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- Tasks: Shape the strategic direction and ensure strong governance at RVC.
- Company: Join the Royal Veterinary College, a leader in veterinary medicine and science.
- Benefits: Contribute to impactful decisions and work with a diverse community.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 10-12 days annually with opportunities for diversity.
- Why this job: Lead audit and risk management while supporting a vibrant educational environment.
- Qualifications: Senior-level finance experience and a professional accounting qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is seeking an outstanding individual to join our Council as an Independent Member and to serve as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. This is a key governance role at an important moment for the RVC as we launch our new strategic plan. The University has a dedicated workforce of over 1100 employees based mainly at our Camden campus in London and at our modern and vibrant Hawkshead campus in rural Hertfordshire. The RVC has a unique, rich heritage of innovation and leadership in veterinary medicine and science. We offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing, and biomedical sciences to a vibrant community of over 2,500 students from more than 70 countries. Our commitment to excellence extends to our CPD programmes and our collaborative, inclusive working culture.
About the Role
As an Independent Member of Council, you will help shape the strategic direction of the RVC, ensure strong governance, and support the Senior Executive Team. You will contribute to performance oversight, legal and financial compliance, stakeholder engagement and advocacy for the RVC’s mission. As Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, you will provide leadership in audit, assurance and risk management. You will set the Committee’s work programme, oversee internal and external audit activity, review key risks, ensure high standards of governance and compliance, and report clearly to Council.
About You
We are looking for someone with:
- Senior-level experience in finance, accounting or audit.
- A recognised professional accounting qualification (strongly preferred).
- Experience operating at board or committee level in complex organisations.
- A strong understanding of risk management and assurance.
- Excellent judgement, communication skills and the ability to provide constructive challenge.
- A collaborative approach and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Interest in higher education or the veterinary sector is desirable, as is experience in regulated or publicly accountable environments. The University particularly welcomes applicants who can help increase the gender and ethnic diversity of our Council.
Time Commitment
Council meets four times per year, and the Audit and Risk Committee meets three to four times per year. The total commitment is approximately 10–12 days annually. Independent Members may serve up to three three-year terms.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: governance@rvc.ac.uk
We promote equality of opportunity and diversity within the workplace and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee & Independent Member of Council employer: Royal Veterinary College
Contact Detail:
Royal Veterinary College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee & Independent Member of Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary or higher education sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities and even referrals that could give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the RVC's strategic plan and current challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand the bigger picture and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in finance, audit, and risk management clearly. We want to hear how your skills align with the needs of the Audit and Risk Committee.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the RVC team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee & Independent Member of Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what they’re looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us how your senior-level experience in finance, accounting, or audit makes you a perfect fit. Share specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We want to see your passion and expertise without wading through unnecessary fluff. Clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people quickly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Veterinary College
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on governance principles, especially in the context of higher education. Familiarise yourself with the RVC's strategic plan and how your role as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee can influence it.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your senior-level experience in finance, accounting, or audit. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've operated at board or committee level in complex organisations, highlighting your understanding of risk management.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. As this role requires excellent communication skills, think about how you can provide constructive challenge while maintaining a collaborative approach.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Demonstrate your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Think of ways you can contribute to increasing the gender and ethnic diversity of the Council, and be prepared to discuss this during the interview.