Group Head of Internal Audit

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values:
Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
  , details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities
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• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive
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The salary for this role is £B6,758.

Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working.

This role can be based at any of the following sites:
Culham, Oxfordshire.

This role requires employees to be eligible for SC Clearance (must have resided in the UK for the last 5 years), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.

As Group Head of Internal Audit, you will lead the development and delivery of a risk-based internal audit strategy aligned to UKAEA’s mission, ensuring strong governance, risk management, and internal controls across the Group. You will provide independent assurance to senior stakeholders, including the CEO, Board, and Audit & Risk Assurance Committee, on the effectiveness of controls and the management of risk, including oversight of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions.

The role is central to strengthening the organisation’s control environment, embedding best practice, and driving continuous improvement in audit processes and standards. You will also play a key leadership role within the QSHE Risk and Assurance Directorate, influencing strategic planning and supporting major initiatives and transformation projects. You will champion the development of robust risk assurance processes that enable delivery of organisational objectives.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic influence, and alignment with Government Functional Internal Audit Standards.

You will report to the Group Director of QSHE, Risk and Assurance with direct access to the Chief Executive and the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, risk-based audit plan, aiming to maximise company performance and control while minimising risk, reflecting a thorough understanding of the company's operations and internal and external risks.
• Set the strategy for the Group Internal Audit Stakeholder engagement plan and deliver on it.
• Lead the internal audit function, including the preparation of a risk-based audit plan, scheduling and assigning work, and estimating resource needs.
• Mentor management at all levels on effective leadership, providing awareness and best practice interventions to promote and sustain a proactive governance and assurance culture.
• Ensure coverage of assurance mapping of corporate risks and provide the Board, ARAC and other stakeholders with an audit opinion on the adequacy of internal controls.
• Regularly report to the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, Group Director of QSHE, Risk and Assurance, and top management on the findings and progress of the audit programme.
• Independently report to and work with the Chair of the UKAEA and UKIFSA Audit and Risk Assurance Committees, providing assurance…