Audit Committee Chair (volunteer)

About the British Science Association

The British Science Association (BSA) is a charity established under Royal Charter, founded in 1831 and governed by a Council which forms the Board of Trustees.

 

Our vision is of a world where science is at the heart of society and culture, and our mission is to transform the diversity and inclusivity of science; to reach under-served audiences; and increase the number of people who are actively engaged and involved in science. By unlocking the potential of a more diverse group of people, we increase our ability to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges and shape our future for the better.

 

The BSA sees science is a mindset, a way to ask questions about the world and test them out. The British Science Association’s definition of science spans the natural and social sciences as well as technology, engineering and mathematics.

 

We want to create a world where science is seen as a cultural activity alongside areas such as sport, politics and the arts. One of our challenges is that science is still seen as the preserve of professional scientists, and 76% of the UK public identify themselves as not interested or inactive towards science (King’s College London, 2016). Another challenge is the lack of diversity within science, and those who traditionally engage with it.  

 

The BSA’s Cultural Development, Education and Engagement teams organise several major annual programmes including the British Science Festival, British Science Week, CREST Awards for schools and bespoke activities for science communicators, the media, policymakers and business. We seek to influence and collaborate with stakeholders from across science, business and policy, including through our flagship Huxley Summit.

 

The BSA has an annual income of approximately £3 million and is managed by a professional staff of around 30 people based in London. We are funded by a mix of grants, sponsorships, donations and earned income. Our accounting and HR functions are out-sourced (to Crossleys and HR Services Partnership respectively). Our financial year end is currently December but in 2019/20, we plan to have a 15-month year in order to bring our financial year end to March in line with government. Our annual accounts and impact reports are available online: https://www.britishscienceassociation.org/impactreport

 

The Audit & Risk Committee

 

In addition to the Chair, the Committee comprises one additional independent member (currently John Misselbrook), the treasurer (Kalli Bowyer) and up to two further members of Council (Emily Dawson and one vacancy). Meetings are also attended by the Director of Finance and Chief Executive, and a representative from the independent auditor (currently Sayer Vincent).

 

The Committee typically meets twice per year – once towards the end of the financial year to advise on planning the independent audit, and once six months later once the independent audit is complete and the auditor’s recommendations are known.

 

Your role

 

Your responsibilities are to:

 

-        Chair Committee meetings, ensuring decisions or recommendations are based on appropriate expertise and insight

 

-        Support Committee members to contribute fully and work effectively together

 

-        Provide clear, expert guidance and advice to the Senior Management team and Finance team

 

-        Work with the executive management team to oversee the process of selecting, contracting and managing an external auditor

 

-        Scrutinise the auditor’s reports and letters, and make recommendations to the board as appropriate

 

-        Review and recommend approval by Council of the trustees’ report and financial accounts

 

You should be able to demonstrate a commitment to the principles of effective governance and financial management in charities, and to the BSA’s goal of improving diversity & inclusivity.

 

What we are looking for

 

To get the most out of being Chair of the Audit Committee, we suggest that you have a passion for the BSA’s aims and can commit to the limited time and effort required. You will need in-depth technical expertise in charity accounting or a closely related field. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and good judgement will also be very valuable.

 

We are especially keen to hear from people from communities who are currently under-represented among our governance committees, including people from ethnic minority backgrounds and people with disabilities.

 

Terms and conditions

 

Remuneration

 

This is a volunteer (pro bono) role and there is no salary. Reasonable out of pocket expenses may be claimed on submission of appropriate documentation.

 

Terms of appointment

 

The initial term is three years. You are eligible for re-appointment at the expiry of that term, for one additional term.

 

Time commitment

 

There are usually two Audit & Risks meetings per year, lasting two hours each. There will be a further 3-4 hours of preparation for each meeting comprising advising on the draft agenda and reading the meeting papers. There may be additional ad-hoc tasks between meetings such as reviewing the final text of the annual accounts or advising on a new policy or process. Most ad-hoc tasks and conversations can be arranged to fit around your other commitments.

 

Timeline

 

The current committee Chair intends to step down directly after the committee’s next meeting in November 2019. You will have the opportunity to shadow the current chair in the run-up to and during the next meeting and take on the role from December 2019. A full induction will be provided, including the opportunity to meet the BSA’s Chair, treasurer, senior management team, audit partner and any other relevant stakeholders.

 

How to apply

 

To put yourself forward for this volunteer role, please send a CV and a brief covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to Katherine Mathieson (details below) by Friday 16 August 2019. We will prepare a shortlist for the BSA’s treasurer to review on behalf of Council, and then invite one or more people for an informal interview with one or more Council members.

 

Please highlight any potential conflicts of interest. References and other checks will be carried out before any appointment can be confirmed.

 

For an informal conversation about the organisation or the role, please contact the Chief Executive, Katherine Mathieson, or Finance Director, Graeme Copestake.

 

Katherine Mathieson, Chief Executive, British Science Association, Wellcome Wolfson Building, 165 Queen’s Gate, London, SW7 5HD Katherine.mathieson@britishscienceassociation.org

 

Graeme Copestake, Finance Director, British Science Association at Crossley Group, Star House, Star Hill, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1UX graeme.copestake@crossley.co.uk