Introduction
The Diocese of Chelmsford is the Church of England in Essex and East London. We are one of the largest and most diverse dioceses in England. Our 500 churches and 138 schools serve more than 3 million people.
The Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance (CDBF) is seeking to appoint someone with senior level leadership experience to the voluntary role of Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee.
The Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee leads the Committee in all aspects of its work and is responsible for effectively managing the affairs of the Committee and ensuring that it is properly organised and functions efficiently and effectively.
The Chair of the Audit Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- To be an effective Chair of the CDBF Audit & Risk Committee, leading and supporting members in effective discussion and decision making.
- Ensure proper and effective flow of information between the Audit & Risk Committee and the Board of Trustees.
- Prepare a summary report of Audit & Risk Committee meetings for Bishop’s Council and Finance Committee and answer questions on the Committee’s activities and responsibilities.
- Prepare Audit & Risk Committee agendas in consultation with the Director of Finance, ensuring that all required business is brought before the Committee to enable it to efficiently carry out its duties & responsibilities.
- Ensure, in consultation with the Director of Finance, that all items requiring Audit & Risk Committee approval are appropriately tabled.
- Together with the Director of Finance, lead on the process appointing the CDBF external auditors and recommend their appointment to Trustees at the AGM.
- To be a key contact and adviser for the Chief Executive and Diocesan Secretary and Director of Finance on all matters relating to audit and risk and to be available for consultation as necessary throughout the year.
- To support and work collaboratively with the Chair of the CDBF and the Chairs of other Diocesan Boards and Committees. The Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee has the right to attend meetings of any other sub-committee of the Finance Committee as a non-voting member.
- To support the leadership team in continuing development of the planning and control cycle.
- To keep abreast of relevant policies, legislation and national campaigns and working with the Chair, respond to them.
Whilst the Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee is involved in policy making and ensuring there are effective internal controls and risk management this is not an executive role. Executive functions of the CDBF are carried out by the Chief Executive and Diocesan Secretary, the Director of Finance and other staff under their direction.
The position of Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee is voluntary, unpaid and requires significant time commitment. The post holder will be required to attend quarterly Audit & Risk Committee meetings, and five trustee meetings each year, as well as other ad-hoc meetings with Management and external auditors as required throughout the year. They will also need to be available to offer consultation and decisions by phone or email within a reasonable time frame. Essential expenses can be refunded by the CDBF.