At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee to oversee financial strategies and governance.
- Company: Teach First, a leading charity fighting educational inequality.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with leaders, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in audit, compliance, or finance; ACA or equivalent qualification required.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of approximately 5 days per year with potential for long-term involvement.
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
- 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
- A 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
Compensation & Benefits
Employees based in London will receive £3000 London Weighting Allowance in addition to the advertised salary package. Advertised Salary, London Weighting Allowance and Annual Leave entitlement are FTE. They will be pro‑rata'd for part‑time and fixed‑term positions. Teach First's core benefits include 27 days holiday per annum (3 of which must be taken during the holiday shutdown period between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day), participation in the pension scheme via Salary Exchange (with an employer contribution of up to 6%), life assurance, income protection and private healthcare. Through our flexible benefits platform are access to subsidised dental membership, health screening, discounted gym membership, travel insurance, Give As You Earn and the option to buy annual leave.
Job Location
East Midlands (Nottingham); East of England (Norwich); London; North East (Newcastle Upon Tyne); North West (Manchester); South Coast (Bournemouth); South East (Kent); South West (Bristol); West Midlands (Birmingham); Yorkshire & The Humber (Leeds)
Closing Date: 03 May 2026
Co-opted Member - Finance Risk & Audit Committee in Nottingham 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 Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and charity sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities or even a referral. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Teach First thoroughly and understand their mission. Think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out when you’re chatting with the panel.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you apply through our website, make sure your motivation shines through in your covering letter. Let them know why you care about ending educational inequality and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows you’re keen and professional, which is always a plus in the eyes of the committee.
We think you need these skills to ace Co-opted Member - Finance Risk & Audit Committee in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in finance, risk management, and audit. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of our Finance, Risk and Audit Committee.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for Teach First's mission and how you can contribute to ending educational inequality. Let us know why you're excited about this role and what unique insights you bring!
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, be specific about your expertise in areas like audit processes or compliance knowledge. We’re looking for candidates who can provide high-level support and constructive challenge, so make that clear!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
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 the specific responsibilities of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and alignment with their goals.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think about insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively. Consider asking about the current challenges the committee faces 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 Commitment to the Cause
Express your passion for ending educational inequality and how it aligns with your personal values. Share any past volunteer experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that relate to education or social mobility. This will help the interviewers see your dedication to Teach First's mission.