Sarah Hillary

Sarah is a partner within our Digital and Risk Advisory Services (DRAS) team. She leads our DRAS not-for-profit sector group and has a specialist interest in charities. Through over 20 years’ professional experience she has worked across a of range of sectors including sport, central government, international business, real estate, insurance and not-for-profit.

Sarah acts as Head of Internal Audit and Assurance Partner for a number of top 100 charities and other high profile organisations. She also leads third party assurance work with several large corporates in particular within the real estate sector.

Sarah is a lead partner in the provision of governance advisory services to clients. This work in particular covers the role and structure of the Board, appointment processes, skills, diversity and board evaluations. In many cases the reviews lead to significant changes to Board structure and operations which requires sensitive handling. She works closely with Boards and C-suite individuals advising them on best practice in governance. She delivers independent board effectiveness reviews working closely with the Chair and board members in order to add value through the process.

Within BDO, Sarah is a member of the firm’s ‘Unifying Culture’ Board, the strategic leadership board focused on our culture which is a core pillar of the firm’s strategy. As part of this role, Sarah is the sponsor partner for the firm’s work in diversity and inclusion. Sarah is a Trustee of Kidney Care UK, a medium sized charity in the UK. She is also a trustee of Access Accountancy.