Secretary of State Appoints Kate Sayer to Charity Commission Board in England and Wales

The Secretary of State has appointed Kate Sayer as a Board Member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee for the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Her appointment runs from 9 March 2026 until 8 March 2029, marking a three-year term on the commission.

Kate brings decades of experience in charity finance, governance, and auditing, making her a notable addition to the board tasked with overseeing England and Wales’ charitable sector.

A Career Built on Charity and Finance

Kate Sayer is a qualified Chartered Accountant and was part of the founding team of Sayer Vincent, a professional audit and advisory firm specialising in social purpose organisations.

Over her 30-year career, she has audited and advised a wide range of charities and social enterprises, contributing to the growth and accountability of the sector.

She also served on the Charities SORP Committee for 15 years, helping shape accounting standards for charities.

Beyond auditing, Kate taught charity finance at Bayes Business School and authored several books and publications covering charity management, taxation, risk management, and governance.

Leadership at Oxfam and Beyond

From January 2020 to December 2023, Kate served as Oxfam’s first Director of Integrity and Ethics, where she led initiatives on risk management, internal audit, and social responsibility.

She played a key role in developing organisation-wide prevention and management of misconduct.

Kate has also been an active trustee, currently chairing a human rights charity and serving as a trustee for a disability rights organisation.

Her extensive experience underscores her commitment to ethical leadership in the charitable sector.

Governance and Remuneration

Board members of the Charity Commission are remunerated £350 per day.

Kate’s appointment follows the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments, which is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Under the code, appointees must declare any significant political activity within the last five years; Kate has declared none.

Impact and Consequences

• Kate Sayer’s appointment strengthens financial oversight and governance at the Charity Commission.

• Her experience in auditing and risk management is expected to enhance transparency and accountability for charities across England and Wales.

• With her background in ethics and social responsibility, the Commission may adopt more proactive misconduct prevention measures.

• The appointment signals the government’s commitment to expert-led regulation of the charitable sector.

What’s Next?

• Kate Sayer will begin her duties immediately, chairing the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

• She will contribute to strategic decisions affecting charity regulation, finance, and governance standards.

• The Commission may undertake reviews of risk management frameworks and implement new policies under her guidance.

• Stakeholders across charities and social enterprises will likely benefit from her insights on compliance, accountability, and ethical standards.

Summary

Kate Sayer has been appointed as a Board Member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee at the Charity Commission for England and Wales for a three-year term.

A chartered accountant with over 30 years of experience in charity finance, auditing, and governance, Kate has held leadership roles at Oxfam and served as a trustee for multiple organisations.

Her appointment is expected to strengthen oversight, accountability, and ethical practices in the charitable sector.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Kate Sayer appointed to the Charity Commission Board for England and Wales (2026–2029).

• Serves as Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

• Chartered Accountant with 30+ years of experience auditing charities and social enterprises.

• Former Oxfam Director of Integrity and Ethics, leading misconduct prevention initiatives.

• Has been a trustee for human rights and disability charities.

• Board members receive £350 per day remuneration.

• Appointment follows the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.

• No significant political activity declared in the past five years.