At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring effective governance and financial oversight.
- Company: Join the British Heart Foundation, a leading charity dedicated to heart health.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses covered and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with quarterly meetings and opportunities for renewal.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organisation transforming lives through pioneering research.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior financial experience and strong communication skills required.
For more than 60 years, British Heart Foundation (BHF) has been at the forefront of cutting‑edge research to save and improve millions of lives. Despite the progress we've made, our work has never been more needed; heart and circulatory diseases remain the biggest killers globally, with millions of people living with these conditions today in the United Kingdom alone.
Our lifesaving work is primarily advanced through long‑term investment in medical research, and we currently have over £460 million of BHF‑funded research underway, funding more than 700 active research projects. Powered by an incredible team of volunteers, colleagues, supporters, partners, and scientists, we are more ambitious and determined than ever with potential cures and treatments we need now in sight.
Our vision is a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer, and our pioneering research transforms the lives of millions of people in the UK and across the world. A leading independent funder of research into heart and circulatory diseases, we are the UK's largest charity retailer with around 650 stores, an employee base of over 4,000, supported by a further 20,000 volunteers.
We are now seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board of Trustees and serve as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. This is a pivotal governance role at the heart of the organisation, working closely with our Chair of Trustees, Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer in supporting and enhancing the work of BHF and play a key role contributing to functions of the board and BHF's overall governance.
Responsibilities:- Lead the Audit and Risk Committee, providing independent and constructive challenge to the Board.
- Work closely with the Board, auditors, and senior leadership to maintain effective links between the Board and the Committee, and contribute effectively as a Trustee.
- Extensive senior financial experience at the CFO or equivalent level in large, complex organisations.
- Strong expertise in financial oversight, audit and risk management, and the judgement required to lead a key governance committee.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Shared commitment to BHF's mission and values.
- This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses will be met.
- Members are appointed for an initial three‑year term, renewable with the expectation that members serve a maximum of two terms.
- The Board of Trustees meet on a quarterly basis (in London, in person or hybrid) with meetings generally lasting 4‑5 hours.
- Chair the Audit & Risk Committee meetings (four meetings a year in London for approximately 3 hours each).
- Total time commitment is on average two days per quarter, including preparation and meetings.
Trustee and Chair of Audit and Risk Committee in London employer: British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is an exceptional employer dedicated to advancing lifesaving research and improving heart health across the UK and beyond. With a strong commitment to employee growth, BHF fosters a collaborative work culture that values the contributions of its team members, supported by a network of passionate volunteers. Joining BHF means being part of a mission-driven organisation where your expertise can make a tangible difference in the fight against heart and circulatory diseases.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee and Chair of Audit and Risk Committee in London
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee and Chair of Audit and Risk Committee in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like British Heart Foundation, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at British Heart Foundation.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Heart Foundation
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of British Heart Foundation and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
