Vacancies: Independent Members for our Audit and Risk Committee

The Audit and Risk Committee provides the Health Research Authority (HRA) with an independent and objective review of our financial systems, financial information, risk management and governance arrangements, and our compliance with laws, guidance and regulations that govern the NHS.

We are looking for two individuals with a mixture of skills, however, we are looking for one of the roles to be filled by someone with a formal financial qualification.

Experience and understanding of governance issues, risk management and financial systems, as well as previous experience of working with auditors or audit committees would be beneficial.

We would also welcome experience of working in the health, or research sector, for example in an arm’s length body, a research organisation or for the NHS.

Role requirements

The successful individual will support the Audit and Risk Committee in:

• reviewing the HRA’s integrated governance, risk management and internal control framework across the whole of the organisation’s activities that supports the achievement of HRA’s strategic objectives
• ensuring there is an effective internal audit function that meets mandatory standards and provides appropriate independent assurance to the committee, Chief Executive and HRA Board
• reviewing the work and findings of the external auditor and consider the implications and management’s responses to their work.
• ensuring the HRA has an effective risk management strategy and that a review of the main risks managed by the executive is undertaken annually to support the governance assurance statement and the annual report
• reviewing the findings of other significant assurance functions, both internal and external to the organisation and including the HRA assurance map and consider the implications to the governance of the organisation.
• reviewing anti-fraud policies, whistle-blowing processes and arrangements for special investigations.

Please note that existing Health Research Authority staff members are not eligible to apply.

Time commitment and pay

The committee meets five times a year virtually, however, occasional face to face meetings at the HRA's London office in Stratford, may be required approximately once a year.

A rate of up to £200 per day would be payable along with payment of reasonable expenses. It is anticipated the role, in reading papers and attending meetings, would equate to six or seven days a year.

Both roles are for a three-year term with the opportunity to extend this by a further term.

Closing date

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 18 December.

Interview date

Interviews will take place virtually on Thursday 12 January 2023.