Job Overview

BMA Group Audit and Risk Committee Lay Member/Deputy Chair

Please email your current CV in Word format and a supporting statement of 1-2 pages also in Word format setting out your interest in the BMA, the position of BMA Group Audit and Risk Committee Lay Member/Deputy Chair and your credentials to perform the role to our retained executive search consultant David Sneesby, CEO of The LSL Group at BMAARC@TheLSLGroup.com. Please do not apply via the BMA careers page.

Join Us as BMA Group Audit and Risk Committee Lay Member/Deputy Chair

The BMA's Group Audit and Risk committee is a crucial part of an Association deeply embedded in the UK healthcare system. As the recognised trade union for 190,000 practicing UK doctors and medical students, the BMA advocates for their collective interests and negotiates on their behalf as well as providing them with professional support and development. Your role in the team will directly and positively contribute to ensuring the BMA continues to meet its financial and governance obligations as a world-class professional body and trade union.

Role purpose and key accountabilities

With your colleagues on the BMA Group Audit & Risk Committee, you will:

• Consider the appointment and outcomes of the external auditor.
• Review the annual report of the directors and all statements relating to internal financial control.
• Monitor the establishment and effectiveness of an internal audit function.
• Review the internal audit program and ensure coordination with external auditors.
• Ensure co-ordination between internal and eternal auditors.
• Oversee the governance structure, internal control framework, and risk management processes.
• Ensure comprehensive coverage of control and governance matters.

As a committee member, you will actively contribute to decision-making on the matters outlined above. Your responsibilities include upholding BMA's behaviour principles and code of conduct, preparing for meetings, taking actions arising from discussions, attending events on behalf of the committee, and mentoring less experienced members.

Experience and qualifications

• An accountancy qualification (desirable).
• Experience in risk assurance in commercial, trade union, and/or not-for-profit organisations.
• Understanding of organisational structures, strategies, and objectives.
• Strong appreciation of governance principles and their practical application.
• Familiarity with financial and risk management in various organisations.
• Experience in audit and regulatory issues.
• Sound understanding of the roles of internal and external audit.
• Knowledge of external reporting requirements under UK accounting standards.
• Budget management and business planning experience.
• Broad understanding of budget control, business planning, financial risk, control, and governance facing membership organisations.

Skills:

• Analytical skills in a complex multi-stakeholder environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with, influence and advise diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to contribute to discussions.
• Confidence to challenge and hold senior staff accountable.
• Independence, objectivity, and discretion with sound judgment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Time Commitment

The successful candidate should be able to attend the first Group Audit & Risk Committee meeting on 10th April 2024. The time commitment is estimated to be approximately 20 days per annum, involving:

• Attending and preparing for four committee meetings held virtually (and occasionally in person).
• Supporting the lay chair in their role and contributing on a regular basis as issues arise.
• Attending meetings of the senior staff remuneration working group, the finance committee, and other committee meetings by agreement.
• Undertaking ad hoc additional requirements depending on circumstances.

Terms

The successful candidate will be appointed by the BMA Council for a three-year term, up to a maximum of nine years on the committee. The role is remunerated at £25,000 per annum, plus reasonable expenses.

Application

Application closing date: 16th February 2024