The committee is responsible for advising the Board on the integrity of the statutory financial statements and the work of the external auditors. In conjunction the committee reviews the effectiveness of internal control and risk management arrangements. In relation to financial matters the committee gives consideration to the formulation of the finance planning for the organisation, including the annual budget and medium-term financial forecast ensuring the financial health and solvency of Advance HE.
Committee members
Paul Woodgates
Deputy Chair of the Board and Chair of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee
Paul is a member of Advance HE's Board and chairs the Steering Group that has guided the development of its revised Governance Effectiveness Framework.
Saad Qureshi
Co-optee
Saad spent nearly 15 years in higher education most latterly as an Executive General Manager and European Dean for Navitas, a global education provider. He has vast experience in strategic leadership, change management and turnaround, and leading multi-campus and multi- disciplinary teams.
Professor Mark E. Smith
Chair of the Board
Professor Mark E. Smith is the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton. As President and Vice-Chancellor he is the Chief Executive of the University and has overall responsibility for its operations.
Alexandra Owen BSc (Hons) BFP FCA
Board Member
Alexandra is a Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accounts England and Wales (ICAEW) and has held the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Inspire Education Group, a Group of Further Education Colleges based in the East Midlands, since January 2026.
Professor Steve Decent
Board Member
Professor Steve Decent joined Lancaster University as Vice-Chancellor in January 2026. Steve is a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, and specialises in research on free-surface flows.
