The Scottish Government
Non-Executive Board Member - Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) Member X2
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Do you have experience in governance, risk management, or financial oversight?
The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is looking for an experienced professional to join our Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) as a Non-Executive Member. This is a key role in ensuring strong governance, financial accountability, and risk management within SAAS.
Background/About Us
The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government and is at the forefront of supporting students, working closely with the wider education sector to ensure all students receive the support and funding they are entitled to. The Agency provides information, advice, support, and funding to eligible Scottish domiciled students studying courses of Higher Education in the UK.
More information can be found at www.saas.gov.uk
At SAAS we highly value the benefits of having different experience and points of view on our Boards and we are keen that people from all walks of life apply for public appointments.
About The Role
The successful candidate will be expected to provide independent scrutiny and assurance in line with the principles of the Scottish Public Finance Manual and the expectations placed on the Audit and Risk Assurance Committees of Scottish Government bodies. As an ARAC Member, you will:
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- Provide independent scrutiny and assurance
- Align with the principles of the Scottish Public Finance Manual
- Meet the expectations of Audit and Risk Assurance Committees of Scottish Government bodies
More information can be found within the Candidate Information Pack.
Essential Criteria
- Professional qualification in audit, accountancy, risk management, or assurance (CCAB, CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW, IIA, IRM, or equivalent).
- Experience as a member or chair of an Audit and Risk Committee, Board Committee, or equivalent governance forum.
- Demonstrable understanding of public sector accountability, governance, and assurance & risk arrangements, including the role of the Accountable Officer and the principles set out in the Scottish Public Finance Manual.
- Experience of scrutinising strategic, operational, financial, and programme risks and assessing the effectiveness of assurance and internal control frameworks.
- Experience operating at senior executive, non-executive, or equivalent level within a complex organisation.
- Proven ability to analyse complex information, challenge constructively, and support effective decision-making.
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Desirable Criteria
- Experience within the Scottish Government, Executive Agencies, NDPBs, NHS Scotland, local government, or wider Scottish public sector.
- Experience of organisational transformation.
- Experience of providing oversight, scrutiny, or assurance of significant organisational, digital, or service transformation programmes.
- Experience of digital, cyber, or technology assurance.
- Knowledge of higher education, student support, or public service delivery environments.
Remuneration and Time Commitment
- Approximately 10 days per year (a mix of in-person and online meetings).
- Remuneration of £208.12 per day/£104.06 per half-day. Note that this role is not pensionable.
- Three-year term with potential for reappointment.
How To Apply
Please upload a CV and personal statement, with no more than 1000 words, providing clear evidence of how you meet each of the essential criteria and, where relevant, the desirable experience.
For further details, please contact SAASCorporateOffice@gov.scot
Apply before: 30th August 2026
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