Audit and Risk Assurance CommitteeIndependent Member

Candidate Information Pack

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ContentsAlternative Formats...............................................................................3

About the Equality and Human Rights Commission..............................3

About the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee...................................3

About the role........................................................................................4

Person Specification..............................................................................5

Period of Appointment...........................................................................6

Remuneration........................................................................................6

Conflicts of Interest and Standards in Public Life..................................7

Equal opportunities................................................................................7

Key Dates..............................................................................................7

How we will handle your application......................................................7

Application Process...............................................................................9

Diversity Monitoring.............................................................................10

Data protection....................................................................................10

Further information..............................................................................10

Appendix 1 – Diversity Monitoring Information....................................11

Appendix 2 - Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS).............................14

Appendix 3 - Reasonable Adjustments at Selection Stage.................15

Declaration..........................................................................................15

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Alternative Formats

Should you require this application pack in a different format, please contact the Audit and Risk Committee Secretary, either by email: graham.wheaton@equalityhumanrights.com or by telephone: 029 2044 7705.

About the Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006. It operates independently to encourage equality and diversity, eliminate unlawful discrimination, and protect and promote human rights. It contributes to making and keeping Britain a fair society in which everyone, regardless of background, has an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential. The EHRC enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. It encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998 and is accredited by the UN as an ‘A status’ National Human Rights Institution.

Our values are to stand up for freedom, compassion and justice in our changing times. We do it by promoting and upholding equality and human rights ideals and laws across England, Scotland and Wales. Our work is driven by a simple belief; if everyone gets a fair chance in life, we all thrive.

For further information about the EHRC please visit www.equalityhumanrights.com .

About the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee

In line with the principles of good governance as laid down by the Treasury, the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) is a sub-committee of the EHRC’s Board of Commissioners. It has an EHRC wide remit and exists to provide assurance to the EHRC Board on the adequacy and effectiveness of the EHRC’s systems of governance, risk management and internal control. The Committee’s Terms of Reference are available to view on the EHRC’s website.

The Committee is a non-executive, advisory, committee and has no executive powers, other than those specifically delegated within its Terms of Reference. It has particular engagement with the work of

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internal audit (currently provided by Mazars) and the EHRC’s external auditor (National Audit Office) to ensure those relationships are effective.

The Committee formally reports to the Board after each meeting and engages with the EHRC’s Accounting Officer (the Chief Executive), Mazars, the National Audit Office and other key stakeholders from across the EHRC and its wider networks.

The Committee currently comprises of three non-executive members of the EHRC Board, one of whom serves as Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, and one independent member, whose term expires on 31 March 2019.

About the role

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to help strengthen the organisation and deliver its strategic aims.

To help meet those aims, the Board wishes to appoint up to two independent members of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee with a strong background in finance, performance, governance and risk management, to complement the skills and experience of the existing Committee members and to add an additional perspective to the Committee’s oversight.

The successful candidate(s) will be expected to participate fully in the Committee’s business and will be expected to attend each meeting of the Committee, usually a minimum of four per annum, which are normally held at the EHRC offices in London.

An annual time commitment of around 12 days is envisaged, which will include preparation for and attendance at meetings, travel and reviewing Internal Audit reports (of which there are around 20 per annum) by correspondence. A time commitment for induction into the role and also the work of the EHRC will also be required.

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Person Specification

Members will be selected to ensure that there is an appropriate mix of skills required to discharge the duties of the Committee. All members are required to have the ability to contribute to the range of activities undertaken by the Committee.

Essential Criteria

The successful candidate(s) will have a high level of strategic financial awareness and also possess knowledge of effective risk management techniques to support business delivery.

Candidates should also possess the following personal skills: Good communication and interpersonal skills; Sound judgement, integrity, probity and high ethical standards; Ability to work collegiately as part of a senior committee; Ability to critically and objectively challenge and probe.

Desirable CriteriaHold a CCAB or similar qualification.

Have an interest in the work of the EHRC and align with our values.

Have experience in some or all of the following areas: Current or recent senior experience of leading finance,

accountancy or auditing functions; Current or recent experience of working as a member of an audit

committee or similar relevant experience; Strong understanding of Risk Management, Business Assurance,

and Performance and Impact evaluation; Understanding of or experience in dealing with IT and cyber

security; Understanding of Information Assurance (information governance,

GDPR, FOI etc.); Experience of oversight or management of major and complex

programmes or business critical projects; Understanding of the governance, assurance, control and

accountability structures and requirements of an organisation ideally within the public sector.

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Applicants will be assessed against these criteria in their application and at any subsequent interview. Applications which do not clearly demonstrate how applicants meet the criteria will not progress to the interview stage.

It is essential that successful candidates are able to commit the required time and attention to the role and have the full support of their employing organisation (if applicable) to do so.

Period of Appointment

This appointment will be for an initial two year period, subject to performance appraisal, commencing 1 April 2019. The appointment may be renewed for one further two year term thereafter.

Remuneration

Independent members will be expected to commit to 12 days per year to the role and will be remunerated at £250 per day plus reasonable expenses, as agreed by the Commission, necessarily incurred in undertaking the role, in accordance with the EHRC’s Fees and Expenses Guidance and travel policy.

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Conflicts of Interest and Standards in Public Life

It is a requirement for the independent member not to have, or acquire, any financial or other personal interest likely to influence the performance of their role on the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee for the duration of the appointment. (See Section 4 of the EHRC Governance Manual). This applies to all EHRC appointees.

Committee members must demonstrate a commitment to the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership. Members must also follow and abide by the Cabinet Office Code of Conduct for Board Members.

Equal opportunities

The EHRC is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals regardless of disability, gender, marital status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, age, working pattern, religion and/or belief. We adhere to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. For details see Appendix 2.

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Key Dates

The closing date for applications is 12 Noon on Friday 18 January 2019.

The applications sift will take place between 21 January and 2 February 2019. Subsequent interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to be held in central London and/or central Manchester week commencing 27 February 2019.

Appointments are expected to commence on 1 April. The first meeting of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee after this date is 5 June 2019.

How we will handle your application

The selection process will be evidence-led. Your application will be assessed by the panel, against the criteria set out in the Person Specification on page 5 & 6, using the information in your CV and supporting statement.

The assessment panel will meet to agree a shortlist of applicants for final interview.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview. Interviews will be held at our offices in London or Manchester, and, where requested, we will discuss reasonable adjustments with you beforehand.

Please note that the Commission does not pay for travel expenses for those attending interview (unless they relate to reasonable adjustments).

Where a candidate is unable to attend interview on a set date, an alternative date will only be offered at the discretion of the panel.

Candidates invited to final interview will be advised on the full selection panel membership.

At interview, the panel will ask you question about your experience and expertise and ask specific questions to find out whether you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to declare any business or personal interests that might be relevant to the work of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and which on could lead to a real or perceived conflict of interests if they were appointed.

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We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the post. By ‘minimum criteria’ we mean that you must provide us with evidence in your application which demonstrates that you generally meet the level of competence required under each of the specific essential qualities and skills sought. Applications from disabled candidates will in all other respects be treated in the same way as those from non-disabled candidates, except, of course, that reasonable adjustments will be made. If you wish your application to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme please complete the GIS form (Appendix 2) and return it with your application form.

Please also complete the Reasonable Adjustments at Selection Stage (Appendix 3)

References may be sought.

The appointment of successful candidate(s) is subject to ratification by the Board of Commissioners.

We regret that we are not able to provide feedback to non-shortlisted candidates. Feedback to candidates shortlisted for interview may be provided on request.

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Application Process

To apply, please submit an up to date Curriculum Vitae (CV) on a maximum of TWO sides of A4 as a Word document using 12pt Arial font. Additionally please provide a supporting statement of no more than TWO sides of A4 paper using the same formatting as your CV. They should provide details of any qualifications, examples of how you believe you meet the criteria that are set out on page 5 & 6 of this pack and what you think you might bring to the Committee.

Where you give examples, these can be taken from any aspect of your life that you consider most relevant. However, we would recommend that you use recent examples, ideally within the last 2/3yrs, wherever possible.

Please also complete appendices 1, 2 and 3 and return them as part of your application.

Please email your completed application to graham.wheaton@equalityhumanrights.com, before 12 Noon on the closing date – Friday 18 January 2019.

If you are unable to make an electronic application, you may submit your application on paper to the following address to be received no later than 12 Noon on Friday 18 January 2019:

Audit and Risk Assurance Committee RecruitmentEHRC Block 1, Spur DGovernment BuildingsSt Agnes RoadCardiffCF14 4YJ

Any applications received after this date and time will not be put forward for consideration.

Interviews will be conducted with shortlisted candidates in London or Manchester, week commencing 27 February 2019 or week commencing 4 March 2019. Interview dates will be confirmed after the sift process.

The EHRC reserves the right not to appoint should it be determined that none of the candidates meets the required standard.

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Diversity Monitoring

Please also complete the diversity monitoring form (Appendix 1). This form will not be considered as part of the application process and will be treated in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (2018).

Data protection

Application material from unsuccessful candidates (including diversity monitoring forms) will be stored in a secure limited-access electronic filing system, and retained for at least 3 months after notifying unsuccessful candidates but destroyed no later than 12 months unless applicants are notified or records are required to defend an action.

Application material for successful candidates (including anonymised summary data from this and subsequent diversity forms, which we will use for cross-organisational monitoring and reporting) will be retained with other personnel records in a secure limited-access electronic filing system, for 6 years after employment ceases

Further information

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Olufemi Oguntunde, Director of Finance and Procurement on 020 7832 7801 or olufemi.oguntunde@equalityhumanrights.com.

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Appendix 1 – Diversity Monitoring Information

If you require this document in an accessible format, please contact the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee Secretary, Graham Wheaton. Telephone 029 2044 7705 graham.wheaton@equalityhumanrights.com .

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is committed to treating all applicants equally based on their merits regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital status or civil partnership, pregnancy, race, religion or sexual orientation. By completing this section of the application will assist us in monitoring our efforts towards achieving an inclusive and diverse workforce.

What is your gender? ☐ Male ☐ Female

☐ Prefer not to say

Is your present gender the same as the one assigned at birth?

☐ Yes ☐ No

☐ Prefer not to say

Are you married or in a civil partnership? ☐ Yes ☐ No

☐ Prefer not to say

Age ☐ 16 - 24 ☐ 45 - 54

☐ 25 - 34 ☐ 55 - 64

☐ 35 - 44 ☐ 65 +

☐ Prefer not to say

How would you describe your national identity?

☐ British ☐ Northern Irish

☐ English ☐ Welsh☐ Scottish☐ Prefer not to say

☐ Other

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What is your ethnic background?

White

☐ English ☐ Scottish

☐ Welsh ☐ Irish

☐ Northern Irish ☐ Gypsy/Irish Traveller

☐ Any other white background

Mixed☐ White and Asian ☐ White and Black

☐ White and Black African

☐ Any other mixed background

Asian or Asian British

☐ Indian ☐ Pakistani

☐ Bangladeshi ☐ Chinese

☐ Any other Asian background

Black or Black British

☐ African ☐ Caribbean

☐ Any other Black background

Other ethnic group:

☐ Arab ☐ Any other ethnic group

☐ Prefer not to say

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Do you consider yourself to be disabled as defined in the Equality Act 2010?

☐ Yes ☐ No

☐ Prefer not to say

What is your sexual orientation? ☐ Heterosexual ☐ Other

☐ Gay / lesbian ☐ Prefer not to say

☐ Bisexual

What are your religious beliefs?

☐ Buddhist ☐ Sikh

☐ Christian ☐ Other religion

☐ Hindu ☐ No religion

☐ Jewish ☐ Prefer not to say

☐ Muslim

Do you have caring responsibilities?

☐ Primary carer of a child or children (under 18)

☐ Primary carer of disabled child or children

☐ Primary carer of disabled adult (18 and above)

☐ Primary carer of older person (65 and above)

☐ Secondary carer ☐ None

☐ Prefer not to say

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Appendix 2 - Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS)

If you require this document in an accessible format, please contact the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee Secretary, Graham Wheaton. Telephone: 029 2044 7705 graham.wheaton@equalityhumanrights.com .

The Equality and Human Rights Commission operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled people as defined in the Equality Act 2010 (EA). If you apply under this scheme you must demonstrate your application that you meet the minimum criteria for the role. You will then be invited to the interview for the position.

I consider myself to be disabled as defined above and want to apply under the guaranteed interview scheme.

I consider myself to be disabled as defined under the Equality Act (2010) and want to apply under the GIS scheme

☐ Yes ☐ No

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Appendix 3 - Reasonable Adjustments at Selection Stage

To support us in minimising barriers in our recruitment process and to help us implement our equal opportunities policy effectively, please let us know if you need any particular reasonable adjustments during the selection stage.

We will discuss these with you in more detail if you are shortlisted for interview.

☐ Induction loop ☐ Keyboard for written tests☐ Someone with you at the interview (e.g. speech facilitator)

☐ Car parking

☐ Assistance in and out of a vehicle

☐ Wheelchair access

☐ Accessible toilet facilities ☐ Other, please specify:

If you have equipment of your own which you would like to bring if you are invited to interview, please give details below:

Arrangements to be made (EHRC use only):

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DeclarationI declare that the information provided in this application is correct and understand that, if appointed, any information which is falsely declared and is later revealed may invalidate an appointment made to the role of Committee Member

Signature

Print name

Date

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