Vacancy: Audit and Risk Assurance Committee independent member

The closing date for applications is 14 May 2025 at 23:55pm

We are looking to appoint an independent member to the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee of the UK Statistics Authority.

The UK Statistics Authority is an independent body at arm’s length from government. The Authority has a statutory objective of promoting and safeguarding the production and publication of official statistics that ‘serve the public good’.

Reporting and governance

The purpose of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee is to support the Authority Board and the Authority’s Accounting Officer in their responsibilities for risk management, control and governance. It does this by reviewing the comprehensiveness, reliability and integrity of assurances in meeting the Authority and Accounting Officers’ assurance needs. The Committee acts in a scrutiny and advisory capacity and it has no executive authority. More specifically the Committee:

• considers and approves the strategies and plans for internal and external audit;
• ensures that there are levels of assurance in place which are aligned to the delivery of the Authority’s strategic aims and priorities;
• satisfies itself that major risks are identified and that mitigation strategies are in place;
• ensures that the internal audit needs of the Authority are being met and that provision meets the requirements of Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS); and
• monitors the integrity of the financial statements and financial reporting, reviewing the integrity of the internal financial control and risk management systems.

Person Specification

We are seeking a candidate with an enthusiasm for good governance and an interest in statistics, combined with proven expertise and senior level experience in the following fields.

• Recognised Chartered accountancy qualifications.
• Experience of operating at Board and / or Audit Committee level in the public or private sector (or both), preferably with knowledge of the operation of arm’s length bodies.
• Be familiar with current approaches to risk management, internal control and corporate governance.
• Experience of dealing with internal and external audit.
• Ability to think logically and objectively in analysing complex information in order to identify key issues/implications, make balanced judgments and effective decisions.
• Able to work well as part of a diverse team and to take collective responsibility for decisions.
• Large scale project and appraisal.

Time commitment

The Committee normally meets 5 times each year either in person or online, with meetings usually in March, May, June, September and November. Committee meetings usually last for three hours and members can expect to spend at least the equivalent time in preparation for each meeting; follow up actions are often required. Committee members may be asked to draw upon their expertise and provide advice and guidance on specific finance, risk or control matters outside of meetings.

Timing of appointment

The successful candidate will be appointed by early September 2025, with their first meeting scheduled on 11 September 2025. The other meeting date for 2025 is 13 November 2025

Renumeration

Independent members will be paid remuneration of £3,000 a year. This position is non-pensionable. All reasonable travel and subsistence costs will be reimbursed.

Period of appointment

The appointment will be for an initial period of three years. The possibility of renewal for a further similar period will be available subject to a performance review.

Conflict of interest and consideration of reputational issues

Members are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully:

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government or which could be affected by access to market sensitive statistics;
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made;
• political campaigns you have supported;
• and/or – any political roles you hold or which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being considered. If you are shortlisted, we will discuss any  interests that would be likely to conflict with their responsibilities, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them.  Please declare any potential conflict of interest as early as possible in the selection process and disclose information or personal connections that might, if successful, be open to misperception.

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website.