Head of Risk Assurance Finance · High Wycombe ·

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Risk Assurance to provide strategic leadership and oversight of our risk, assurance and insurance functions. This is a pivotal role, safeguarding our residents, assets and long‑term financial sustainability through proactive, forward‑looking and high‑quality risk management. The role is hybrid with at least two days per week in the office and the other at home/remote.

About the Role

Acting as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team, Board and Audit & Risk Committee (ARC), you will drive the maturity of our risk culture, strengthen organisational resilience, and ensure our frameworks are embedded, effective and aligned to regulatory expectations and best practice. You will influence senior leaders across the business, shape strategic decision‑making and ensure risks and controls are well understood, well managed and transparently reported. With responsibility for the Risk Assurance Officer, you will lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Risk Management - Lead and continuously evolve an agile, fit‑for‑purpose risk management framework aligned with organisational objectives and risk appetite. Embed a confident and proactive risk culture through training, coaching and integrated decision‑making. Oversee the Controls Risk Self‑Assessment (CRSA) process, ensuring robust evaluation of internal controls. Produce clear, insightful and forward‑looking risk reporting for the Executive Team, Group Board, ARC and governance forums. Present high‑quality papers, provide expert advice and respond to queries with confidence and clarity. Maintain high‑quality risk registers and optimise use of risk management systems. Stay alert to emerging risks, regulatory changes and sector trends to ensure organisational resilience.
• Internal Audit - Lead the relationship with outsourced internal auditors, ensuring high‑quality, value‑for‑money assurance. Recommend and maintain a risk‑based annual audit plan aligned to organisational priorities. Oversee tracking, reporting and closure of audit actions, ensuring timely and sustainable remediation.
• Insurance - Lead the organisation’s insurance strategy, ensuring comprehensive and cost‑effective cover. Manage renewals, procurement and relationships with brokers, insurers and claims handlers. Monitor claims performance, analyse trends and drive improvements in risk mitigation and loss prevention.
• Business Continuity - Own and strengthen the Business Continuity framework, ensuring plans are up to date and rigorously tested. Lead organisational learning following incidents and near‑misses, embedding improvements and strengthening resilience.
• Leadership & Governance - Provide strong, values‑led leadership to the Risk Assurance team. Promote a culture of openness, innovation, accountability and high performance. Ensure compliance with policies, governance frameworks, financial regulations, health and safety and equality commitments. Lead relevant strategic projects and contribute to the wider vision and corporate objectives.

About You

You are an influential and strategic risk leader with the credibility, gravitas and relationship‑building skills to work confidently at Executive and Board level. You bring a mature, modern approach to risk management and are committed to supporting a culture of excellence, transparency and continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

Must haves:

• Senior leadership of risk management and assurance within complex, regulated environments.
• Proven ability to shape and embed a proactive, mature risk culture organisation‑wide.
• Strong track record managing internal audit services and delivering risk‑based audit plans.
• Experience leading business continuity, resilience and incident response.
• Demonstrable success building and developing high‑performing teams.
• Extensive experience preparing and presenting high‑quality reports to Boards and Committees.

Knowledge & Qualifications:

• Relevant professional qualification in risk, assurance, governance or related discipline.
• Active membership of a recognised professional body (IRM, IIA, PIIA/CMIIA or equivalent).

Skills & Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with excellent judgement and the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills.
• Highly organised, decisive and outcomes‑focused.
• Skilled in negotiation, networking and building constructive relationships.
• High integrity, independent mindset and professional scepticism.
• Strong presentation and reporting skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Nice to haves:

• Understanding of social housing regulation and legislation.
• Experience in insurance management.

Why Join Us?

This is a high‑impact leadership role where your expertise will directly influence strategic decisions, organisational resilience and the experience of the residents we serve. You will join a supportive, forward‑thinking organisation committed to continuous improvement, high standards of governance and the professional development of its people.

Benefits

• Salary package of £87k p/a (includes 01 April 2026 increase)
• 30 days holiday upon starting, plus Christmas closure and buy options
• Generous pension scheme– up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
• Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Health cash plan– claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover)
• Life cover and income protection
• Flexible working– hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging

And that’s just the beginning! We’re also thrilled to provide:

• Mental Health First Aiders available to support
• Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
• Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
• 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities
• Peer‑recognition rewards platform
• Paid professional subscription (one per year)

Working Hours & Additional Pay

Standard hours are 37 p/w 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm on Friday.

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio‑economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.

Accessibility and Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required. Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made. Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.

Closing Date: Tuesday 17 March 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.