Head of Internal Audit (SMF5)

Simplyhealth is a purpose‑led, certified B Corp committed to improving access to healthcare for all in the UK. For over 150 years—long before the NHS existed—we’ve helped people manage everyday health needs. Today, we continue modernising while supporting 2.5 million members through affordable, accessible plans. This role leads a critical governance function at the heart of our transformation.

As Head of Internal Audit, you’ll report directly to the Chair of the Audit Committee with a dotted line to the Chief Risk Officer, to provide assurance that we’re delivering our strategic plan with effective governance and controls in place to ensure it’s in line with our risk appetite.

Working with a small internal team at our single location in Andover, Hampshire (supplemented with co-sourced skills from an external 3rd party), you’ll provide expert advice to our board. This is a ‘hands-on’ role, which means it will balance strategic decision making, senior stakeholder management, leadership and team development, managing the 3rd party relations and co-source activity as well as leading individual audits when required.

What you’ll do

• Design and deliver the three‑year Internal Audit Strategy and Annual Plan.
• Lead Joint Assurance Plan development.
• Manage audit resources, co‑sourcing and budgets.
• Deliver audits across central functions, IT and operations.
• Strengthen risk culture and governance.
• Provide quarterly reporting and thematic insights to the Audit Committee.
• Deliver the annual Head of Internal Audit Opinion.
• Lead data‑driven auditing and QA programmes.
• Partner with External Audit.
• Advise senior leaders on governance and emerging risks.

To thrive in this role, you should have:

• Previous Head / Deputy Head of Internal Audit experience (SMF5).
• Comfortable operating at Board/Audit Committee level.
• Strong end‑to‑end audit cycle capability.
• Strong stakeholder and relationship‑building skills.
• Deep understanding of the UK regulatory environment.
• Strong leadership and people development capability.
• Independence, integrity and professional confidence.

In return, we offer

• A competitive salary.
• Car allowance.
• Group annual discretionary bonus.
• 36 days holiday (including 8 bank holidays), with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• A comprehensive pension scheme with flexible contribution options.
• A yearly company-funded allowance for benefits like critical illness cover, private medical insurance, or shopping vouchers.
• Simplyhealth core product choice (Cash plan or Dental plan).
• Life Assurance.

• A telephone interview with our Head of People Operations to get to know you better.
• A first interview with our CRO focusing on your skills and experience.
• Aptitude tests (verbal and numerical) and a Working Styles Questionnaire.
• A final presentation to the Chair of the Audit Committee based on a strategic scenario.
• Meetings with key stakeholders and peers for deeper insight.

Successful candidates will receive a conditional offer subject to pre-employment checks, including a basic DBS and credit check conducted by our third-party partner, Experian. As this is an FCA Certified role (SMF5), you will also undergo fitness and propriety assessments, provide regulated references, and complete the FCA’s Short Form A. Annual reassessment and conflict-of-interest declarations will be required.

Apply today or contact our Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected] to learn more.