TRUSTEE AND CHAIR OF AUDIT COMMITTEE Background ROLE PROFILE As the world s leading organisation for children, Unicef, works with families, local communities, partners and governments in over 190 countries worldwide to promote the wellbeing and rights of every child. Right now, too many children are in danger. They face violence, disease, hunger, and the chaos of war and disaster. This is wrong and it has to change. Unicef UK is committed to creating a world fit for every child and where every child is safe. Unicef UK employs over 300 people, most of whom are based at Unicef House in Clerkenwell, London. Unicef UK is one of the largest of 34 national committees raising funds for Unicef s global work and advocating for the rights of children in the UK and internationally. Unicef UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board meets regularly to discuss governance matters, including the charity s vision, mission and strategic direction. There are currently 12 Trustees of Unicef UK, including the Chair and three Officers (two Vice-Chairs and a Treasurer). The Board of Trustees elects a Board Sub- Committee, consisting of the Officers and two other Trustees which meets between Board meetings. The Audit Committee which oversees matters of risk management, internal and external audit meets twice per annum and is chaired by a Trustee with membership including three other Trustees, including the Treasurer and a Vice Chair. Purpose of role Act as a Trustee of Unicef UK and Chair of the Audit Committee, which is responsible for overseeing effective auditing, financial reporting, internal controls and risk management within the Charity. Chair of Audit Committee Ensure the Audit Committee working on behalf of the Board of Trustees has adequate oversight of all key systems, controls and processes that may have an impact on the Charity's ability to meet Unicef UK s ambition, manage its risks and deliver its strategy Review the annual financial report and accounts before submission to the Trustee Board Ensure that:- Effective audit functions are in place (both internal and external); Adequate risk management processes are in place; An adequate internal control environment is established; The organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a registered charity. The United Kingdom Committee for Unicef Company Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity No. 1072612 England and Wales) and SC043677 (Scotland) Registered Office: 30a Great Sutton Street London EC1V 0DU
Purpose of Trustee role Unicef UK is seeking to appoint a Trustee with expertise in finance/audit to chair the Audit Committee, which is responsible for overseeing effective auditing, financial reporting, internal controls and risk management within the Charity. As a Trustee, you must be fully committed to the objectives and mission of Unicef UK, sharing our vision to do whatever it takes until every child is safe and able to fulfil their potential. You are expected to acquire a sound knowledge of the activities and financial position of the charity and be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role and to becoming part of a high performing team for no payment or gain. Each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising Board and committee papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues and providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise (in this case finance/audit). Trustees will strive to achieve best practice, ensuring that Unicef UK works within the legal and financial requirements of a UK charitable organisation. Responsibilities 1. Ensure that Unicef UK complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. 2. Promote Unicef UK s vision, mission and values and demonstrate Unicef UK s values in all of the Board s work. 3. Ensure that the organisation s strategies and policies reflect its vision and principles. 4. Ensure that Unicef UK pursues its objects and applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of these objects. 5. Approve annual plans, strategies and budgets. 6. Ensure that Unicef UK is and remains solvent and that robust financial control and risk management systems are maintained; taking particular care when investing the funds of the charity, or borrowing funds for the charity to use. 7. Examine regular financial and operational reports to ensure the organisation is financially stable and effectively administered, seeking expert professional advice as necessary. 8. Ensure that appropriate financial accounts are kept and approve the charity s annual report and accounts. 9. Contribute specific skills, interests and contacts and support the organisation in its fundraising and advocacy activities. 10. Provide support and guidance to the Deputy Executive Director, Fundraising in her development and implementation of the fundraising strategy of the organisation 11. Alongside other Trustees, ensure that the policy and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its aims, within the framework of its relationship with Unicef internationally. 12. Together with other Trustees, establish and implement systems for the appointment, support and appraisal of the Chief Executive.
General Be an active member of the Trustee body in exercising its responsibilities and functions, attending meetings regularly and reflecting the trustees policies and concerns in relevant sub-committees and working groups. Follow the ACEVO Code of Conduct for Trustees. Maintain confidentiality on any sensitive/confidential matters discussed. Avoid conflicts of interest and declare and appropriately manage any conflicts should they arise. Maintain good relations with relevant colleagues. Undergo a thorough induction upon appointment and ongoing training to remain up to date with the duties and responsibilities of being a Trustee and the work of the charity. Fulfil such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Trustee body.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Annual Report Details of our financial activity, governance and operational plan can be found in our Annual Report. Strategic Plan & Financial Strategy Unicef UK has a 5-year Strategic Plan that includes a series of financial strategy parameters, which are regularly monitored and reported upon and which guide the board in examining and adopting the annual budget. An annual Operational Plan and budget is presented to the Board each year in December. Both the five year Strategic Plan and the Operational Plan set out clear objectives for fundraising, advocacy and programmes. The Board is kept appraised of progress on all fronts through a comprehensive set of KPIs. Unicef UK also has a rolling four year Joint Strategic Plan agreed with Unicef. This describes a performance trajectory for the period including investment assumptions from Unicef and is reviewed on an annual basis. The current five year Strategic Plan sets out three Strategic Priorities. They are: To maximise the amount of money we raise to spend on programmes for children To champion children s rights, delivering change to policy and practice in government and other institutions that affect children s lives To constantly strive to be more effective and to create the conditions for future success in our mission Our strategy to 2020 looks ahead to build on our successful track record of growth in income and influence. The strategy will aim to increase understanding and recognition of Unicef in the UK; to build on our successes in responding to humanitarian emergencies around the world; to continue our groundbreaking work through sport-related partnerships and programmes; and to support the implementation of the new global development goals, adopted this year. All of the plans, and the internal culture of the organisation, are guided by a set of guiding principles called the Common Approach. These form the basis of the positive culture within which Unicef UK operates to deliver improving results for children in a sustainable way that is consistent with being the best place to work for anyone who wants to change the world for children. Risk Assessment All charities need to make a formal Risk Assessment statement under SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) from 2002. Unicef UK has a corporate risk register setting out the key risks faced by the organisation. The operational planning process also ensures that risks are assessed on an ongoing basis at departmental level as well as at corporate level.
Terms of Appointment As Chair of the Audit Committee you will normally be expected to attend two Audit Committee meetings a year, (which are usually held during the daytime at Unicef UK's offices in London) and to provide further advice and input from time to time. As a Trustee, you will be expected to attend Board and Sub-Board Committee meetings and potentially specific Working Groups established by the Board to examine relevant issues. In addition, some time will need to be devoted to reading and considering papers, and to discussions with relevant colleagues You will be required to attend training events relevant to the role as necessary. Appointments to the Committee will normally be for a period of up to three years, which may be extended for further periods of up to three years provided the person concerned still meets the criteria for membership of the Committee. The role is unpaid but reasonable expenses are payable in line with Unicef UK's standard expense policies.
PERSON SPECIFICATION This section details the skills, behaviours and experience required for the role. Relevant Experience Experience of working at a senior leadership level in a commercial, public sector or not for profit environment, ideally with knowledge of finance, audit, risk management and corporate governance. Previous board or committee experience. Specific Skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to represent Unicef and its work to key stakeholders. Willingness to engage a broad range of people for the benefit of the organisation. Commitment to Unicef UK s vision, mission and values and to promoting the interests of children in danger. Able to devote the time required for the role, and to adhere to Unicef UK s Code of Governance Ability to work effectively as a member of a team while contributing an independent perspective, providing motivating support and challenge. High degree of financial acumen, plus knowledge of financial reporting and compliance requirements for charities Ability to demonstrate commitment to Nolan's seven principles of public life; selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Specific Knowledge An understanding of the context in which Unicef UK operates (and a willingness to learn more) Able to demonstrate an understanding of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of charity boards and of the difference between governance functions and management functions Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience Experience or a broad understanding of international development and children s rights CCAB qualified or equivalent