Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee (Non-Executive Director)

Department: Non Executive Director

Employment Type: Volunteer

Location: Dartmouth, Devon

Term: 3 years

Commitment: Approximately 1-2 days per month

Remuneration: Unpaid voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed

Help shape the future of one of the South West’s most important natural assets. Dart Harbour is seeking a new Non‑Executive Director to Chair its Audit and Risk Committee (ARC), following the successful tenure of the current Chair, who will step down later this year. As a trust port, Dart Harbour is responsible for managing, protecting and enhancing the River Dart, balancing commercial activity, safety, environmental stewardship and community interests across one of the South West's most important waterways.

This is an opportunity to join an organisation in a strong and sustainable financial position, where the focus is on long‑term stewardship, governance and strategic decision‑making rather than financial recovery or fundraising.

The opportunity

As Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, you'll join a Board of nine appointed members and work alongside a dedicated team of around 25 staff. The role plays an important part in supporting financial oversight, governance, risk management and long‑term planning. You'll provide constructive challenge and strategic insight, helping to ensure the organisation continues to evolve and thrive. Alongside its formal committee responsibilities, the Audit and Risk Committee contributes to the review of major projects, business cases, capital investment decisions and long‑term organisational risks. Current discussions include future harbour developments, infrastructure projects and initiatives that will help safeguard the River Dart for generations to come. For the right individual, this is a highly rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an organisation with genuine regional importance and community impact.

What we’re looking for

We're looking for someone with senior‑level commercial and financial experience who can bring sound judgement, strategic thinking and a collaborative approach. This role would particularly suit a former Finance Director, CFO, senior executive or qualified accountant who enjoys governance and strategic oversight and is looking to apply their experience in a purpose‑led environment.

• Strong financial and commercial experience, ideally including audit, governance or risk oversight.
• The ability to support and constructively challenge senior stakeholders.
• Experience improving financial reporting, management information or organisational processes.
• A strategic mindset and confidence navigating change.
• The ability to communicate financial matters clearly and pragmatically.
• A collaborative and approachable style, with the confidence to provide constructive challenge.
• Previous Board, Non‑Executive Director or Committee Chair experience (desirable).
• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) (desirable).
• Experience of treasury management, pensions, investment oversight or long‑term financial planning (beneficial).
• A genuine interest in the long‑term future of Dart Harbour and the wider region.

Why join Dart Harbour?

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Play a key role in shaping the future direction of Dart Harbour
• Support an organisation with real regional importance and community impact
• Work alongside an engaged and committed Board and Executive team
• Contribute to meaningful organisational change and improvement
• Support a unique environmental, economic and community asset
• Help ensure the long‑term sustainability of a not‑for‑profit organisation that reinvests for the benefit of future generations
• Develop your own Board‑level experience and broaden your portfolio career

As a trust port, Dart Harbour operates for the long‑term benefit of the harbour and its stakeholders rather than for private profit. The Board plays a key role in ensuring decisions balance commercial considerations with safety, environmental responsibility, community benefit and the sustainable management of this important regional asset.

Time commitment and location

The Board meets formally eight times a year, with most meetings held in person during weekday evenings. The Audit and Risk Committee also meets virtually four times a year. Relationships and local understanding are important, and we expect this opportunity will suit someone based within a reasonable travelling distance of Dartmouth, such as Plymouth, Exeter or Somerset. Dart Harbour is hoping to appoint and onboard the successful candidate between July and October 2026.