Non-Executive Director, NETWORK RAIL

Platform4 is a new property development company transforming under‑used rail and rail‑related land to create exciting new destinations and neighbourhoods that support economic growth, community benefit and long‑term value. Guided by Platform4’s mission and values, the Non‑Executive Director will provide independent and objective advice on the running of the Company, bringing strategic challenge, specialist expertise and robust governance oversight to help Platform4 fulfil its purpose. The Non‑Executive Director will provide counsel to the Board and Executive Leadership team, contributing original input, constructive scrutiny and relevant sector insight at Board and Committee meetings. The role responsibilities will include Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, encouraging constructive challenge and ensuring matters are escalated appropriately to the Board.

Who This Role May Suit

• Senior executives with experience in organisations of significant scale, complexity and public interest who are looking to progress into a first or early non‑executive role.
• Leaders who bring strong governance, risk, audit, finance or assurance experience and the judgement to operate effectively at Board level.
• Candidates with relevant experience from property, infrastructure, transport, regeneration, public sector or similarly complex sectors, whether gained in executive or prior non‑executive roles.
• An individual who can operate with confidence at Board level and bring sound judgement, constructive challenge and strategic perspective.
• Platform4 would welcome applications from experienced senior executives who may be seeking a first or early non‑executive appointment, alongside candidates with prior non‑executive experience.

Key Accountabilities

• Chair the Audit and Risk Committee, expected to meet approximately 4–5 times per annum, setting clear agendas for oversight of risk with appropriate escalation to the Board.
• Contribute to the collective leadership of Platform4 by the Board, providing independent, objective challenge to the Board and Chief Executive, so that decisions and strategies are aligned with Platform4’s strategy, values and statutory obligations.
• Provide specialist oversight and leadership on audit, governance and assurance matters ensuring effective internal controls, robust financial reporting and strong risk governance across the organisation, working closely with Platform4 CFO.
• Oversee the integrity of the annual report and accounts, significant financial reporting judgements, the appropriateness of accounting policies and the effectiveness of the financial control environment.
• Lead the Board’s oversight of risk management, internal control and assurance, including review of the principal risks, risk appetite, fraud prevention, whistleblowing arrangements and the adequacy of management responses.
• Oversee the relationship with the external auditor, including recommendations on appointment or reappointment, scope, independence, fees and audit effectiveness, and oversee the effectiveness of the internal audit function or equivalent assurance arrangements.
• Provide industry insight around property development/regeneration and government planning in order to guide and challenge key strategic decisions made by the Chief Executive and their Leadership team.
• Scrutinise the performance of the Executive team in delivering Platform4’s operational and financial objectives, with a focus on the organisation generating long‑term public value and managing programmes of social value responsibly.
• Prepare for, attend, and contribute to all Board and Committee meetings, demonstrating sound judgement and a commitment to collective Board responsibility.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Experience as a senior executive in an organisation of significant scale, complexity and sophistication, or prior board or non‑executive experience. Experience in the property, rail, infrastructure or regeneration sectors would be helpful but is not essential.
• Executive-level experience of governance, risk management, internal control and assurance, with the credibility and judgement to provide independent challenge and to chair an Audit and Risk Committee.
• A recognised accounting, finance or audit qualification, or equivalent senior professional experience in financial oversight, audit, risk or assurance.
• Sound understanding of enterprise risk management, internal control frameworks and assurance planning, including how these operate in a public interest and/or regulated environment.
• Awareness of key emerging risk areas such as cyber and information security, resilience, fraud, financial crime and regulatory compliance.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience of strategic leadership, organisational change and working through complex programmes or investment decisions.
• Ability to understand, scrutinise and challenge financial plans, investment proposals and funding structures to ensure decisions support long‑term value and financial sustainability.
• Strong understanding and appreciation of the legal and ethical duties of a Non Executive Director, with a commitment to responsible stewardship, transparency and acting in the best interests of the organisation.

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