Non-Executive Director & Chair of Audit & Risk Committee
Digital Catapult is a UK deep tech innovation organisation that accelerates the practical application of advanced technologies. It supports startups, industry, government, investors and academia through research and development, consultancy, acceleration programmes, testbed facilities and collaborative innovation.
Projects
About Digital Catapult
Digital Catapult bridges the gap between deep tech research and real-world deployment. Its work spans artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced networks, distributed systems, immersive technologies and the Internet of Things. The organisation provides bespoke software and data systems, platform engineering, technology and innovation consultancy, acceleration programmes, membership, access to specialised laboratories and testbeds, and ecosystem convening. It works with startups and scaleups, large businesses, government and public-sector organisations, investors, and academic institutions across the UK.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will chair the Audit and Risk Committee, oversee financial reporting, audit, risk management, and governance, and provide assurance and guidance to the Board. You will review financial statements, oversee the external auditor, advise on principal risks, contribute to strategic decisions, support innovation and commercialisation, attend Board meetings, and represent the organisation with senior stakeholders.
Requirements
- Board-level leadership experience in a complex operating environment
- Qualified accountant with CFO-level experience
- Experience chairing or serving on audit and risk committees
- Strong understanding of risk management frameworks
- Experience of successful commercial delivery at the highest level
- Experience managing complex financial budgets and P&L responsibility in a public sector funding setting
- Leadership experience in a complex stakeholder environment
- Experience turning vision into tangible outcomes, including commercialisation
- Ability to scrutinise while supporting innovation, change, improvement, and scaling
- Experience working in relevant sectors, startups or scaleups, policy, and academic research
- Track record of delivery
- Ability to engage with industry leaders and stakeholders and represent the organisation at the highest level
Responsibilities
- Chair the Audit and Risk Committee
- Foster robust challenge, transparency, and accountability within the committee
- Lead reviews and challenges of annual financial statements
- Oversee the relationship with the external auditor
- Review audit scope, findings, and management actions
- Advise the Board on identifying and assessing principal strategic, financial, operational, and reputational risks
- Ensure risks are regularly reviewed and appropriate mitigation strategies are in place
- Provide input into the strategic vision
- Bring knowledge, expertise, leadership, and guidance to the Board and Senior Leadership Team
- Advise, challenge, and support the development of innovative ideas for complex research-led programmes
- Support commercial relevance and organisational governance
- Attend Board meetings and review Board papers
- Provide guidance and input as required
