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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 education and innovation.
- Benefits: Contribute to impactful decisions and work with a diverse team.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 10-12 days annually with opportunities for diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a difference in higher education and veterinary science while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Senior-level finance or audit experience and a professional accounting qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ 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: . Applicants must submit their application using the 'Apply Online' button below, and must attach a cover letter to their application detailing briefly their interest and how they meet the requirements for the role, and attach an up-to-date CV. 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 in England 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 in England
✨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 recommendations 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 in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance, accounting, or audit, and show how it aligns with the RVC's mission. We want to see your passion for the veterinary sector and how you can contribute to our strategic goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Use your CV to highlight any previous board or committee experience, especially in complex organisations. We love seeing examples of how you've provided constructive challenge and oversight in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Make sure your points are easy to understand and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that clearly outline your qualifications and interest in the role.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we receive enough applications, so get your materials in as soon as possible. Remember, applying through our website is the best way to ensure your application is considered!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Veterinary College
✨Know Your Governance
Familiarise yourself with the governance structure of the Royal Veterinary College. Understand their strategic plan and how your role as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee fits into it. This will show that you’re not just interested in the position, but also in the institution's mission and future.
✨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. Highlight your understanding of risk management and assurance, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to answer questions about how you would provide constructive challenge and support the Senior Executive Team, ensuring you demonstrate your collaborative approach.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
The RVC values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these values within the Council. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, which will resonate well with the interviewers.