Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee

The Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee (FAC) leads the Committee in supporting the Board of Trustees to fulfil its responsibilities for financial stewardship, financial reporting, audit, risk management, internal controls, systems, compliance and organisational assurance. Working closely with the Board Chair, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, external auditors and fellow Trustees, the Chair provides independent oversight and constructive challenge to ensure BBC Media Action maintains high standards of governance, accountability and responsible stewardship of charitable resources, aligned to BBC Media Action's mission, strategic objectives and long-term financial resilience. Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities: Leadership & Governance: Lead the Finance & Audit Committee in accordance with its Terms of Reference and ensure effectively delivery of its responsibilities on behalf of the Board. Ensure committee papers provide clear information and enable effective decision-making. Ensure the Committee provides effective scrutiny and oversight of financial reporting, risk management, internal controls, assurance and compliance. Foster a culture of constructive challenge, robust debate, transparency and continuous improvement. Ensure clear recommendations and actions are reported to the Board and appropriately monitored. In addition to chairing the Finance & Audit Committee, the postholder will serve as a Trustee of BBC Media Action and share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic oversight of the organisation. Financial Stewardship: Review the integrity of BBC Media Action's financial statements and related disclosures before recommendation to the Board. Review annual budgets, financial forecasts and long-term financial plans prior to consideration by the Board. Monitor financial performance, sustainability and the responsible use of charitable funds and donor resources. Oversee significant accounting policies, financial reporting matters, the reserves policy and management's assessment of financial resilience and going concern. Review significant financial decisions and investment proposals before Board approval. Ensure financial implications of strategic decisions are properly assessed and understood by Trustees. Challenge assumptions in business cases and funding proposals. Risk Management and Internal Control: Oversee the effectiveness of internal control and risk management systems. Review key strategic, operational, financial, compliance and reputational risks. Oversee arrangements for fraud prevention, whistleblowing, safeguarding and ethical conduct. Monitor management's actions to address material risks and control weaknesses. Assurance and Audit: Review and approve assurance and audit plans, findings and recommendations. Oversee the effectiveness and independence of the Assurance & Risk function. Monitor management's response to assurance and audit recommendations. Oversee the relationship with the external auditor, including audit planning, findings, effectiveness and recommendations regarding appointment or reappointment. Review annual statutory accounts and trustee reports and recommend to the Board for approval. Compliance and Organisational Assurance: Oversee compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and organisational requirements. Seek assurance that effective governance, compliance and control frameworks are in place. Partnership with Management: Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the CEO, COO and senior management team, providing constructive support and challenge on matters within the Committee's remit. Ensure management responds appropriately to Committee recommendations and agreed actions. Essential Experience, Knowledge and Skills: Significant experience of financial governance, audit, risk management or assurance oversight at Financial Director, CFO or equivalent level, ideally within a charity of purpose-led organisation of comparable size.