Audit and Risk Assurance Committee Independent Member Recruitment

Time Commitment: Approximately 10 days per year
Remuneration: £328 per day plus expenses.

Help shape the governance, risk and assurance arrangements of the UK's nature conservation expert body.

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) is seeking to appoint an Independent External Member to join its Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC). This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to provide independent challenge, insight and assurance in support of JNCC's mission to protect and restore nature across the UK and internationally. The JNCC strategy ‘Together for Nature’ can be viewed on our website.

About the Role

The Audit and Risk Assurance Committee is a sub-committee of the Joint Committee and supports the Accounting Officer and Joint Committee in overseeing:

• Risk management and internal control.
• Corporate governance and assurance arrangements.
• Financial stewardship and value for money.
• Internal and external audit.
• Counter fraud, compliance and integrity arrangements.
• Financial resilience and organisational sustainability.
• The annual report, accounts and governance statement processes.

The Committee provides independent advice and challenge, helping ensure that JNCC maintains high standards of governance, accountability and public sector stewardship.

Members attend four formal meetings each year, with one annual strategy session and development sessions as required. At least two formal meetings are held in person, with the remainder typically held virtually.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking an individual with significant senior-level experience who can contribute strategically and constructively to discussions on risk, governance and organisational performance.

Following a recent skills review, we are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Information technology and digital transformation/governance.
• Cyber security or information risk management.
• Legal, regulatory or compliance expertise.
• Public sector governance and accountability frameworks.

Other desirable experience includes accountancy, audit, risk management, finance, assurance, programme delivery and counter fraud

Essential Attributes

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• The ability to provide independent and objective challenge
• Sound judgement and integrity
• Experience operating at Board, Committee or senior executive level
• An understanding of risk management, governance and assurance principles
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• A commitment to the principles of public service and good governance

We are particularly keen to attract applicants who can complement the existing skills and experience of the Committee while bringing fresh perspectives and insight.

Time Commitment

• Four Committee meetings per year.
• One half day strategy session annually in June.
• Reading and preparation time in advance of meetings.
• Participation in occasional development events, workshops, additional meetings. where required and mentoring staff on the board observer programme.

Meeting papers are normally issued two weeks in advance.

What You Will Gain

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Contribute to the governance of a nationally important public body.
• Influence how risk, assurance and performance are managed across the organisation.
• Support environmental outcomes that benefit nature across the UK.
• Work alongside experienced Committee members, senior executives and audit professionals.
• Develop further experience in public sector governance and assurance.

Diversity and Inclusion

JNCC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive governance structure that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups currently under-represented in public bodies.

Further Information

Appointment will be subject to approval by the Joint Committee and will be made in accordance with JNCC's governance arrangements.

Join us in helping ensure that JNCC continues to deliver robust governance, effective risk management and strong public accountability in support of nature conservation.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A current CV
• A covering statement (maximum two pages) setting out how your skills, experience and expertise meet the requirements of the role.

Closing date for applications: 5.00pm on Friday 2 October 2026

Interview date: 28/29 October 2026 in Quay House, Peterborough, PE2 8YY. An online option will be available for those unable to travel.

Applications should be submitted electronically to Tracey.Quince@jncc.gov.uk.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tracey Quince, Head of Governance, Risk & Assurance, Tracey.Quince@jncc.gov.uk or Nigel Reader, ARAC Chair, nigelreader@aol.com.