Chair of Audit and Risk
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- Employer:
- Peabody Trust
- Location:
- London
- Salary:
- £21,000 per annum
- Closing date:
- 9am, Monday 8th June 2026
- Job Ref:
- GSe129366
Description
Peabody is one of the UK’s largest and most established housing associations, with a history spanning more than 160 years. Today, we serve over 220,000 residents across London and the South East, providing homes, services and support that make a real difference to people’s lives. Our purpose is rooted in creating quality homes, stronger neighbourhoods and opportunities for people to thrive, and this purpose shapes every decision we make.
As part of planned Board succession, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair of Audit and Risk Committee to join the Peabody Board at an important point in our development. This appointment combines the responsibilities of a Board member with the leadership of a key Board committee. The role requires a confident and thoughtful chair, able to set the tone for high‑quality discussion, encourage constructive challenge and ensure that assurance is proportionate, insightful and forward‑looking. As a member of the Peabody Board, you will share collective responsibility for the organisation’s long‑term success, culture and reputation. Board members are expected to work collaboratively, exercise independent judgement and uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Residents sit at the heart of Peabody’s work, and the Board is committed to ensuring that resident safety, experience and outcomes are reflected in Board priorities and decision‑making.
We welcome applications from candidates who have built their careers in customer‑facing organisations across a range of sectors, including those with experience in housing, infrastructure, regulated utilities, financial services, public services, local or central government, healthcare, care and support or charitable and not‑for‑profit organisations, as well as other large, complex environments. We also welcome applications from individuals from the private sector who bring a strong understanding of regulation, public accountability and risk, and who can apply this experience in a values‑led organisation with a clear social purpose.
We are seeking an individual with strong professional credibility in audit, risk, finance or assurance, and experience of operating effectively at board or committee level in complex organisations. You will bring sound judgement, independence of thought and the personal authority to chair with confidence, balancing rigorous scrutiny with collaboration and shared purpose. While prior experience chairing an audit or risk committee, or familiarity with the housing or social sector, would be welcomed, this is not essential.
Peabody is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion at Board and organisational level, and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds who bring diverse perspectives and lived experience.
Time commitment: 2-3 days per month
If you would welcome a confidential conversation with one of our advisors, please contact
Rosie Gunn on 07964 841 007 or email rosie.gunn@gatenbysanderson.com
Delicia Coutinho on 07741 264 892 delicia.coutinho@gatenbysanderson.com
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How to Apply
- Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
- Detail any employment or education gaps.
- Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
- Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
- Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com
Contact
The following consultants are managing this role and will be happy to answer any questions that are not covered in the person specification on the next webpage.
- Contact:
- Rosie Gunn
- Telephone:
- 0207 426 3998
- Contact:
- Delicia Coutinho
- Telephone:
- 07741 264 892