Deadline: 9 February 2026 @ 23:59
About TASO
TASO (Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education) is an independent charity working to eliminate equality gaps in higher education. As an affiliate What Works Centre, and part of the UK Government’s What Works Movement, we generate evidence, share insight, and support universities and colleges to make meaningful, data-informed change so that every student – regardless of their background – can succeed.
We are looking for new members to join our Finance and Risk Committee to help ensure TASO’s financial sustainability, compliance, and effective risk management as we continue to grow and evolve.
About the Finance and Risk Committee
The Finance and Risk Committee is a sub-committee of TASO’s Board of Trustees. It plays a vital role in providing assurance to the Board that TASO has effective internal controls, sound financial management, and robust risk and assurance frameworks in place.
The Committee focuses on:
- overseeing financial reporting, management accounts, and forecasts
- providing challenge and assurance on governance, controls, and compliance
- supporting the identification and management of key organisational risks
- acting as a source of advice to TASO’s Senior Leadership Team
- reviewing financial policies and strategic financial decisions.
The Committee does not make decisions about risk management or finances directly, but provides constructive challenge and assurance to support the Board’s oversight role.
About the Role
We are seeking one or two new members to join the Committee. Members bring expertise, objectivity, and strategic insight to ensure TASO’s financial and risk frameworks remain strong, proportionate, and future-focused.
You will:
- review and comment on TASO’s financial plans, forecasts, and management accounts
- advise on financial and risk implications of strategic developments
- provide independent scrutiny and challenge to ensure effective governance
- contribute to periodic reviews of policies such as reserves and risk management
- support the Senior Leadership Team as a source of advice and critical friendship.
This is a voluntary position. We expect the time commitment to be approximately half a day per month. The Committee meets quarterly, typically online, with papers circulated in advance. Additional engagement between meetings may be required from time to time.
Who we’re looking for
We are interested in hearing from individuals who can bring experience, insight, and constructive challenge to our financial and risk oversight.
You do not necessarily need to have any experience of being a trustee; TASO will give you a full induction and support to help you develop into this role.
Essential criteria
Knowledge or experience in one or more of the following:
- Accounting or financial management
- Risk management or audit
- Financial governance in a charity or similar organisation
- The ability to analyse complex information and provide clear, strategic advice
- Commitment to TASO’s mission and values
Desirable criteria:
- A recognised financial qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
- Experience in the charity, education, or research and evaluation sectors
- Understanding of the regulatory context for UK charities
We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – particularly LGBTQ+ people, disabled people and Black, Asian and minority ethnic people who are currently underrepresented on our boards and committees.
For a confidential discussion about the opportunity please contact: Omar Khan, CEO, TASO on omar.khan@taso.org.uk
Term and commitment
This is an unpaid voluntary role.
Term: 3 years, renewable for up to two further terms
Commitment: 4 meetings per year (usually held online), plus time for reading papers and ad hoc advice as needed
How to apply
If you’re interested in joining TASO’s Finance and Risk Committee, please send your CV and a completed application form to people@taso.org.uk with ‘Finance and risk’’ in the subject of the email.
For a confidential discussion about the opportunity please contact: Omar Khan, CEO, TASO on omar.khan@taso.org.uk
Application deadline: Monday 9 February, 09:00
Interviews will take place on Monday 23 February.