The Johnston Carmichael LLP Board sets the strategic direction of the firm and oversees key operational decisions.
The Board meets every six weeks, with an annual two-day strategy session to review progress, align on priorities, and adapt our approach to support continued growth.
Our Board members are shown below:
Our Audit Quality Board and our Independent Non-Executives
As well as our main LLP Board, we have an Audit Quality Board that oversees our audit practice. The Audit Quality Board meets regularly to review quality, training, and risk, ensuring our approach aligns with evolving legislation, client expectations, market demands, and the growth of our firm. It also holds the audit team accountable for maintaining high standards across all areas.
In addition to senior leaders from within the firm, the Audit Quality Board includes two Independent Non-Executives (INEs), Les Clifford (Chair), and Michael Timar, who provide challenge and valuable external insight.
You can read more on the appointment of our two INEs here.
Our INEs also play a vital role in bringing an independent perspective to a number of key committees within our governance structure.
Les Clifford is a member of the firm’s Talent Development Committee and sits on the Partner Assessment Committee.
Michael Timar chairs the firm’s Audit and Risk Committee (see below).
To support their objectivity and independence, clear escalation processes are in place in the unlikely event that there is any fundamental disagreement between the INEs and the firm’s management or governance structures. Such matters would be referred firstly within the firm to the Vice Chair and the CEO, with ultimate recourse to the FRC as the firm’s regulator.
Our Audit and Risk Committee
In overview the role of the committee is to:
- Oversee the firm’s process for preparation of the Annual Report and Accounts.
- Oversee the external audit process, including the independence, appointment and reappointment of the external auditors.
- Provide review of and challenge to the firm’s risk management processes, internal controls and the firm’s adherence to ethical standards and practices.
- Oversee the firm’s process for considering specific ethical, risk and public interest matters.
Our Ethics and Risk Consultation Panel
The Ethics and Risk Consultation Panel is a non-standing committee that convenes as required to consider matters that raise significant ethical or risk considerations. These may relate to client relationships, new service offerings, personal appointments, regulatory or commercial risk, or any issue with potential reputational or public interest implications.
The panel is composed of a quorum of at least three members, including INE, with the remaining members drawn from the Audit and Risk Committee.
The panel’s role is to carefully review referred matters and determine the most appropriate course of action. In doing so, it considers:
- Compliance with professional standards, laws, and regulations
- Alignment with internal policies, procedures, and guidance
- Consistency with the firm’s core values and long-term reputation
The panel supports the firm in making balanced, informed decisions on complex matters and provides guidance to Partners and employees where additional ethical or risk judgment is required.
