Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) Committee – Lay member

Would you like to work with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) to help oversee and develop our global Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS)? If so, we would love to hear from you.

Application closing date: 25 March 2026

Background

The IFoA’s Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) is a voluntary accreditation scheme for organisations that employ actuaries. Established in 2015, the QAS has grown into a key global initiative. There are now 39 accredited organisations: 29 based in the UK and 10 across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

The Scheme is outcomes based, with accredited organisations required to demonstrate strong performance across three areas:

• Professionalism
• Development & Training
• Organisational Culture

The QAS provides organisations with a framework to support high quality actuarial work and recognises a commitment to continuous improvement. 

The QAS Committee is accountable to the Regulatory Board. Its responsibilities include:

• Awarding accredited status (based on recommendations from an independent assessment team)
• Monitoring accreditations on an ongoing basis
• Providing advice and recommendations to the Regulatory Board on the Scheme’s operation

View QAS Committee terms of reference

Vacancy

We are seeking one Lay (non actuary) member to join the QAS Committee.

Lay members play a vital role in bringing an independent perspective and ensuring that the public interest principles underpinning the QAS remain central to its operation.

Members of the QAS Committee will work together and be involved in discussions and decisions regarding: 

Accreditation and monitoring:

• Determining applications for QAS accreditation (including renewals)
• Considering applications for Lead Senior Quality Assurance Representatives (SQARs)
• Reviewing Annual Returns from accredited organisations
• Exercising powers relating to suspension or withdrawal of accreditation
• Monitoring accreditations in line with the QAS Handbook

Insight, quality and best practice:

• Identifying beneficial topics for Specialist Reviews
• Providing input into the SQAR Forums
• Identifying best practice aligned with QAS objectives

Strategic development and governance:

• Supporting the strategic direction of the QAS
• Raising awareness of the Scheme
• Considering any other matters relevant to the Scheme’s effective operation

Tenure

This is a three-year appointment, with the potential for renewal for a further three years. There may be flexibility with this tenure and applicants are encouraged to discuss any requirements with the QAS Manager.

Remuneration 

An honorarium of £350 per seven-hour day is payable, plus reasonable travel expenses in line with the IFoA’s policy.

Time commitment 

• The QAS Committee usually meets six times per year. 
• Papers are circulated around two weeks in advance; members are expected to review them thoroughly. 
• Additional ad hoc meetings may occasionally be required. 
• Meetings are generally held via video call, with one in person meeting planned per year.

Confidentiality

The Committee may deal with matters which are potentially commercially sensitive, Committee members must declare any conflicts of interest (including apparent or potential conflicts) and will also be required to keep information confidential.  

Reporting

Committee members report to the Lay Chair, who reports to the Regulatory Board. 

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• Must have a minimum of 5 years recent experience of working in a relevant professional or other environment
• Excellent oral communication skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Strong written communication skills
• A solid understanding of ethical issues affecting professions
• Have working knowledge of good practice in terms of quality assurance policies and procedures including, but not limited to: conflicts of interest, work review, speaking up, and complaints handling.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience with accreditation schemes or kite mark processes
• Experience designing or implementing quality assurance procedures
• Experience working with actuaries or other financial services professionals
• Experience instructing, using, or relying upon actuarial work

Benefits of participating 

This presents an opportunity for those with an interest in understanding and influencing processes and procedures relating to assuring quality of work are truly embedded within the culture of an organisation on a global scale. 

It allows those volunteers to help shape the QAS and to ensure that it is a successful scheme which provides value and benefit to members, the public, businesses and the actuarial profession as a whole. 

It may also provide opportunities for some to be able to claim CPD in line with the requirements of their professional body. 

If you would like an informal conversation before applying, please contact the QAS Manager Darren Kerr

Next steps

If, after reviewing the documents, you would like to express an interest in joining the Committee, please email HRSupport@actuaries.org.uk with:

• A brief summary of your relevant experience
• Your reasons for wishing to be involved
• A short CV and full contact details

Our commitment 

We are committed to diversity, equality of opportunity and inclusion, and we warmly encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences. Embracing the unique contributions of our volunteers is fundamental to the success of the IFoA.

Before applying, please review the IFoA’s Governance Manual and Volunteer Information Pack.