Appointment details

Department for Business and Trade: Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) Member - 2 roles

Summary

• Organisation: Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (DBT)
• Sponsor department: Department for Business and Trade
• Location: London
• Sectors: Finance and Audit
• Skills: Accountancy, Business, Commercial
• Number of vacancies: 2
• Time commitment: 15 day(s) per annum
• Remuneration: £5,000 per annum
• Length of term: 3 years (with possibility of extension for a further term)
• Application deadline: 5pm on 12 March 2026

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   19 February 2026

2. Application deadline

   5pm on 12 March 2026

3. Sifting date

   30 March 2026

4. Interviews expected to end on

   14 April 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is offering a rewarding opportunity for experienced finance, audit or risk professionals to join its Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) as Independent Members.

The role requires a commitment of approximately 12–15 days per year, including attendance at a minimum of five ARAC meetings, held either in London or remotely.

Additional introductions

Dear candidate

I am pleased to invite applications for Independent Members of the Department for Business and Trade’s Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC).

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is the department for economic growth. We support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country. DBT faces a complex and dynamic risk environment. Strong governance, effective risk management and robust financial oversight are therefore essential to our success.

ARAC is a vital sub-committee of the DBT Board, providing independent assurance and constructive challenge on the Department’s governance, risk management, control environment and financial reporting.

We are seeking experienced and highly credible individuals with strong financial, audit and risk expertise, who can operate with independence, integrity and sound judgement. The successful candidates will bring a strategic perspective, a pragmatic approach, and a genuine interest in public service, contributing to a collaborative Committee that plays a critical role at the heart of the Department.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an important Department at a pivotal time. I welcome applications from individuals who are motivated by public purpose and who can provide the insight, challenge and assurance needed to help DBT deliver its objectives effectively and responsibly.

Gareth Davies

Permanent Secretary

Appointment description

As an Independent Member, you will support ARAC in providing impartial advice and assurance to the DBT Board and Accounting Officer, in line with the Audit Committee Handbook.

You will:

• advise on the effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal controls
• scrutinise financial statements and related disclosures
• assess the adequacy and reliability of assurance provided to the Board
• support oversight of the Department’s risk management framework and alignment with risk appetite
• consider findings from internal and external audit and monitor management responses
• attend at least five meetings a year and engage appropriately between meetings
• work collaboratively while maintaining independence, objectivity and professional scepticism
• provide proportionate, evidence‑based challenge on financial sustainability, control issues and assurance gaps

Your contribution will help ensure the Board and Accounting Officer receive clear, timely and robust assurance to support accountability, transparency and effective stewardship of public funds.

We are recruiting for two Independent Members, one of which should be financially qualified. 

Organisation description

ARAC is a sub‑committee of the DBT Board. Its purpose is to provide independent advice, assurance and constructive challenge to the Board and the Accounting Officer (Permanent Secretary) on:

• the effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal controls
• the integrity of the Department’s financial reporting
• the overall performance of the Department

The Committee supports the Board in meeting its responsibilities under the Corporate Governance Code for Central Government, helping to set and monitor the Department’s risk appetite and ensuring that governance and control frameworks are robust and proportionate. ARAC provides oversight and assurance on:

• the integrity of the Annual Report and Accounts and key financial statements
• effectiveness of financial management and the internal control environment
• management of strategic, operational and emerging risks
• the quality and reliability of assurance to the Board and Accounting Officer
• the work of internal and external audit, including the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) and the National Audit Office (NAO)

Members work closely with senior officials, Non‑Executive Directors and assurance providers, while retaining independence and objectivity. The Committee acts as the organisation’s “conscience”, offering evidence‑based challenge on issues such as resource pressures, delivery models, information flows and emerging risks.

Further information about DBT can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-and-trade

Person specification

Essential criteria

To complement the skill sets of the existing ARAC members, the successful candidate will have expertise deployed at a senior level in a large and complex organisation in one or more of the following:

Financial, Audit and Assurance Expertise

• Senior‑level experience in financial management, audit or financial control in a large, complex organisation
• Ability to interpret and scrutinise financial statements
• Understanding of assurance frameworks and how different sources of assurance align
• Qualified Accountant – full membership of chartered body (ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS, or CIMA)

Risk Management and Governance

• Strong understanding of risk management frameworks, internal controls and corporate governance
• Experience identifying and challenging strategic, operational and emerging risks
• Ability to assess the effectiveness and proportionality of governance arrangements
• Independent Challenge and Judgement
• Proven ability to provide objective, evidence‑based challenge at senior level
• Strong judgement, professional scepticism and collaborative approach
• High levels of integrity, discretion and confidentiality

Desirable criteria

• Experience with audit committees, boards or nonexecutive roles (public, private or third sector) 
• Familiarity with public sector governance, including Parliamentary accountability and the role of the Accounting Officer 
• Experience engaging with internal and external audit bodies 

The ideal candidate will: 

• Apply a pragmatic, proportionate approach focused on material issues
• Inspire confidence with senior officials, non-executives and assurance providers 
• Operate effectively in complex, fast‑moving environments 
• Demonstrate commitment to public service and stewardship of public funds 
• Bring strong interpersonal skills suited to both formal and informal settings.

Application and selection process

How to apply

In order to apply you will need to provide:

• a Curriculum Vitae (CV) which includes your full name, title, contact number. email address and sets out your career history in chronological order, and including the dates you occupied these roles. This should be a maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 Arial black font.
• a supporting statement setting out how you meet the essential criteria, as set out in the person specification for the role. Please ensure your full name is included at the top. This should be a maximum of 750 words, minimum 11 Arial black font.

In addition we also require:

• a completed candidate self-declaration form (blank file attached to job advert) which provides information relating to any conflicts of interests or reputational issues.
• a completed diversity monitoring form (blank file attached to job advert). This allows us to see if there are any unfair barriers to becoming an appointee and whether there are any changes that we could make to encourage a more diverse field to apply. You can select "prefer not to say" to any question you do not wish to answer.

You also have the option to state if you want your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme (blank file attached). If applicable please complete and attach. Please also use this form to make any reasonable adjustments to the application process (if applicable). Please submit your CV (max. 2 pages), a Personal Statement (max 750 words) explaining how your personal skills, qualities and experience, demonstrate your suitability for the role and a completed diversity form. 

Please submit your completed application with all necessary attachments to the DBT Secretariat Team via email at nebm@businessandtrade.gov.uk by the closing date of 5pm on Thursday 12 March 2026.

Please note the following:

• We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date.
• Applications will be assessed on the documentation that you have provided in your CV and supporting statement. 

Overview of the application process

This role is not regulated by the Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments (OCPA). The appointment will be made on merit following a fair and open competition process in accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). Ministers are responsible and accountable to Parliament. The final appointment will be made by the DBT Permanent Secretary.  

The assessment process is conducted via a shortlisting process against the criteria followed by an interview conducted by an Advisory Assessment Panel. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role. 

If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme and meet all the essential criteria, then you will be invited for an interview. 

If invited for interview you will be asked questions about your skills and experience, including asking specific questions about whether you meet the criteria set out for the role. The Panel will also explore with you any potential conflicts of interest or any other issues arising from your personal and professional history which may impact on an appointment decision. 

We will deal with your application as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages. Please note however, that we are unable to provide detailed feedback on applications at longlist stage. 

Once the decision on the appointment has been made, interviewed candidates will be advised of the outcome of their application, including whom they may approach for feedback. Successful candidates will be issued with their Terms & Conditions and a letter of appointment should they agree to take up the position (subject to successsful complition of security checks). 

Further information about appointments, including tips on applying for a public or direct appointment, can be found on the Cabinet Office's guidance pages on gov.uk.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

The Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP) for this campaign consists of the following people: 

• Tara Smith, Chief Operating Officer, DBT (Panel Chair)
• John Latham, Chair of ARAC and Non-Executive Board Member
• Alison Walker-Fraser (Independent Panel Member)

AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with ministers, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to ministers which candidates they find appointable. The appointment will be made by the DBT Permanent Secretary. 

Eligibility criteria

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public or non-executive appointment. 

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards.

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you are disqualified from acting as a company director (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);
• you have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;
• your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

• you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this.
• you are subject to a current police investigation.

If, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points, you must inform UKEB at nebm@businessandtrade.gov.uk .

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below). 

If you need further advice, please contact nebm@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Security Check (SC) clearance in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Further details can be found in the Government's national security vetting guidance. 

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve and this is an important part of the Government’s agenda.

We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, including information about people’s educational and professional backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to these roles and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference.

When you submit your application, your responses will be collected by the UK Endorsement Board and the Department for Business and Trade. The data is used to produce management information about the diversity of applicants. You can select “prefer not to say” to any question you do not wish to answer. The information you provide will not be seen by the Advisory Assessment Panel who review applications against the advertised criteria and conduct interviews.

Disability confident

We are a member of the Government's Disability Confident scheme. We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. The scheme helps recruit and retain disabled people. 

As part of implementing the scheme, we guarantee an interview for anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role, set out in the advert, and who has asked that their application is considered under the scheme. Indicating that you wish your application to be considered under the scheme will in no way prejudice your application. By 'minimum critiera', we mean that you must provide evidence which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as set out in the job-advert. 

When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme. 

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.

Some examples of common changes are:

• ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats;
• making adaptations to interview locations;
• allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way;
• giving additional detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves;
• allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters;
• making provision for support animals to attend.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder.

1. Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2. Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3. Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4. Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5. Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all appointees must adhere to the Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere to and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made; 
• and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; 

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 

Status of appointment

As this is an office holder appointment, you will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term, at the discretion of the DBT Permanent Secretary.  Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment; each case should be considered on its own merits, taking into account a number of factors including, but not restricted to, the diversity of the current board and its balance of skills and experience. In most cases, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms. 

The successful appointee will receive an induction and the opportunity for mentoring in their first year. DBT’s Secretariat team will provide full support, including briefings for ARAC, Board and meetings with officials across DBT and wider government.

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

Remuneration for this role is treated as employment income and will be subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.

You can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs which are properly and necessarily incurred on official business, in line with the travel and subsistence policy and rates for the organisation to which you are applying. However these payments are taxable as earnings and will be subject to tax and national insurance, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid. 

Pension and redundancy

These are office holder appointments and do not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

The DBT Secretariat Team aims to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.

Please contact the DBT Secretariat Team in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at nebm@businessandtrade.gov.uk . They will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 5 working days and aim to fully respond within 6 weeks. 

Data protection

For details about how DBT processes personal data, please view the departmental privacy notice. 

You can also view the privacy notice setting out how the Cabinet Office manages and processes your personal data, in relation to use of the cross-government Public Appointments website. 

Attachments

• Candidate Self Declaration Form (to download and complete)

• Diversity Information Form (to download and complete)

• Disability Confident Form (optional form to complete)

Contact details

For any additional questions please contact Alison Hamilton, DBT Board Secretary via nebm@businessandtrade.gov.uk