Finance & Operations Committee

The role of the Finance & Operations Committee is to:

• Ensure that the financial basis upon which BERA operates is secure;
• Ensure that the principles and practices of employment we offer to our staff are fair and uphold all the necessary standards of probity and good governance;
• Ensure that HR functions within the organisation are in place and used appropriately
• Monitor the allocation of resources against strategic objectives;
• Review the arrangements for efficient control and management of BERA’s affairs, including finance, accounting and staffing policies;
• Review regular management accounts and other financial and non-financial performance information in such form as it determines, ensuring that there exists on a timely basis, reliable reports and forecasts that provide a sound basis for decision-making;
• Periodically review the systems through which financial and non-financial information is compiled and reported to BERA Council, to give assurance that the figures are of sufficient accuracy and reliability
• Consider proposals for amendments to major operational systems
• Review the external audit including the plan, engagement letter, staffing, costs, timetable and proposed fees and reviewing the external audit management letter and the responses of management to the issues raised, and monitoring subsequent agreed action by management

If you would be interested in joining this Committee please contact secretariat@bera.ac.uk 

Testimonials about the committee can be found below.

Why Join Finance & Operations Committee?

Jane Pither

“I applied to join this committee as a new member of BERA, both to learn more about how BERA works and also to contribute some external experience from the field of educational governance and management.  I was made to feel very welcome and valued and have enjoyed meeting other committee members (mostly virtually) as well as the impressive team of experts who run BERA on our behalf. 

The committee doesn’t just talk about money, but also covers HR and other administrative matters: for example, we get insights into the world of the annual conference as well as the difficulties of securing office space in central London.  At the last meeting we had a great overview presentation on Open Access publishing.  I’d like to think we provide constructive challenge as well as support to the management team and that we enable them to keep doing an excellent job, in the face of somewhat trying circumstances at times.”

Diana Burton

“Being on any BERA committee brings lots of benefits, not least the buzz of working with engaged colleagues both within the office and from other universities and walks of life.

Personally, I have found it really energising to be involved with the leading sector body for education research. The F&OC delivers strategic financial monitoring, supporting trustees in their role of ensuring financial probity. Other duties include the consideration of HR issues, reviewing and updating BERA policies and considering updates provided by the Risk Assessment and Audit Committee. In order to fulfill these duties, committee members are kept abreast of both strategic and operational matters by receiving relevant training and papers on a range of subjects. I have found this to be a great way to learn about issues that BERA and the broader academic community are encountering. We are really fortunate to have an excellent professional office staffed by highly skilled people. Thus the committee papers are always first rate and a joy rather than a chore! I always find that my ideas and comments are listened to and valued and I learn a lot from listening to the thoughts of others during our meetings.

Whilst we obviously take this committee work seriously, it is always done in a spirit of friendliness, fun and collegiality.

We very much welcome new members to bring a fresh perspective and I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch with us for a chat to learn more about the role.”