Society's Audit Committee seeks new member

The Oxford Union Society is seeking to appoint an external member to its Audit Committee. The Committee is chaired by Mark Le Page. The requirements of the role are as set out below. It is hoped that members will take up their post as soon as possible, but no later than the end of September 2025.

The closing date for applications is Friday 18th July at 5pm.

Interviews with the panel: To be arranged by mutual agreement with candidates.

Job Description: Audit Committee Member

Role of the Audit Committee:  The Audit and Risk Committee has a key role to play in the effective governance of the Society and ensuring there is effective risk management, internal controls, external audit, value for money arrangements and financial systems in the Society. The Audit Committee reviews matters such as the annual accounts on behalf of The Standing Committee (the Society’s committee of management) providing recommendations and assurance to it. The Committee has oversight of the assessment of strategic risks, supported by the Bursar.

The Society is a not-for-profit unincorporated association, with appointed trustees. The Society has recently created and registered a corporate trust that will be appointed to act as the sole corporate trustee.  The Audit and Risk Committee consists of six members. Four of the members are external members, one of whom is Chair of the Committee. The other two members are the Senior Officers of the Society, The Senior Treasurer and Senior Librarian. The President, President Elect and Bursar attend in an advisory capacity only.

The terms of reference for the Committee can be found on the Society’s website under Clause 30 (C) of the Society’s Rules and Regulations: Rules & Policies | The Oxford Union (oxford-union.org)

Responsibilities of members

Audit Committee members provide high level oversight to ensure adequate control arrangements are in place to support management and provide assurance to The Standing Committee. This work is distinct from the management of the Society’s activities, responsibility for which rests with the Bursar and their team, reporting to The Standing Committee. External members are asked to bring their expertise and experience to bear on this work. All members will question intelligently, debate constructively, challenge rigorously and decide dispassionately, having listened sensitively to the views of others, inside and outside meetings of the Audit Committee. As part of their work on the Committee, members are expected to gain an understanding of the Society (its purpose, risks, structure and culture), as well as the legal framework governing the organisation.

Period of Appointment:  The appointment will be made for an initial period of a maximum of 3 years and appointees will be eligible for consideration for reappointment for a further term of 3 years.

Remuneration:  The role is unremunerated but the Society will meet reasonable expenses incurred in connection with membership of the Audit Committee or activities on behalf of the Society.

Time commitment:  The Committee meets four times a year with the meetings taking place at the Society’s offices in Oxford. Members may also be invited to attend events of the Society.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

Demonstrable experience of operating at Board/Committee level.

Demonstrable understanding of not for profit and charitable governance requirements.

Ability to challenge rigorously and debate constructively.

Strong communication and inter-personal skills.

Ability to analyse and weigh up complex information and reach a decision.

Desirable:

Qualified legal experience of corporate and charity law.

Demonstrable experience of human resource leadership, within a not- for-profit context would be advantageous though not essential.

Application Procedure:  Individuals with relevant experience and knowledge who are able and willing to make a contribution to the work of the Society are invited to apply by submitting the following to bursar@oxford-union.org: a detailed CV, cover letter, and the contact details for two individuals willing to provide references (if shortlisted).

The Society welcomes applications from all sectors of the community, particularly from traditionally under-represented groups.

For a confidential discussion regarding the role please contact the Bursar, David Whittingham via bursar@oxford-union.org.