Ark Schools is looking to recruit a Trustee and Risk and Audit Committee Chair to lead the strategic oversight of the trust’s finance and governance delivery. Our Trustees and Committee members play a vital role in setting the strategic direction of Ark Schools and ensuring that we deliver for the students and communities we serve.
The role of Risk and Audit Committee Chair is pivotal to effective oversight of finance and governance across the trust and ensuring strong flows of information and reporting between the Committee and Board. The Risk and Audit Committee Chair has the following responsibilities:
- To provide leadership of the Risk and Audit Committee
- To ensure that all Committee members uphold their key responsibilities
- To ensure that Committee members collectively provide the experience, knowledge and skills required to contribute to the charity effectively
- To ensure that the composition and attendance of the Risk and Audit Committee is appropriate
- To act as a point of escalation for internal and external matters as required, including relating to resolution of legal matters, conflicts, and complaints
- To chair meetings and oversee other governance processes in line with the charity’s governing documents and any relevant terms of reference
- To work closely with the CEO, COO, and governance team to develop the Committee’s practices, decision-making and operational effectiveness, ensuring the correct balance of high-level and detailed input into key decisions
Commitment and conduct
Board and Committee members are appointed for a four year term of office. The average time commitment for this combined Board and Committee Chair role is approximately 4 days per quarter, encompassing the following activities:
- Five Board meetings each year, the exact length of each meeting varies according to the meeting agenda and includes one half-day strategy meeting each spring
- Four three-hour Risk and Audit Committee meetings each academic year, including review of all relevant papers and policies in advance of meetings
- Meetings or calls with Executive leadership in between meetings in relation to specific policies and projects
- Training/ school visits (usually held directly before a meeting)
We welcome broader trustee engagement and there are opportunities to attend a variety of events and school visits throughout the year.
All Board and Committee members are required to adhere to the Ark Code of Conduct. The Board commits to working collaboratively, effectively and with positivity to ensure the success of the charity, and upholding the seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
Trustees must meet the Charity Commission and company law eligibility criteria and undergo an enhanced disclosure DBS check and make an annual Declaration of Interest. This may require you to withdraw from specific discussions where you, a partner or close relative or associate stands to gain or where you are so close to a matter being discussed that it will be difficult for you to be impartial.