In parallel with seeking a new Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee we are seeking two further members and will be evaluating candidates against the following criteria:
Essential
- Enthusiastic commitment to the mission and ministry of the Church of England.
- Significant experience in one or more of: accountancy, financial management, audit and risk management or governance.
- Capacity for understanding the broad range of the Council’s activities and risks and grasping how they are reflected in the published financial statements.
- Readiness to probe, challenge and enquire into the explanations that are being given, combined with pragmatism and realism about what can be achieved.
- Appreciation of the risks and opportunities inherent in the Council’s affairs. We therefore seek candidates with a solid understanding of internal controls and those that should be in place to mitigate the risks faced by the Council, and an appreciation of emerging risks and how they might impact the Council.
- Membership either of the Church of England or of a church which subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and support for the charitable objects of the Archbishops’ Council.
Desirable
- Expertise in organisational culture, change and project management, would also be useful.
- Expertise in the individual risk areas faced by the Council such as cyber security, grant management and project delivery.
The Church of England is for everyone and we want our committees to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while of course all applications from interested and suitably experienced people are welcomed, we particularly welcome applicants from GMH/UKME backgrounds and disabled people. We will be pleased to make any reasonable adjustments necessary to accommodate disabled candidates during the recruitment process and following appointment.
Disqualifications
Any person with a relevant conflict of interest – for example connections to the Council’s auditors or an employee of the National Church Institutions.
Section 178 of the Charities Act 2011 provides that the following are also disqualified:
- A person who has been convicted of any offence involving dishonesty or deception.
- anyone who has been has been adjudged bankrupt or sequestration of his or her estate has been awarded.
- anyone who has been removed from the offices of charity trustee or trustee for a charity or removed from being concerned in the management or control of any body; and
- anyone who is subject to a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 or an order made under section 429(2) of the Insolvency Act 1986.
Successful candidates will be asked to make a declaration that they are not precluded by these conditions and refusal to make such a declaration will be a bar to appointment.
Practical information
It is expected that the initial term will be for a period of up to five years commencing in mid 2024. The role is non-executive and unpaid but all reasonable travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed.