House of Lords

The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It is independent from, and complements the work of, the House of Commons. The Lords shares the task of making and shaping laws and checking and challenging the work of the government. It is made up of around 800 members from a variety of professions and walks of life.

The House of Lords Commission, chaired by the Lord Speaker, provides the strategic and political direction for the House Administration. It agrees the annual Estimate, supervising the arrangements relating to financial support for members and working with the Management Board to develop, set and approve the strategic business plan and the annual financial plans for the Administration, and monitoring the performance of the Administration against agreed targets. There are multiple Committees that support the Commission in its work, including the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, which considers internal and external audit reports and management responses and provides advice to the Clerk of the Parliaments (the Accounting Officer for the House) and senior management on the effectiveness of internal controls.

We are now looking for a new External Member to join the Commission who will also become Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee. Candidates will bring board-level experience in a complex organisation and experience of managing relationships with a range of senior stakeholders in a multifaceted environment. They will understand public sector governance and in particular audit and risk management, with a relevant accountancy qualification, and be expected to bring high levels of personal integrity, fairness and independence, the ability to inspire confidence and operate with discretion and tact, forging relationships while retaining independence of thought.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the House of Lords on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference AAKABB. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by midday on Wednesday 14 June 2023.