Lay Governor

With the support of the Inns of Court, the ICCA delivers a postgraduate Bar Course to train students who wish to become barristers. Its innovative course is designed in such a way as to simultaneously reduce the costs of achieving this qualification while widening the diversity of recruits to the profession. In addition, the ICCA provides a well-established programme of advanced training for qualified practitioners.

As part of this important programme, the Governors of the ICCA wish to appoint a new Lay Governor who has special expertise in the fields of finance and institutional governance, outside the law. Their expertise will inform and enhance the vital work of the Board of Governors, which currently comprises a chair, two vice-chairs, a Governor nominated by each of the four Inns of Court, an academic Governor, a Judicial Governor, and another Lay Governor who has special expertise in professional training. The Governors are supported in their work by a number of sub-committees to oversee the running of the ICCA Bar Course. One of these committees is the Finance and Operations Committee (the F&O Committee) which meets approximately four times a year. The Governors will wish the person recruited as the additional Lay Governor to serve as a member of the F&O Committee.

The Role

The Lay Governor will act as a source of financial and operational expertise to support the continued development of the work of the ICCA. They will serve on both the Board of Governors and its Finance and Operations Committee, acting as a crucial conduit between the two and so ensuring that the ICCA’s strategic aims are effectively and appropriately progressed.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise the Governors on relevant best financial and operational practice employed in other sectors, both directly and through membership of the Finance and Operations Committee;
• Identify and advise on aspects of the ICCA’s activities where their own particular skills and experience gained in a financial and/or operational setting provides them with a particular insight;
• Help shape proposals for the development and activities of the ICCA;
• Drive organisational development in a complex and challenging environment.

Job Description

You will have extensive experience and an in-depth understanding of:

• Working at a senior level in a large and/or complex public, private or charity organisation;
• The key operational areas of an organisation’s activities such as finance, project management or HR;
• Strategy development and business planning;
• Working as a member of a committee or board;
• Working collaboratively with individuals with very different skill sets;
• Developing and successfully implementing organisational structure and change initiatives.

Person Specification

• Interest in the work of the ICCA and its key objectives;
• An ACA or ACCA qualification with significant experience at a senior level;
• Experience of using high level governance skills, raising standards of procedure, and managing risk;
• An interest in education at a postgraduate level;
• Commitment to promoting equality and diversity;
• Willingness and capacity to devote the required time and effort to the role;
• Successful experience of acting as a member of a board or committee;
• Proven track record of demonstrating professional expertise within a complex and intellectually demanding setting;
• Proven track record of exercising sound judgment and effective decision making;
• Ability to think strategically, and to identify and promote an organisation’s priorities;
• Make decisions and give guidance;
• Communicate and influence both verbally and in writing to a high standard.

How to Apply

Click on the 'Apply on website' button below to apply online. The closing date for applications is Friday 9th May 2025. Please download the Job Description and Personal Specification which can be found below.