The Audit and Risk Committee (the Committee) plays a pivotal role in the RTPI’s central governance and the safeguarding of the RTPI’s assets. 

The Committee reports to directly to the Board and provides additional scrutiny and assurance to the Board in the discharge of some of its key responsibilities, such as:

• ensuring that there is a suitable and proportionate framework for accountability at the RTPI;
• overseeing the RTPI’s systems and methods of control, such as its risk management, financial controls, business continuity plans, internal audits and documented policies and procedures.
• ensuring that the RTPI pursues best practice, is compliant with applicable laws and regulations. and that its statutory reports and accounts are prepared in accordance with applicable accounting laws and standards

Role title

Co-opted member (i.e. non Trustee member) of the Audit and Risk Committee.

What's involved

All Audit and Risk Committee members are asked to read and consider meeting papers in advance. Papers will include financial statements, risk registers and audit reports. Members should then bring analysis, constructive challenge and an independent perspective to the Committee’s discussions and decision-making.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to both RTPI members and non-members

Minimum commitment

1. The Committee meets three or four times a year.
2. Meetings typically last around 2 to 2 ½ hours.
3. Meetings are either held at the RTPI’s London Office in Botolph Lane or via Teams. Members are required to attend at least one meeting a year in person in London.
4. Papers will be shared a week in advance via a secure online platform. Members will be set up with an access account to the platform. Reading papers is estimated to take no more than half a day.
5. Members must commit to preparing for, attending and actively contributing during meetings.
6. Members may also be asked to attend induction meetings and training sessions when necessary.

Length of term

3 years, renewable for one further three-year term on the approval by the Board.

Start date

1  January 2027

About you

We are looking for individuals with the following experience and attributes:

Required

• A methodical and analytic mind
• An ability to bring well thought-out and constructive queries and challenge to meetings
• Experience in risk management and risk analysis
• Experience in preparing and/or reviewing statutory annual report and accounts, including a strong working understanding of UK FRS102
• Previous experience in a governance role, particularly with a risk, audit or financial oversight committee.

Advantageous

• Experience in or knowledge of the not-for-profit and/or charity sector
• Experience in internal audit and assurance work
• Experience in cyber security and controls
• A qualification or background in planning or other built environment professions.

How we will support you

You will be allocated a ‘buddy’ within the current committee membership to support you in your first year. You will be provided with previous minutes of the committees’ meetings and other induction material regarding the work of the Audit and Risk Committee.

All new volunteers are invited to an Induction to the RTPI and volunteering.

You will have a Key Contact from RTPI staff for the role.

Volunteer involvement is supported by relevant organisational policies, procedures and insurance. Find out more in the Volunteer Handbook

The RTPI will reimburse reasonable expenses incurred by volunteers carrying out Institute business, in line with the RTPI's expenses policy

Benefits of getting involved

The RTPI is a professional, inclusive and welcoming place to volunteer. Members of the Committee will have the opportunity to employ their skills and utilise their knowledge for the benefit of the charity and its members.

You will meet and work collaboratively alongside RTPI staff and other Committee members. You will further strengthen your understanding of risk management, internal controls and internal and external audits within charities and membership organisations.

How to apply

Applicants will be asked to send in their CV with a covering letter of no more than 400 words describing how your skills and experience meet the requirements of this role (please refer to this role description) and why you are interested in being considered for this role.

Further information on the application process and timeline will follow in September 2026,.

Key contact for the role

If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Anna Byrne, Governance Officer by emailing governance@rtpi.org.uk.

These are voluntary roles. The duties outlined reflect our shared hopes and expectations but do not create any contractual obligations. Find out more in our Volunteering Charter.