Company Overview
Rothamsted Enterprises supports agritech innovation and commercial growth at the world-leading Rothamsted campus in Harpenden. We provide flexible office and laboratory space, a 300‑delegate conference centre, on‑site restaurant, reception and tenant services, alongside access to shared research facilities, scientific expertise, business support, funding opportunities and investor networks.
Our role is seen a convener, bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, PhD talent and investors within a connected innovation ecosystem. We help start‑ups and scale‑ups translate cutting‑edge science into climate‑smart agricultural technologies. In doing so, we support national bioscience priorities and generate significant economic impact locally and nationally, accelerating sustainable agritech growth, productivity and job creation across the UK.
Job Description
To provide independent expertise and oversight to support the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee (FARC). The individual will bring strong technical financial knowledge, offer constructive challenge, and help ensure robust scrutiny of financial controls, reporting processes, and external audit performance. This is an advisory role and not a Board appointment.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Oversight
Provide independent, expert guidance to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee on financial matters, controls, and reporting frameworks. Support the Committee in reviewing financial statements and ensuring they present a true and fair view of the organisation’s position. Offer informed challenge to management where clarification, assurance, or additional scrutiny is required. Regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and be satisfied that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks.
Governance
- Encourage positive change where appropriate.
External Relations
- Raise REL’s profile in creating and enhancing links with potential sponsoring organisations, particularly at the local level but also with regional and national stakeholders.
Rothamsted Brand
- Help promote the Rothamsted Enterprises brand as a key national and international centre for research, innovation and enterprise.
External Auditors
- Review and recommend the appointment, reappointment or removal of external auditors.
Financial Statements
- Review the financial statements prepared by the Company. Oversee the audit arrangements for the Company.
Personal Qualities
- Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to REL’s, strategic objectives and cause.
Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively as well as being able to encourage and persuade management to embrace positive changes and improvements. Excellent communication skills. Ability to commit sufficient time to the role.
Skills & Experience
- Recognised financial qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation of medium size – as a minimum. Excellent financial acumen. Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of finance technical and legal issues as well as procedural knowledge to contribute to the function of the committee. Good understanding of corporate governance.
Time Commitment
- Attendance at two FARC meetings per year (June and September), up to 2 hours each. Preparation time for reading papers and briefings. Additional Committee involvement where required.
Term of Appointment
- Appointed for 3 years, renewable subject to Board approval. Role is voluntary with expenses reimbursed. Full induction and ongoing development provided.
How to Apply
For an informal discussion or further information, please contact Melanie Flynn EA to CEO.
melanie.flynn@lawestrust.org to set up an informal conversation with Nicole Sadd CEO
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