The governing body of Forum is the Board of Trustees, which meets four times a year. The trustees are responsible for ensuring that Forum abides by its charitable aims, works within the law, and delivers its mission effectively. They oversee the policies and objectives of Forum and ensure that the work of the organisation is monitored and evaluated effectively. Two of the trustees are paid, with the consent of the Charity Commission. You can see our current board of trustees at www.forumforthefuture.org/trustees. 

The trustees are assisted in their work by the Audit and Assurance Committee (AAC).  The AAC makes recommendations to the Board to ensure that the finances, assets and risks of Forum are effectively managed. The AAC keeps under review the adequacy of Forum’s internal controls, and considers and evaluates the work of the external auditors. The AAC is made up of the Honorary Treasurer, one other trustee, and one independent member.

The role 
The independent audit committee member assists the AAC by providing independent expertise and advice on the matters that come before the committee, specifically: 

• Overseeing quarterly management accounts, quarterly forecasts and annual budgets, and preparing recommendations and advice for the Board of Trustees
• Reviewing and advising on the organisational risk register, with particular reference to financial risk and internal controls
• Advising in the development of financial policies, e.g. on reserves, investment, financial delegation and risk management
• Reviewing the results of the annual external audit

Time commitment 
The AAC meets four times a year, usually April, July, October and December, for two hours, usually on a weekday morning.  Meetings are held at our Ironmonger Row office in London.

Expenses
This is an unpaid post. Reasonable travel and other expenses will be reimbursed in line with the Forum’s expense policy. 

Person specification 
The successful applicant for this post will have:

• A thorough knowledge of UK charity financial management
• Ability to think strategically and to assess organisational risk
• Ability to analyse and evaluate management information and other evidence
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgement
• Ability to deal with auditors and other external advisors
• Willingness to challenge senior management constructively on strategic issues relating to financial and resource management for the charity
• A commitment to good governance

Process
If you would like to be considered for this post, please send your CV and covering letter with an equal opportunities form by 12th January 2009 to: 

Patti Whaley
Forum for the Future
19-23 Ironmonger Row
London EC1V 3QN
Or by email to p.whaley@forumforthefuture.org

Please feel free to call Patti on 020 7324 3625 or 07739 199 557 if you would like to discuss the post before applying. Our 2008 Annual Report can be downloaded here. 

We will contact you by the end of January 2009.  If you are shortlisted, we will schedule and interview with you in early February.