Chair of Audit & Risk Committee - Edge Hill University

Russam Gms; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Lancashire is seeking a Chair of Audit & Risk Committee to enhance governance and provide strategic oversight during a transformative period. The successful candidate will bring strong alignment with the institution's values and demonstrate critical analytical skills. This senior role requires a commitment to fostering positive stakeholder relationships and contributing to a culture of ethical governance. Applications are welcome regardless of age, ethnicity, or background, with a commitment to inclusivity.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Recent experience in accountancy, finance, audit, or risk.
• Ability to contribute at Board level immediately.
• Experience in building positive relationships with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Guide the Audit & Risk Committee during a pivotal transition.
• Ensure rigorous scrutiny of the University’s governance.
• Evaluate risk management and internal controls.

Skills

Strategic awareness

Analytical abilities

Integrity

Vision and commitment

Critical listening

Problem solving

Job description

Chair of Audit & Risk Committee - Edge Hill University

Founded in 1885 and gaining University Title in 2006, Edge Hill University is a multi-award-winning University based on a 160-acre campus in Ormskirk, Lancashire. Our outstanding campus reflects both our heritage and our commitment to providing an exceptional environment for learning, research, and innovation.

This is a period of both change and opportunity. Developed by our new Executive team, and enabled by our strong financial foundations, we are preparing to set a new strategic direction for 2026–2031, Our Connected Futures. This strategy will keep us firmly anchored in our mission of creating opportunity through knowledge, whilst ensuring we become ever more people centred, place based, and future focused. Above all, we remain deeply rooted in the North West and committed to the communities we serve.

The Role

We benefit from an engaged and dedicated Board of Governors that offers clear strategic direction, effective oversight, and thoughtful stewardship of the University’s academic and cultural purpose. Looking ahead, we are committed to strengthening our governance framework and continuing to evolve our systems and practices. The Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee will be instrumental in guiding this next chapter.

The Audit & Risk Committee underpins the work of the Board by providing rigorous scrutiny of the University’s assurance and control environment. It is central to evaluating risk management, governance arrangements, internal controls, and value for money, ensuring these remain robust and effective. The Committee is made up of independent governors with appropriate expertise and is supported by regular engagement with University officers, as well as internal and external auditors.

This is a significant opportunity to contribute at a senior level during an important period of progress. If you are aligned with our values and ambition, and believe in the power of education we would be pleased to hear from you.

The Person

Key attributes expected of all governors are:

• Strong alignment with Edge Hill’s values and mission
• Vision and commitment
• Strategic awareness
• Critical listening and evaluation skills
• Ability to challenge and ask probing questions
• Analytical and problem solving abilities
• Integrity to act without self-interest and make decisions based on evidence
• Ability to work within a framework of collective decision-making in the best interests of the Board and the University
• Awareness of standards in public life, public accountability and a determination to abide by them

In addition to the above, we would expect our Chair of Audit & Risk Committee to possess the following qualities:

• Recent experience relevant to the Committee's business (in accountancy, finance, audit or risk)
• Brings the experience and confidence to contribute immediately at Board level
• Ability to form positive and productive relationships with key stakeholders
• Ability to challenge in a constructive and supportive way
• Intellectual curiosity and professional scepticism
• Balanced and ethical approach
• Robustness of character
• Sufficient time to undertake the role

Edge Hill University is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive culture. If you meet our criteria, we welcome your application regardless of your age, ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, social demographic or whether you live with a disability. Reasonable adjustments will be supported wherever possible to minimise barriers to participation.

Additional Information

For extensive information about Edge Hill University, the role and the and the person specification, please download the Candidate Information Pack.

How to Apply

To be considered for a role on our Board (for three years in the first instance), your application should include

• a supporting statement that addresses the criteria in the person specification and outlines your motivation for applying. The statement should be no longer than 2 pages of A4.

Please tailor your application to the role, explaining why you meet the criteria and what you feel you could contribute to our Board and the University.

Deadline for applications: Monday 26th January 2026
Interviews will be held: Week commencing 9th February 2026

You may also contact Melissa Baxter at Trustees Unlimited if you have queries about any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information or wish to have an informal and confidential discussion. She can be contacted on 07789985229 / [e-mail].