At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee to oversee financial strategy and governance.
- Company: Teach First, a leading charity fighting educational inequality.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in governance and contribute to meaningful change.
- Other info: Voluntary role with approximately 5 online meetings per year.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in audit, compliance, or finance; ACA or equivalent qualification required.
Co‑opted Member – Finance, Risk and Audit Committee - Teach First
Voluntary role
Time commitment: Approximately 5 days per year
Term: 3 years (renewable to a maximum of 9 years)
About Teach First: Teach First is a leading education charity committed to ending educational inequality. For more than two decades, we have worked with schools serving disadvantaged communities to ensure every child has access to an excellent education. We train and develop teachers and leaders, support school improvement, and champion long term systemic change. Today, our work spans 5,500 schools, and our ambassador community plays an influential role in education, public policy and the wider social mobility agenda.
The Opportunity: We are seeking to appoint an external (non-Trustee) member to our Finance, Risk and Audit Committee (FRAC). This Committee provides critical oversight of the charity’s financial strategy, risk management, audit processes and governance arrangements. This is a voluntary position, offering an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to the strength and impact of Teach First’s governance. It also provides valuable exposure to the work of our Board of Trustees, enabling the successful candidate to support and observe decision‑making at the highest level within a large, complex national charity.
Key Responsibilities:
- FRAC supports the Board by providing scrutiny, assurance and advice in the following areas:
- Financial strategy, budgeting and performance
- Income generation, reserves and investment oversight
- Internal controls and risk management
- Internal and external audit
- Governance, compliance and financial reporting
- Remuneration and expenses frameworks
Members are expected to:
- Attend and participate in approximately five online Committee meetings per year
- Provide high-level, non-executive support and constructive challenge to the senior management team
Person Specification: We welcome applications from individuals with expertise in some or all of the following areas:
- Audit and assurance, including interpreting audit plans and reports and constructively challenging findings (ACA or equivalent qualification required)
- Regulatory and compliance knowledge, ideally relating to the charity sector, Charity Commission expectations, and forthcoming changes to the Charities SORP
- Implementation of finance systems and effective use of technology across large organisations
- Organisational transformation and change management
- Senior level leadership
We would also expect candidates to have strong alignment with Teach First’s mission and values.
How to Apply: Applicants are invited to submit:
- A CV, and covering letter outlining:
- your motivation to contribute to Teach First and its mission to end educational disadvantage so every child has the opportunity and support to thrive.
- an outline of the key skills/areas of experience where you feel you could add value to the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee.
Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to:
- An initial meeting with the Chair of FRAC
- A fireside chat with the Executive Director of Finance and Performance
- A formal panel interview with the Chair of FRAC, the Executive Director of Finance and Performance, and at least one other member of FRAC
Co-opted Member - Finance Risk & Audit Committee in London employer: TEACH FIRST
Contact Detail:
TEACH FIRST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Co-opted Member - Finance Risk & Audit Committee in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and charity sectors. Let them know you're interested in roles like the Co-opted Member position at Teach First. You never know who might have insider info or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Teach First’s mission and values thoroughly. Think about how your skills in finance, risk management, or audit can directly contribute to their goals. Be ready to share specific examples that showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with the Chair of FRAC or the Executive Director, express why ending educational inequality matters to you. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Teach First team and contributing to their impactful work.
We think you need these skills to ace Co-opted Member - Finance Risk & Audit Committee in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your covering letter, let us know why you’re excited about Teach First’s mission. Share your personal connection to educational equality and how it drives you to contribute.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to outline your key skills and experiences that align with the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee's needs. Be specific about your qualifications, especially in audit and compliance, to show us you’re the right fit.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we want to see your professional side, don’t hesitate to inject a bit of your personality into your application. We appreciate authenticity, so let your unique voice shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and covering letter, ensuring you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at TEACH FIRST
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of finance, risk management, and audit processes. Familiarise yourself with Teach First’s mission and values, as well as their financial strategy and governance arrangements. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and alignment with the organisation.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think about insightful questions you can ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee. Consider asking about current challenges they face or how they measure success in their financial strategies.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in audit and assurance, compliance, or organisational transformation. Use specific examples to illustrate how your skills can add value to the committee. Highlight any relevant qualifications, like ACA, that demonstrate your capability.
✨Demonstrate Passion for the Mission
Express your motivation to support Teach First’s mission to end educational inequality. Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to their cause. This will help the interviewers see your commitment and how you align with their values.