The RSA is seeking up to three new Independent Members to join its Audit & Risk Committee. Candidates will likely come from a finance, legal, or investment background. Experience in the charity sector is welcomed.
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The Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) is a global network of changemakers enabling people, places and the planet to flourish in harmony. The RSA has been internationally recognised for generating significant social impact since its foundation in 1754. It aims to unite people and ideas to resolve the challenges of our time, through a global community of over 30,000 Fellows and working together with the RSA’s partners for the advancement of society, the economy and the environment.
In its early years, the RSA's focus was awarding prizes for new inventions, ideas and artworks. Over time, the RSA developed a leading national role in creating social innovations including:
Notable fellows have included Charles Dickens, Nelson Mandela, Marie Curie, Bernadine Evaristo and Sir Jony Ive.
Today, the RSA undertakes a wide range of activities including: developing its impact programme — the new Design for Life mission, which will work to regenerate people, place and planet, as well as its world-class public events programme, various research, collaboration and innovation projects and running its building of heritage and associated history and archive. All of the RSA's activities aim to strengthen, empower and mobilise networks to work together to seek solutions to today’s most pressing social challenges.
The RSA has been at the forefront of significant social impact for over 260 years. Its proven change process, rigorous research, innovative ideas platforms and unique global network of change makers, work collectively to enable people, places and the planet to flourish. As a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a vital role in ensuring the financial integrity and effective risk management of the organisation. Their expertise in consulting, commerciality, and financial matters will prove essential in contributing to the Committee's objectives.
Independent Members of the Audit & Risk Committee are expected to:
The RSA is seeking up to three new Independent Members to join its Audit & Risk Committee. Candidates will likely come from a finance, audit, legal, or investment background. Experience in the charity sector is welcomed.
Finance: Candidates will bring senior, strategic-level in financial management, auditing, or risk management. They may be financially qualified, but could equally be qualified by experience (having held a CFO or FD role, for example). The RSA is also interested in hearing from those with demonstrable commercial acumen which enables them to understand the financial implications of business decisions and contribute to the organisation's growth strategy; as such, they would be interested in hearing from management or financial consultants.
Investment: Candidates will bring a strong familiarity with investment principles and practice. They could, for example, come from an Investment Asset Management, Investment Banking, Private Equity, or Investment Consultancy background, but could equally be any individual that brings a strong understanding of asset management principles. Applications are also welcome from those with a background in investment monitoring and strategy from an asset owner perspective such as a defined benefit pension fund or major charity.
Legal: Candidates will have a strong legal background, and will ideally have experience in risk and compliance. A working knowledge of governance frameworks, and legal requirements related to charitable organisations, would be highly advantageous.
Candidates must have strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and effectively communicate complex financial information. They will be able to think critically and make sound judgments in high-pressure situations, and will be committed to upholding the values and mission of the RSA charity. The successful candidates will be excited to join an organisation with a rich history at a pivotal moment, with the energy and drive to contribute their time and expertise to driving the RSA's future success.
As part of its commitment to diversity, the RSA particularly welcomes applications from women. Please see the Diversity section below for more details.
Please see details of the RSA's current Board composition here.
There are four Audit Committee Meetings per year, which take place in a hybrid format. These meetings take place at the RSA House in London, and tend to last 2.5 hours. Independent Members are expected to engage on an ad hoc basis. This role is unremunerated but reasonable expenses will be paid. This role is for an initial term of three years, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Board.
This organisation is based in London. Board meetings are hybrid enabling both in-person and virtual attendance. The RSA welcomes global applications but would ask that candidates commit to visiting its building of heritage from time to time.
As a social change organisation, the RSA believes that everyone, regardless of visible or invisible difference should be welcomed to participate in creating a better future. As women are currently under-represented on the Committee, applications from those candidates would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well. Read the RSA's full statement committing to diversity, equity and inclusion.