NED (Audit & Risk) – Scottish Rail Holdings

Since 1st April 2022, ScotRail services have been provided within the public sector by an arm’s length company owned and controlled by the Scottish Government. This holding company is Scottish Rail Holdings Ltd. (SRH).

 

Scottish Rail Holdings is a limited company wholly owned and controlled by the Scottish Ministers that has been set up with the express purpose of overseeing the governance of train operating companies under Section 30 of the Railways Act 1993.

 

We act as the “holding company of the owning group” of the operating company and provide an oversight interface between Transport Scotland as strategic policymakers and the direct management of train service delivery for ScotRail Trains (SRT).

 


Overall Accountability

 

The role will be part of the Sottish Rail Holdings (SRH) Board, bringing an independent voice to ensure the Board is as effective as possible, with healthy challenge as appropriate. The role holder will provide an external and independent view on the running of the business, governance and best boardroom practice. The role will also have a specific function on the Board to support on all matters relating to risk and effective risk management, including chairing the Board Audit and Risk Committee.

 


Person Specification

 

Do you have the skills necessary to work as a Board member? Do you have strong leadership skills and a good working knowledge of best practice in financial scrutiny and managing risk? Do you want to be a central part of a Board focussed on delivery, strong governance and diversity? Are you able to support an organisation in taking policy and strategy and shaping it into tangible actions and outcomes?

 

Do you have an understanding of constitutional devolution and how this affects the delivery of public services in Scotland?

If the answers to the questions above are yes, then becoming the an Non-Executive Director (Audit & Risk) may be the right opportunity for you.

We value very highly the benefits of having different experience and points of view on our Boards and we are keen that people from all walks of life apply for public appointments. Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications from women, LGBTI+ people, people from ethnic minority communities and people aged under 50.

 

Skills/Experience Required

Key Duties and Responsibilities

In this post you will be entrusted with giving constructive challenge, strategic guidance, offering specialist advice and holding management to account.

  • Safeguarding the finances and resources of SRH, demonstrating due skill, care and good faith in exercising fiduciary responsibility
  • Attending SRH board meetings, providing original input and contribution and, where appropriate, constructive challenge of processes and procedures
  • They will bring a specific focus on the area of risk management to the Board, including best practice in the identification and management of risks, ensuring that all Board decisions are considered with respect to risk and that where mitigations are required these are both agreed and implemented in a timely manner.
  • Identifying and advising upon new challenges, initiatives and market opportunities, and to develop and refocus strategic plans of SRH
  • Providing independent oversight and challenge and ensuring, with the Board SRH as a whole, the effective implementation of Board and Committee decisions
  • Providing scrutiny of executive and business performance in meeting the agreed SRH strategy, plan, goals and objectives, as well as monitoring reporting of performance
  • Ensuring, with the Board as a whole, that SRH is operating within the risk appetite and Risk Management Framework agreed by the Board
Governance Responsibilities

The role holder will attend the following Boards and Committees: chair the SRH Audit and Risk Committee, SRH Board, Scotland’s Railway Alliance Board, Scottish Rail Holdings Limited Nominations and Remuneration Committee

Specialist Expertise

A recognised accountancy qualification (CCAB or equivalent) and knowledge and experience of corporate governance, audit and risk committees and risk management. Financial experience in central government or public sector finance would also be an advantage.

 


Essential Criteria/Competencies
  • Excellent understanding of finance-related performance standards
  • Proven ability to develop and execute financial strategies
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated knowledge of corporate governance and regulatory best practices
  • Organisational and leadership skills
About the Appointment
The appointments are for up to 3 years. The Non-Executive Director receives £360 per day for a time commitment of 25 days per financial year. In order for members to be able to carry out their role we will also pay for:
  • Any travel and subsistence costs
  • Reasonable childcare or carer expenses
  • Disability-related reasonable adjustments
How to apply
Please view the SRH Audit & Risk Applicant Pack which contains further information on the role and application process.
In order for your application to be considered you must complete a two-stage process. First of all,
Please return your completed form to HRTransportScotland@transport.gov.scot by the closing date. When submitting your completed application form by email, please also include a copy of your CV.

The closing date for completed applications is Wednesday 15 th March at 23:55.
If you experience any difficulties accessing the website, please email public.appointments@gov.scot.
Further information about the online application process is attached Public Appointments – Frequently Asked Questions. General information about public appointments and guidance to help you improve your applications is attached www.gov.scot/collections/public-appointments.
Accessibility to public appointments is a fundamental requirement and the public appointments process promotes, demonstrates, and upholds equality of opportunity for all applicants. The Scottish Government will always consider disability-related reasonable adjustments that an applicant might request to enable them to demonstrate their merit and participate fully in the selection process. If you require any of the application pack documentation in an alternative format, please contact HR Transport Scotland.

Appointed on merit; committed to diversity and equality

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