The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is seeking to appoint a new external member to its Audit and Risk Committee (ARC). This is an opportunity to contribute independent expertise to one of the UK’s leading art and design institutions and deepen your non-executive and governance experience.

About Glasgow School of Art

Founded in 1845 as one of the UK’s first government-supported schools of design, the GSA can trace its lineage to the 1750s and the establishment, during the Scottish Enlightenment, of the Foulis Academy, the UK’s first school of art.

Over 270 years later, we remain an independent school of art and are ranked as one of the top art and design schools in the world.

About the Role

The Audit and Risk Committee plays a key role in supporting the Board of Governors by providing assurance on the effectiveness of the School’s financial systems, internal control environment, and risk management arrangements.

This appointment is intended to strengthen the Committee’s collective expertise, particularly in audit and finance.

The successful candidate will:

• provide independent professional insight and constructive challenge in the context of the Audit and Risk Committee;
• review audit reports, financial statements, accounting policies and the risk register as part of the work of the Audit and Risk Committee;
• contribute to the work of the Audit and Risk Committee in a manner that supports strong governance, regulatory compliance and effective risk oversight;
• be a full voting member of the Audit and Risk Committee

Focused on the work of the Audit and Risk Committee, this role does not involve membership of the Board of Governors and carries no wider Board responsibilities. The Audit and Risk Committee Remit and Membership can be located here for information.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at 3-4 meetings annually (normally held via video conference between November and May) – attendance at in-person meetings is not normally required but may exceptionally be requested
• Approximately 16 hours per year, which includes time to read committee papers and to prepare for meetings

Skills and Experience

We are particularly interested in candidates with strong experience in the following:

• Accountancy / Finance (e.g., qualified accountant or senior financial leadership)
• Audit and assurance - ability to interpret audit reports and financial information
• Risk management in a complex or regulated environment

Any application should make it clear where the applicant’s skills and experience meets one or more of these areas.

In addition, experience in public, third sector or education governance is desirable but not essential.

Person Specification

Candidates should meet at least one of the areas specified in Skills and Experience (above) and demonstrate:

• high standards of integrity and professionalism
• strong analytical skills and sound judgement
• confidence in contributing to senior-level discussions
• commitment to the Seven Principles of Public Life: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership

Applications from first-time non-executives are welcome, provided candidates understand the nature of the governance role and can demonstrate that they are ready to contribute at that level.

Diversity

The GSA encourages applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As those from an ethnic minority background and disabled people are currently under‑represented on the Board, applications from individuals within these groups 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 candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well. More on the GSA's commitment to Equality can be found here.

Remuneration

External committee members are not remunerated but the GSA will reimburse reasonable expenses including travel costs should attendance be required.