Independent Chair of Audit Committee

Brent Council; Wembley; Presencial; GBP 4500 - 6100; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Brent Council invites applications for an Independent Chair of its Audit and Standards Advisory Committee. This public appointment, based at Brent Civic Centre in Wembley, requires standing governance and risk oversight with independent accountability.

You will lead committee discussions, challenge and support ethical conduct and financial stewardship across the council. The role demands high integrity, political neutrality and the ability to oversee complex governance frameworks while working

Formación

• Significant senior-level governance, audit, finance or risk leadership experience.
• Experience chairing boards or committees.
• Strong governance and accountability frameworks knowledge.
• Ability to analyse complex information and provide challenge.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently in a political environment.
• Commitment to integrity, openness and the Seven Principles of Public Life.

Responsabilidades

• Provide independent leadership to the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee.
• Oversee governance, risk, audit, finance and standards matters.
• Collaborate with elected members, officers and auditors.
• Promote high standards of conduct and public confidence.

Conocimientos

Governance leadership

Audit and risk

Regulatory knowledge

Independent chairing

Communication skills

Political neutrality

Descripción del empleo

Remuneration: £5,332 per annum
Appointment: Public appointment, up to four years, subject to annual confirmation by Full Council
Location: Brent Civic Centre, Wembley, with preparation and meetings as required

Help shape governance, accountability and public confidence in Brent
Brent Council is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as the Independent Chair of its Audit and Standards Advisory Committee.

This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in supporting good governance, strong financial stewardship, effective risk management and high standards of ethical conduct at one of London's largest and most diverse local authorities.

As Independent Chair, you will provide visible and impartial leadership to the Committee, helping it deliver effective oversight, independent challenge and constructive support across a wide range of governance, risk, audit, finance and standards matters. You will work closely with elected members, senior officers, internal and external auditors, whilst maintaining the independence and objectivity that are central to the role.
About the role

The Audit and Standards Advisory Committee is a key component of Brent Council's governance framework. The

Committee provides independent assurance, scrutiny and challenge in relation to:

• Corporate governance and accountability
• Risk management and internal control
• Internal and external audit
• Financial reporting and stewardship
• Counter-fraud and anti-corruption arrangements
• The Annual Governance Statement and Statement of Accounts
• Ethical standards and member conduct

The Committee also plays an important role in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct amongst elected members and ensuring that public confidence remains at the heart of the Council's governance arrangements.

About you

• Significant senior-level experience in governance, audit, finance, risk management, regulation or leadership within a large and complex organisation.
• Experience of successfully chairing boards, committees or other senior decision-making forums.
• Strong knowledge of governance, assurance, risk management and accountability frameworks.
• The ability to analyse complex information, ask insightful questions and provide effective challenge.
• Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to operate effectively within a political environment whilst maintaining complete independence and impartiality.
• A strong commitment to integrity, openness, accountability and the Seven Principles of Public Life.

Knowledge of local government governance, standards or audit arrangements would be advantageous, but we are also keen to hear from experienced candidates from the wider public, regulatory, voluntary or private sectors.

For more information about the opportunity and role please read our candidate pack.

Eligibility for Appointment

Members’ Code of Conduct: Agree to observe the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Time Commitment: Commit to a four-year term of office, subject to annual review, and attend approximately six meetings per year, plus any required briefings, training, workshops or extraordinary meetings, and undertake necessary preparation and follow-up work.

Conflicts of Interest: Declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest. These will be assessed to determine whether they affect suitability or can be appropriately managed.

Independence and Political Activity: The Chair must be, and be seen to be, independent of the Council’s political and management arrangements. The successful candidate must not be an elected Member, co-opted member, officer or employee of the Council; or a relative/their close friend. They must declare and manage relevant interests; and maintain political neutrality.

Declarations will be assessed through the application form, interview and pre-appointment checks to establish the candidate’s suitability and ability to act independently, impartially and objectively.

Pre-Appointment Checks

Final recommendation and formal appointment shall be conditional upon the Council being satisfied with all pre-appointment checks being complete. These include Identity and right to work; Declaration of interests; References; Basic DBS and CIFAS fraud check. The formal appointment will not take effect until it has been approved by Full Council.

Closing date: Tuesday 10 November (midnight)
Interview date: To be confirmed (In person).

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects the people we serve. We welcome all applications from all sections of the community and encourage applicants to complete the diversity survey section of the application.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. This includes people with hidden disabilities, long term health conditions, diagnosis, and mental health conditions. We also guarantee an interview to care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria. Information shared for this purpose will be treated fairly and used only to confirm eligibility under these schemes.

Candidate Pack