David Williams, Head of Audit Services
I am the Head of Audit Services and manage the internal audit function for the Royal Household. There are three of us in the audit team. We are based at Buckingham Palace but also work at other locations including Windsor Castle, Balmoral and Sandringham. I joined the Royal Household in 1999.
How did you get your job with the Royal Household?
I was recruited via a recruitment agency following the vacancy being advertised in the press.
What did you do before joining the Royal Household?
I studied geography at university and then was employed as a trainee accountant with a local authority. Since obtaining my professional qualification I have worked mainly in audit for several local authorities, the National Audit Office and an international marketing and research organisation.
How would you advise someone looking for a job in this area?
The role involves a significant amount of investigating, collecting relevant information and understanding the objectives of different activities. It is therefore helpful to have experience of different working environments, to be able to communicate effectively and to be comfortable working with a wide variety of people. An inquisitive mind is also an asset. A relevant, professional qualification such as CCAB or IIA is also useful.
What training and support is available to you?
The Royal Household provides a variety of skills training such as communication and time management. Support is also available for professional training. This can include financial support and study leave. Continuing professional development is also encouraged.
What’s it like working for the Royal Household?
It is a combination of the ordinary and the unique. Like every organisation there are people and suppliers to be paid, buildings to be maintained and health and safety requirements to be complied with. But unlike other organisations there are such things as Investitures and State Visits to be organised and works of art to be conserved.
What is the best thing about your job?
The range of activities and colleagues that I deal with keep the job interesting as there is always something new to learn. I also have the freedom to use my initiative and have been able to develop the role accordingly.
What other activities are you involved in?
I coordinate a “green group” which aims to encourage employees to reduce energy consumption and waste. As part of this we have organised several events to help increase awareness of environmental issues and each section of the Household has a ‘Green Champion’. I also helped renovate a garden at a London school as part of a Royal Household team. The Royal Household offers volunteer leave to support such activities.
