Committee Member

Chair and Member Audit and Risk Committee – Northern Ireland Public Service Ombudsman (NIPSO) Closed

The ARC Chair and Member will support the Ombudsman in ensuring that the unique accountability arrangements which underpin the office remain effective. In delivering on NIPSO’s accountability and value for money obligations, ARC Members must be mindful of the need to protect the Ombudsman’s operational independence.

The Ombudsman, as Accounting Officer, has responsibility for issues of risk, control and governance. The Ombudsman appoints an Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) to provide additional scrutiny and assurance. The ARC’s role is not operational, nor has it any role in NIPSO’s decision making processes. Rather the ARC’s role is to advise and support the Ombudsman as Accounting Officer. The ARC Terms of Reference are available on the NIPSO website.

Summary of Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Advising on the strategic processes for risk, control and governance;
• Advising on the Annual Report and Accounts, including the Governance Statement, the process for review and submission for audit, levels of error identified, and management’s letter of representation to the NIAO;
• Challenge and advise on strategic financial management;
• Advising on appropriate disaster recovery, contingency and crisis planning;
• Reviewing the planned activity and results of both internal and external audit;
• Advising on the adequacy of management response to issues identified by audit activity, including external audit’s “Report to Those Charged with Governance” (RTTCWG);
• Assurances relating to the management of risk and corporate governance requirements for the NIPSO;
• Advising on anti-fraud policies, whistle-blowing processes and arrangements for special investigations;
• Provide assurance on the use of Direct Award Contracts;

Additional responsibilities of the ARC Chair only:

• Provide assurance on appointment of Internal Audit services;
• Chairing all meetings of the ARC including agreeing agenda and minutes;
• Preparing an annual report on the ARC’s work programme;
• Participation in the selection of new ARC members when required.

Term of Appointment

Appointments will be effective from Autumn 2026 and will run for a period of three years
. At the end of the initial term, the Ombudsman may consider an extension for a maximum further period of three years
.