Audit and Risk Committee Chair

Audit and Risk Committee Chair

Remuneration: The remuneration for this post is £650 per meeting.

Main purpose of role

The ARC chair will support the Ombudsman in ensuring that the unique accountability arrangements which underpin the office remain effective. In delivering on NIPSO’s accountability and value for money obligations the ARC Chair will be mindful of the need to protect the Ombudsman’s operational independence.

The Ombudsman, as Accounting Officer, has responsibility for issues of risk, control and governance. The Ombudsman appoints an Audit and Risk Committee to provide additional scrutiny and assurance. The ARC’s role is not operational, neither has it any role in NIPSO’s decision making processes. Rather the ARC’s role is to advise and support the Ombudsman as Accounting Officer.

Summary of principal duties and responsibilities

• Advising on the strategic processes for risk, control and governance;
• Advising on the Annual Report and Accounts, including the Governance Statement, the process for review and submission for audit, levels of error identified, and management’s letter of representation to the NIAO;
• Challenge and advise on strategic financial management;
• Advising on appropriate disaster recovery, contingency and crisis planning;
• Reviewing the planned activity and results of both internal and external audit;
• Advising on the adequacy of management response to issues identified by audit activity, including external audit’s “Report to Those Charged with Governance” (RTTCWG);
• Assurances relating to the management of risk and corporate governance requirements for the NIPSO;
• Advising on anti-fraud policies, whistle-blowing processes and arrangements for special investigations;
• Provide assurance on the use of Direct Award Contracts;
• Provide assurance on appointment of Internal Audit services;
• Chairing all meetings of the ARC including agreeing agenda and minutes;
• Preparing an annual report on the ARC’s work programme;
• Participation in the selection of new ARC members when required.

This role profile is subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve. Therefore the role holder will be required to be flexible and adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description but which are commensurate with the role

To download an application form, click the Download icon below.

A Candidate Information Pack and Monitoring Form, can be downloaded from the Additional Documents section below.

Completed application and monitoring forms must be returned by email to monitoringofficer@nipso.org.uk no later than 12 noon on Monday 28th October 2024