United Bible Societies Association - Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee

The Organisation

Founded in 1946, United Bible Societies is a global fellowship of 156 Bible Societies working across more than 240 countries and territories, united by a shared mission: to make the Bible available and accessible to everyone, everywhere, in a language they understand and a format they can use.

Together, Bible Societies translate, publish, distribute, and support meaningful engagement with Scripture through a wide range of programmes and initiatives. Today, more than 6 billion people have access to the Bible in their heart language, with United Bible Societies having contributed to 70% of the world’s full Bible translations.

As the service organisation for the Fellowship, United Bible Societies Association provides strategic and operational support to help Bible Societies thrive in their local contexts. This includes translation and publishing expertise, international grant management, governance support, and organisational development.

As UBS celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2026, the organisation continues to look ahead with ambition and commitment to its vision of “the Bible for everyone.”

The Role

We are pleased to present this opportunity to join United Bible Societies Association as an Independent Board Member and Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee. This is an opportunity to play an important role in supporting the governance, financial stewardship, and strategic direction of a global Christian organisation with significant international reach and impact.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Chairing the Finance & Audit Committee, including setting agendas and leading discussions across committee meetings each year.
• Playing a full and active role as a member of the Board of Trustees, contributing to the overall governance and strategic direction of UBSA.
• Overseeing financial governance, risk management, audit, and internal control arrangements across the organisation.
• Supporting and providing constructive challenge to the Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer.
• Monitoring the organisation’s financial health and ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and governance requirements.
• Ensuring appropriate controls are in place to manage risk, safeguard assets, and address conflicts of interest appropriately.
• Helping shape the effectiveness and composition of the Finance & Audit Committee to ensure an appropriate balance of skills and experience.
• Supporting the mission and values of the organisation and, as a Christian, being committed to the furtherance of Bible ministry within an inter-confessional context.

The Person

We are seeking a passionate, values-driven leader, inspired by our mission and ready to contribute their expertise, time, and insight. As an independent Board member you will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees to guide United Bible Societies Association through an evolving global landscape and help deliver meaningful, sustainable impact across the Fellowship.

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate the following:

• A committed Christian of any denominational background, with a passion for the Bible.
• Openness and respect for the diverse traditions within the Christian Church.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in a strategic leadership role, ideally within an international context and familiarity with UK or comparable regulatory environments.
• Experience of committee work and strong understanding of good governance.
• Strategic thinking skills, sound independent judgement, and the ability to approach challenges creatively.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
• A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to exercise authority effectively within a collegiate Board environment.
• Openness to differing perspectives and the ability to engage constructively in robust discussion and debate.
• Experience in risk management, with an ability to balance prudent governance with faith-driven purpose.
• Independence: no prior service as a Board member or employee of a Bible Society.

Further Information

For more information about the organisation and the role, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter at Trustees Unlimited on: 07789 985 229 / melissa.baxter@trustees-unlimited.co.uk. 

If you are inspired by our work and would like to be considered for the role, please provide the following:

• An up to date CV with details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
• A supporting statement setting out your motivations and the experience you can bring in relation to what we are looking for.

All applications should be sent to: applications@trustees-unlimited.co.uk

Closing date: Monday 15th June 2026
Interviews with UBS: Week commencing 6th July 2026