Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Audit & Risk Committee, ensuring robust governance and risk management.
- Company: Edge Hill University, a multi-award-winning institution with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape strategic direction and contribute to community-focused education.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact during a transformative period for the University.
- Qualifications: Experience in accountancy, finance, audit or risk; strong leadership and analytical skills.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key; all backgrounds encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Founded in 1885 and gaining University Title in 2006, Edge Hill University is a multi-award-winning University based on a 160-acre campus in Ormskirk, Lancashire. Our outstanding campus reflects both our heritage and our commitment to providing an exceptional environment for learning, research, and innovation. This is a period of both change and opportunity. Developed by our new Executive team, and enabled by our strong financial foundations, we are preparing to set a new strategic direction for 2026–2031, Our Connected Futures. This strategy will keep us firmly anchored in our mission of creating opportunity through knowledge, whilst ensuring we become ever more people centred, place based, and future focused. Above all, we remain deeply rooted in the North West and committed to the communities we serve.
The Role
We benefit from an engaged and dedicated Board of Governors that offers clear strategic direction, effective oversight, and thoughtful stewardship of the University’s academic and cultural purpose. Looking ahead, we are committed to strengthening our governance framework and continuing to evolve our systems and practices. The Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee will be instrumental in guiding this next chapter. The Audit & Risk Committee underpins the work of the Board by providing rigorous scrutiny of the University’s assurance and control environment. It is central to evaluating risk management, governance arrangements, internal controls, and value for money, ensuring these remain robust and effective. The Committee is made up of independent governors with appropriate expertise and is supported by regular engagement with University officers, as well as internal and external auditors. This is a significant opportunity to contribute at a senior level during an important period of progress. If you are aligned with our values and ambition, and believe in the power of education we would be pleased to hear from you.
The Person
- Key attributes expected of all governors are:
- Strong alignment with Edge Hill’s values and mission
- Vision and commitment
- Strategic awareness
- Critical listening and evaluation skills
- Ability to challenge and ask probing questions
- Analytical and problem solving abilities
- Integrity to act without self-interest and make decisions based on evidence
- Ability to work within a framework of collective decision-making in the best interests of the Board and the University
- Awareness of standards in public life, public accountability and a determination to abide by them
- In addition to the above, we would expect our Chair of Audit & Risk Committee to possess the following qualities:
- Recent experience relevant to the Committee's business (in accountancy, finance, audit or risk)
- Brings the experience and confidence to contribute immediately at Board level
- Ability to form positive and productive relationships with key stakeholders
- Ability to challenge in a constructive and supportive way
- Intellectual curiosity and professional scepticism
- Balanced and ethical approach
- Robustness of character
- Sufficient time to undertake the role
Edge Hill University is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive culture. If you meet our criteria, we welcome your application regardless of your age, ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, social demographic or whether you live with a disability. Reasonable adjustments will be supported wherever possible to minimise barriers to participation.
Additional Information
For extensive information about Edge Hill University, the role and the person specification, please download the Candidate Information Pack.
How to Apply
To be considered for a role on our Board (for three years in the first instance), your application should include a supporting statement that addresses the criteria in the person specification and outlines your motivation for applying. The statement should be no longer than 2 pages of A4. Please tailor your application to the role, explaining why you meet the criteria and what you feel you could contribute to our Board and the University.
Deadline for applications: Monday 26th January 2026
Interviews will be held: Week commencing 9th February 2026
You may also contact Melissa Baxter at Trustees Unlimited if you have queries about any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information or wish to have an informal and confidential discussion. She can be contacted on 07789985229 / melissa.baxter@trustees-unlimited.co.uk.
Chair of Audit & Risk Committee - Edge Hill University employer: Russam Gms
Contact Detail:
Russam Gms Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Audit & Risk Committee - Edge Hill University
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with governance roles. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Edge Hill University’s recent initiatives and challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about contributing to our mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your critical listening skills. During discussions, focus on understanding the perspectives of others, which will help you ask insightful questions and demonstrate your analytical abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Chair of Audit & Risk Committee role. We want to see your unique contributions!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Audit & Risk Committee - Edge Hill University
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to the role of Chair of Audit & Risk Committee. Highlight how your experience aligns with the criteria in the person specification and what unique contributions you can bring to Edge Hill University.
Be Concise and Clear: Keep your supporting statement to no more than 2 pages of A4. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically to make it easy for the selection panel to see your qualifications and motivations at a glance.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for education and governance shine through in your application. Share why you’re excited about the opportunity to contribute to Edge Hill University and how you align with its values and mission.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered, plus you’ll find all the necessary information there to help you along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Russam Gms
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key responsibilities of the Chair of Audit & Risk Committee. Familiarise yourself with Edge Hill University's mission and values, as well as their current strategic direction. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals during the interview.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think about the challenges and opportunities facing the university in the coming years. Prepare insightful questions that show your critical thinking and strategic awareness. This not only highlights your analytical skills but also your genuine interest in contributing to the university's future.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your recent experience in accountancy, finance, audit, or risk management. Use specific examples to illustrate how your background equips you to contribute effectively at the Board level. This is your chance to show that you can hit the ground running!
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work within a framework of collective decision-making. Share examples of how you've built positive relationships with stakeholders in the past. This will reassure the interviewers that you can challenge constructively while maintaining a supportive environment.
