Governor - Chair, Audit & Risk Committee

The Wellcome Trust is a politically and financially independent global charitable foundation dedicated to improving health through science. Established in 1936, it is funded entirely through returns from a £39.9bn investment portfolio, enabling a planned £16bn spend between 2022 and 2032 across discovery research, infectious disease, mental health, and climate and health. 

Wellcome’s mission, a healthier future for all, is grounded in collaboration, diversity of expertise, and bold, high‑impact scientific ambition.

We are now seeking as part of succession planning to appoint a Governor to join our Board of Governors who would chair the Audit and Risk Committee. The Governor role is a senior non‑executive appointment on Wellcome’s Board of Governors, responsible for shaping long‑term strategy, safeguarding the endowment, and ensuring exemplary governance. Governors act as statutory directors of The Wellcome Trust Ltd., providing strategic oversight, setting risk appetite, holding leadership to account, and serving as ambassadors for Wellcome’s mission and its commitments to equity, diversity, anti‑racism, and inclusion.

Chair, Audit & Risk Committee

The ideal candidate will bring a mix of relevant commercial leadership, strategic acumen and board experience to contribute as a Governor across the board agenda, alongside financial expertise and the judgment and EQ to lead the Audit and Risk Committee.

Ideal Experience and Capabilities

• Global outlook with stature and judgement to operate in a high-profile governance environment.
• Strong financial expertise, whether gained as CFO or qualified accountant, or as a CEO and seasoned board member.
• Able to oversee complex risk, audit and investment governance issues and navigate potential conflicts.
• Brings credibility with business, finance, science and public-sector stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills and sophisticated interpersonal and social awareness to contribute effectively as a Governor and skillfully chair the committee.
• Demonstrates the capacity and commitment required for a demanding role.
• Independent thinker with the ability to challenge constructively and lead a strong committee.

How to apply

We have appointed the leadership advisory firm Spencer Stuart to lead the search for this position. 

If you are interested in applying, please send your up-to-date CV and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role to: [email protected]

Closing date for applications is Monday November 2nd.

You can view Spencer Stuart’s privacy policy here.

Please note any application submitted directly to Wellcome may not be considered.

Time Commitment

Wellcome anticipate a time commitment of approximately 35 days per year as a Governor and another 10 days to include the responsibility of chairing the committee.

There are typically four two-day meetings per year; a two-day strategic off-site meeting and an overseas visit, plus several other shorter online Board meetings.

Remuneration

Governors are appointed under a contract for services, which is currently remunerated at £80,500 per annum. Governors can claim reasonable expenses properly incurred for attending board meetings, such as travel, or on other Wellcome related business.

The appointments are for three years, requiring confirmation by the Board of Governors at the expiry of the first year. The appointments can be extended, by the board, by up to two additional terms of three years to a maximum of nine years.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do  

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at [email protected].