Chair of Risk and Audit Committee

GatenbySanderson; Bury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an experienced individual for the position of Chair of the Risk and Audit Committee for a community-focused housing association in the UK. This critical role involves providing oversight for effective risk management and compliance with regulatory standards. Ideal candidates will have proven expertise in risk management, internal controls, and corporate governance, with previous experience as a Committee Chair. This position promotes strong leadership and inclusivity, aiming to reflect the diversity of the community served.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in risk management, internal controls, and corporate governance.
• Previous experience as a Committee Chair is required.
• Knowledge of regulation and stakeholder accountability is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Committee with impartiality and objectivity.
• Ensure effective risk management and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Work closely with the Board and Leadership Team to set agendas and review effectiveness.

Skills

Risk management

Internal controls

Corporate governance

Stakeholder accountability

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Strong communication

Job description

Are you an experienced leader in risk management, internal control and governance, ready to make a contribution to the governance of a successful business? Havebury Homes owns and manages over 8,000 homes across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and Essex. As a community-focused housing association, we are committed to providing safe, comfortable, and secure homes for those in need. Our vision is clear: to be a trusted provider of good quality homes and services.

We are now seeking a Chair of our Risk and Audit Committee (RAC) to join our Board. This is a critical role, providing oversight, challenge and assurance across Havebury. The RAC ensures effective risk management, internal controls, and compliance with regulatory standards, while safeguarding the integrity of our financial statements and public reporting.

As Chair, you will lead the Committee with impartiality and objectivity, robust governance and inclusivity ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard. You will work closely with the Board and Leadership Team, setting agendas, reviewing effectiveness, and acting as an ambassador for Havebury's social purpose.

We welcome applicants with proven expertise in risk management, internal controls, and corporate governance, with previous experience as a Committee Chair. Knowledge of regulation and stakeholder accountability is essential, and familiarity with the social housing sector would be advantageous but is not essential. You will be a strategic thinker, collaborative leader, and strong communicator, committed to Havebury's values and to placing residents' needs and safety at the heart of decision-making.

We are proud to have recently received the top consumer rating (C1) from the Regulator of Social Housing and remain committed to improving lives and creating social value for our communities. We want our Board to reflect the diversity of the residents we serve and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of social housing.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our recruitment advisors at GatenbySanderson: Louise Bickley on 07586 715 788, Ellie Masters-Gregory on 07867 455 223 or Rosie Gunn or 07964 841 007.

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Recruitment Timetable

• Closing date: 09:00, Monday 12th January 2026
• Preliminary Interviews (in person at Havebury House): Wednesday 21st and Friday 23rd January 2026
• Final Panel Interviews (in person at Havebury House): Friday 6th February 2026

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
• Detail any employment or education gaps.
• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive it, please email [e-mail]