year, which includes time to read committee papers and to prepare for meetings 

Remuneration

External committee members are not remunerated but the GSA will reimburse reasonable expenses including travel costs should attendance be required.

Diversity

The GSA encourages applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As those from an ethnic minority background and disabled people are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from individuals within these groups would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well. More on the GSA's commitment to Equality can be found here. 

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