Trustee and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

We are looking for an experienced and committed Appointed Trustee with expertise in audit, risk, finance and/or investment to join our Board and help us turn this strategy into action.

This is an opportunity to bring your professional expertise, independent judgement and strategic perspective to an organisation with an important role in psychology and its contribution to society.

You do not need to be a psychologist or have worked in the sector. We are looking for someone who can bring valuable external expertise, challenge and perspective to our Board.

Why join us now?

The BPS has a clear ambition for the future and a new strategy about to begin.

As a Trustee, you will join the Board at the start of this new chapter and have the opportunity to help shape how we deliver it. Your expertise will be particularly valuable in ensuring that the Society has the financial resilience, effective risk management and strong governance needed to achieve its ambitions.

You will help us:

• Make sound strategic and financial decisions
• Strengthen our approach to risk and assurance
• Protect and make effective use of our resources
• Support organisational change and transformation
• Deliver greater value for our members and the profession
• Ensure the Society remains sustainable, effective and well governed

This is a chance to use your expertise for a purpose and to make a meaningful contribution to the future of psychology.

Who we are

The British Psychological Society is a registered charity responsible for the development, promotion and application of psychology for the public good.

With around 57,000 members and around 40 specialist networks, we bring together psychologists, researchers, academics and professionals across the UK.

Through our Royal Charter, we are responsible for promoting the advancement and application of psychological knowledge and supporting high standards of professional education and practice.

As a leading organisation within the sector, we have an important role in championing psychology, supporting our members, promoting professional standards and acting as a trusted voice on issues that matter to society.

The Society is governed by a Board of Trustees, which has ultimate responsibility for its strategic direction, management and control. The Board is supported by specialist strategy boards and committees to which it delegates aspects of oversight and decision-making.

The opportunity: Appointed Trustee

The BPS Board comprises elected Trustees from the Society's membership alongside appointed Trustees who bring additional skills, experience and perspectives.

For this appointment, we are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

• Audit and assurance
• Risk management
• Finance and investment

Following a recent Board skills audit, we would also welcome experience in:

• IT and cyber security
• Data protection

You may be a BPS member or a non-member. You do not need to have a background in psychology. What matters is that you have an interest in our work and can demonstrate a commitment to our mission, values and vision.

Previous Board experience would be helpful but is not essential.

What you will bring

We are looking for an experienced professional who can combine technical expertise with strategic thinking, sound judgement and constructive challenge.

You will be able to:

• Bring strong expertise in finance, investment, audit and/or risk
• Understand and scrutinise financial and risk information
• Bring charity and/or membership body experience 
• Ask challenging questions in a constructive and respectful way
• Think strategically and contribute to complex decisions
• Work effectively with people from different backgrounds and perspectives
• Demonstrate high professional standards and integrity
• Build strong and trusting relationships
• Contribute positively to a diverse and inclusive Board

We particularly value people who are curious, collaborative and willing to challenge constructively.

Your role as a Trustee

Every Trustee shares responsibility for ensuring that the Society is well governed, financially sustainable and delivers against its charitable purpose.

Collectively, the Board is responsible for:

• Setting and overseeing the Society's strategy
• Approving the annual budget and monitoring financial performance
• Ensuring the Society's financial stability and protecting its assets
• Overseeing risk management and internal controls
• Receiving the auditor's report and approving the annual report and accounts
• Ensuring compliance with the Royal Charter, Statutes, charity law and other relevant legislation
• Appointing and overseeing the Chief Executive
• Safeguarding the Society's reputation
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
• Ensuring the Society's resources are used effectively to deliver its charitable objects

As the appointed Trustee with finance, audit and risk expertise, you will also chair the Audit and Risk Committee and may contribute to another committee in line with your expertise.

You will be expected to:

• Attend and prepare for Board and committee meetings
• Read and scrutinise papers and contribute actively to discussions
• Use your expertise to help the Board reach sound decisions
• Provide constructive challenge and support to fellow Trustees and senior leaders
• Declare and manage conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality
• Build effective relationships with Trustees, Senate, the Executive Team and wider stakeholders
• Uphold the Society's values, policies and Trustee Code of Conduct
• Participate in an induction programme and annual review with the Chair

Trustees are also expected to act in accordance with the Nolan Principles of Public Life and the standards expected of charity Trustees and holders of public office.

Time commitment

This is a voluntary role requiring a meaningful but manageable commitment.

There will also be preparation for meetings, an induction programme and occasional additional Trustee activity.

Trustees are unremunerated, although reasonable expenses are reimbursed in accordance with Society policy.

Term of appointment

Appointed Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for a further three years.

How to apply

We hope you will consider joining us at this important point in the Society's development.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact governance@bps.org.uk and we would be happy to arrange a call.

To apply, please submit:

• Your CV
• A supporting statement explaining why you are interested in becoming a BPS Trustee and how your experience meets the person specification

All candidates will also be asked to complete an online Diversity Monitoring Form. This is for monitoring purposes only and will not form part of the selection process.

Key dates

• 30 November 2026 – Applications close
• w/c 14 December 2026 – Shortlisted candidates: informal conversation with the CEO and formal interview with the selection panel
• w/c 4 January 2027 – Final interviews

The selection panel will assess candidates against their application and the person specification. The final appointment will be made following the interview process.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.