Independent Advisor - Risk & Audit Committee

Independent Advisor (Accountant) - Risk & Audit Committee

Volunteer Post

Based: Derby & Hybrid

Your Commitment

Four Committee meetings per year, an Annual General Meeting (AGM) as well as any Celebratory and Fundraising events you choose to attend.

What we offer

YMCA Derbyshire is proud to be an affiliated YMCA, which is the oldest and largest youth charity in the world. It operates across 119 countries, with 84 local associations in England and Wales. As a trustee you will have the opportunity to contribute to a great cause and help us achieve our mission. You will play a crucial role within a global movement that aims to impact the lives of others through housing, education, childcare and youth and community work.

About the role

At YMCA Derbyshire, we believe everyone deserves a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become. We promote opportunities and provide personalised support for individuals and communities who have experienced challenging circumstances. These include those at risk of homelessness, social exclusion and, poor educational attainment, and limited experience of employment.

The Audit & Risk Committee (ARC) is a Committee of our Board. It’s purpose is to support the Board and the Finance Director & DCEO in their responsibilities for risk management, control and governance, by reviewing the comprehensiveness, reliability and integrity of assurances and processes in place.

The Independent Advisor role for the Audit & Risk Committee will complement the existing ranges of skills and experience across the Committee. The aim is to ensure that there is a balance of knowledge and experience that can be brought to the work of the Committee, to help support the wider functioning of the organisation and the Board.

We are seeking currently to strengthen the Committee and would value the input of a professionally qualified accountant with a senior level of operational and financial management expertise or an individual with a strong background in risk and assurance, and preferably non-executive experience. The ideal candidate will bring strategic thinking and an understanding of governance to help us achieve our mission and drive meaningful growth.

If you have experience in governance principles as an accountant or in a risk management profession, ideally with experience within charities or non-profits, you could make a real difference. This position will primarily involve advising the Audit & Risk Committee, with the occasional invitation to attend board meetings on key risk matters and discussions from the committee.

What we’re looking for

An individual with broad operational knowledge of:

►    Expertise in Risk Management and board assurance frameworks

►    Proficiency in financial reporting, internal auditing, and compliance with relevant regulations

►    Professional Regulation

►    Organisational performance management

►    Probity and Ethics

►    System/process audit and best practice

►    IT Systems/information security

►    Corporate Governance

Particularly welcoming applications from

We recognise that Boards are strongest when they reflect a diverse range of perspectives, and are actively seeking to ensure that our Board reflects the communities we serve. We are especially welcoming applications from people from underrepresented backgrounds, including but not limited to individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, individuals with lived experience in supported housing, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those from low socio economic backgrounds.

If you are unsure you have the relevant experience but are interested in offering your contributions as an advisor to YMCA Derbyshire, please contact us.

Each application will be dealt with on a case by case basis and we recognise that there is no stringent framework for the ideal candidate.

Further Information

YMCA Derbyshire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to references and an enhanced DBS check.

For an informal chat, contact: Theo Vesey at theo.vesey@ymcaderbyshire.org.uk.

The Application Process

We want applying to feel straight forward – and we’re happy to have a conversation before you decide.

Step 1 – Get the full picture: Reach out to us if you have any initial questions and are interested in applying.

Step 2 – Apply: Please send an expression of interest for the position to @theo.vesey@ymcaderbyshire.org.uk.

Step 3 – Interview: You’ll be invited to an interview with our Director of Finance, our ARC Chair, and members of our Trustee Board to learn more about the role and the organisation.

Step 4 - Decisions and Appointment: Applications will be reviewed and appointments confirmed at the next committee meeting, which you will be invited to shadow.