We’re looking for an exceptional individual to join our Board of Governors and take up the chair of one of our main delegated committees, the Finance, Risk, Audit, Policy and Performance (FRAPP) Committee.

The FRAPP Committee manages our financial procedures and performance and develops our financial strategy. It approves and reviews investment policy and performance, ensuring compliance with appropriate regulations, and reviews income, expenditure and budget performance.

The Committee also:

  • provides strategic advice to the Board in relation to risk and accountability
  • ensures activities are carried out effectively, overseeing investment and capital expenditure
  • appoints the internal and external auditor, maintaining relationships with the auditors and discussing any problems and reservations arising from audits
  • reports, through its Chair, to the Annual General Meetings (AGM) on the effectiveness of BACP’s governance and accountability arrangements
  • approves and reviews reserves policy and performance
  • ensures appropriate insurance policies are in place
  • commissions reports on internal audits against policy

General responsibilities 

To provide effective leadership, the FRAPP Committee Chair must:

  • have a clear understanding of the committee’s duties and responsibilities
  • be able to commit the necessary time (which will vary depending on the size, complexity and circumstances of the business)
  • be readily available on urgent matters and in times of crisis
  • have the requisite business, financial, communication and leadership skills

The Chair will:

  • chair committee meetings, as stated in the committee’s Terms of Reference
  • ensure the committee and its members fulfil their delegated responsibilities
  • ensure minutes are properly taken and circulated to the Board of Governors
  • prepare and submit an annual report on the committee’s activities
  • appoint committee members using our committee recruitment processes
  • convene working parties on a task and finish basis, as commissioned by the committee

Carrying out the role

The Chair must create and manage effective working relationships among the committee, management and the auditors. These relationships should be based on candour, the timely sharing of information and concerns, and the willingness to work together in the best interests of the Association.

In carrying out the role, the Chair is expected to:

  • call committee meetings, liaise with the Head of Governance or the governance team and finance department on setting the agenda and read up on relevant information before the meetings
  • lead committee meetings, while maximising the collective contribution from committee members, to ensure key decisions are reached and implemented
  • review the performance of the committee on a regular basis and work with relevant BACP staff to develop its skill set
  • attend the AGM to answer any questions members may have about the committee’s activities
  • maintain absolute confidentiality of any sensitive and confidential information received in the course of their responsibilities
  • act in the best interests of BACP at all times
  • observe the code of conduct and procedures as it relates to volunteers
  • ensure compliance with BACP’s Articles and the Board’s Standing Orders
  • uphold the seven principles of the charity governance code:
    - organisational purpose
    - leadership
    - integrity
    - decision making, risk and control
    - board effectiveness
    - diversity
    - openness and accountability

Skills and abilities

The FRAPP Chair must have:

  • strategic vision and experience in developing strategy and monitoring performance
  • a good understanding of the principles and practice of good corporate governance
  • experience of chairing a significant committee but reporting to the Chair of a main Board
  • experience of being a chair and managing committee members
  • professional financial or accounting experience and sound financial acumen
  • experience in budget setting and monitoring
  • an understanding of audits and how they inform
  • a willingness to devote time and effort 
  • good, independent judgement and an ability to think creatively
  • an understanding of the responsibilities of their position
  • the willingness to use technology on BACP business and be IT literate
  • knowledge and experience of the third sector (advantageous but not essential)

You don't have to be a BACP member to apply. Members who are currently under investigation or sanction through our professional conduct procedure cannot apply.

Time commitment

The FRAPP Committee meets up to four times a year, always before a Board meeting, and at other times as necessary. The Chair is expected to commit additional time to satisfactorily perform the duties required to lead a governance committee.

Remuneration

There is no remuneration for this role, however we will reimburse reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the role in line with our volunteers expenses policy. 

Any other remuneration is subject to Charity Commission guidelines and approval of the Board of Governors.

Term of office

The Chair of the Committee is appointed by the Board. They will then become a serving member of the Board and a Trustee Governor of BACP. The appointment is for a period of four years, which may be extended for a further four years, with Board agreement.