Chair of Audit and Risk Committee, Non-Executive Director and Trustee

Health Data Research UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A national health data institute in the UK is looking for a non-executive director to chair the Audit and Risk Committee. This pivotal role involves overseeing audit processes, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with statutory duties. The ideal candidate should have board-level experience, expertise in audit and risk management, and strong governance skills. This is a voluntary role requiring approximately four days per month, with reasonable expenses covered. Applications are welcome from diverse backgrounds.

Benefits

Reimbursed travel and accommodation expenses

Qualifications

• Experience in complex or evolving organizations.
• Expertise in audit and financial oversight.
• Ability to act independently and strategically.

Responsibilities

• Chair the Audit and Risk Committee.
• Guide discussions on risk, finance, and governance.
• Ensure statutory compliance and effective committee performance.

Skills

Board-level experience

Risk management expertise

Governance experience

Strategic assurance provision

Job description

Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) is the UK's national institute for health data science and a registered charity. We are uniting the nation's health data to enable discoveries that improve people's lives. Our vision is that every health and care interaction, and every research endeavour, will be enhanced by access to large‑scale data and advanced analytics.

We are seeking to appoint a non‑executive director and trustee to Chair our Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) - a pivotal governance role providing strategic oversight of HDR UK's audit, risk management, and financial reporting processes. The Chair leads and supports the committee, ensuring it is effective, appropriately constituted, and adds value beyond procedural responsibilities. The role involves providing assurance to the Board, guiding discussions on risk, finance, and governance, and engaging with key stakeholders while ensuring compliance with statutory duties.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Board‑level or non‑executive experience in complex or evolving organisations;
• Expertise in audit, assurance, risk management, and financial oversight;
• Strong governance experience, including oversight of internal and external audits; and
• The ability to act independently, impartially, and strategically in providing assurance to the Board.

This is a voluntary, unremunerated role, although reasonable expenses (e.g., travel and accommodation) will be covered. The term of appointment is three years, with the possibility of extension, and the role typically requires approximately four days per month. Detailed Terms of Reference for the ARC and further information on HDR UK's financial strategy, funding, and key risks will be made available to shortlisted candidates.

HDR UK actively seeks and values diversity in all its forms. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who can contribute to an inclusive, high‑performing Board.

For further information about the role and to download an application pack, please click here.

Applications should be received by noon on 31 December 2025