At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring financial oversight and strategic decision-making.
- Company: Dart Harbour, a vital trust port in the South West.
- Benefits: Gain valuable Board-level experience and contribute to community impact.
- Other info: Unpaid voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed; commitment of 1-2 days per month.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Dart Harbour and safeguard the River Dart for generations.
- Qualifications: Senior-level financial experience and strong governance skills required.
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.
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
- Senior-level commercial and financial experience.
- Sound judgement, strategic thinking and a collaborative approach.
- 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?
- 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.
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee (Non-Executive Director) employer: Fitzgerald
Dart Harbour offers a unique opportunity for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in their community while contributing to the stewardship of one of the South West's most vital natural assets. As a Non-Executive Director, you will join a dedicated Board and team, engaging in strategic oversight and governance that prioritises environmental sustainability and community benefit. This role not only allows you to shape the future of Dart Harbour but also provides valuable Board-level experience in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee (Non-Executive Director)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with non-executive roles. They might have insights or even know someone on the Dart Harbour Board who can give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of governance and risk management. Familiarise yourself with Dart Harbour's current projects and challenges so you can showcase your strategic thinking and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! Make it clear that you genuinely care about the long-term future of Dart Harbour and the community it serves. This will set you apart from other candidates who may not have the same level of commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee (Non-Executive Director)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how your skills in financial oversight and governance can contribute to Dart Harbour's mission.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience! Whether it’s your time as a Finance Director or your strategic insights, we’re keen to see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly address the key responsibilities of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Dart Harbour!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fitzgerald
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on Dart Harbour's mission and the specifics of the Audit and Risk Committee. Understand the key challenges facing the organisation, especially around financial oversight and risk management. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your senior-level commercial and financial experience in detail. Highlight any previous roles where you've provided governance or strategic oversight, and be specific about how your skills can benefit Dart Harbour.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about current projects or challenges the Audit and Risk Committee is facing, and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role requires a collaborative approach, be sure to convey your ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you've constructively challenged stakeholders in the past and how you foster teamwork in decision-making processes.
