Audit and Risk Committee Chair – Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman

The ARC chair will support the Ombudsman in ensuring that the unique accountability arrangements which underpin the office remain effective. In delivering on NIPSO’s accountability and value for money obligations, the ARC Chair will be mindful of the need to protect the Ombudsman’s operational independence. The Ombudsman, as Accounting Officer, has responsibility for issues of risk, control and governance. The Ombudsman appoints an Audit and Risk Committee to provide additional scrutiny and assurance. The ARC’s role is not operational, neither has it any role in NIPSO’s decision-making processes. Rather, the ARC’s role is to advise and support the Ombudsman as Accounting Officer.

Summary of principal duties and responsibilities:

• Advising on the strategic processes for risk, control and governance;
• Advising on the Annual Report and Accounts, including the Governance Statement, the process for review and submission for audit, levels of error identified, and management’s letter of representation to the NIAO;
• Challenge and advise on strategic financial management;
• Advising on appropriate disaster recovery, contingency and crisis planning;
• Reviewing the planned activity and results of both internal and external audit;
• Advising on the adequacy of management response to issues identified by audit activity, including external audit’s “Report to Those Charged with Governance” (RTTCWG);
• Assurances relating to the management of risk and corporate governance requirements for the NIPSO;
• Advising on anti-fraud policies, whistle-blowing processes and arrangements for special investigations;
• Provide assurance on the use of Direct Award Contracts;
• Provide assurance on appointment of Internal Audit services;
• Chairing all meetings of the ARC including agreeing agenda and minutes;
• Preparing an annual report on the ARC’s work programme;
• Participation in the selection of new ARC members when required.

This role profile is subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve. Therefore, the role holder will be required to be flexible and adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description but which are commensurate with the role.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of applications, be able to demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples on their application form that they have:

• A minimum of two years’ experience as a member of a committee or board.
• A minimum of three years’ experience of analysing issues and emerging risks at a strategic level.
• A minimum of three years’ experience of ensuring good governance including the ability to question, challenge constructively and inform decision-making as part of the governance of an organisation.
• A minimum of three years’ experience of providing appropriate challenge and scrutiny to an organisation at a senior level in at least three of the following areas: Audit; Cyber Security; Information Governance; Financial Management and Reporting; Human Resources; Legal; or Risk management.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

In addition to the above essential criteria, NIPSO reserves the right to only shortlist those candidates who can also demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples on the application form that they have:

• A demonstrable understanding of public sector governance and accountability arrangements.
• At least two years’ experience of being a member of an Audit Committee, or group with responsibility for providing scrutiny on financial management, risk management and governance arrangements.
• Have successfully completed the professional examinations and be a full, current member of at least one of the following bodies: Chartered Accountants Ireland, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, The Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountancy, The Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of the following skills, competencies and attributes which will be tested at interview:

• Strategic Leadership
• Analytical and Problem Solving