Moorfields Eye Charity is an independent charity which supports pioneering eye health work at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust ("Moorfields") and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology which, combined, is the oldest and largest centre for ophthalmic treatment, teaching and research in Europe.

The charity's mission is to improve eye health by funding innovation in research, education and patient care to benefit Moorfields’ patients. Over the last year alone, it has awarded c. £5m in grants to support these aims, with ambitious plans to double this over the coming decade; fundraising is the main source of its income but the charity also holds a significant investment portfolio providing a long-term total return. Other strategic aims are set out in its recent Strategy 2021-2027, with a focus on being the leading charity for research into eye health, supporting patient care and sharing knowledge, and playing a role in shaping national policy.

In partnership with Moorfields and UCL, the charity is also seeking to create a new integrated centre for advancing eye health called "Oriel". The joint fundraising campaign with UCL is on track to raise £100m towards the cost of Oriel, with construction planned to start in early 2023 and the centre expected to open in 2026 / 27.

Please find the charity's Impact Report 2021 here, and its annual accounts here.

Moorfields Eye Charity is seeking to appoint a new member of the Audit & Risk Committee, which is a Sub-committee of the Board. The Board currently comprises 14 Trustees under the leadership of Chair, Mervyn Walker; the majority of these are independent, with a minority appointed by Moorfields.

The Audit & Risk Committee comprises four Trustees under the chairmanship of Tony Briam. The charity’s Director of Finance & Resources co-ordinates the work and information provided to the Committee and attends all meetings along with the charity’s Chief Executive.

The Committee’s purpose is to:

• Oversee, encourage and monitor the effectiveness of the financial and other internal controls of the charity, on behalf of the Board
• Keep under review the internal controls and risk management systems of the charity, including the financial impact of Oriel
• Review the audited annual report and financial statements and the letters of representation for approval by the Trustees
• Give assurance to the board that the charity’s financial operations are being managed and operated in accordance with the charity’s governing documents, in compliance with relevant legislation and standards, and in compliance with guidance from the Charity Commission for England and Wales

In addition, members of the Committee may serve on specific boards established to oversee the delivery of major projects (e.g. new IT or management information systems).

Moorfields Eye Charity is looking for someone with significant charity finance experience to become a member of its Audit & Risk Committee. It's particularly keen to further the gender, ethnic and age diversity of the Committee through this appointment.

Candidates will have held a non-executive or senior executive position leading the finance function of a charity. They will have experience of developing, reviewing and reporting risk management systems, as well as business planning and financial modelling. An appreciation of grant-making is very welcome but not essential. The successful candidate will be able to provide both support and scrutiny to the executive team as well as other members of the Committee.

Above all, applicants will have an interest in and commitment to the mission, vision and values of the charity, and the work which it does to improve the lives of those affected by sight loss. They will inspire confidence and trust, and will bring sound, independent judgement to matters which come before the Committee, as well as a commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

This appointment represents a good opportunity for an appropriately-qualified person to take an appointment in charity governance.

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed; Committee meetings are likely to be held in person or virtually. In-person meetings are currently held at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales in the City of London.

The Audit & Risk Committee meets four times per year, with meetings normally lasting for two hours and take place during the working day. The appointment will be reviewed after three years.