Independent Member of the Audit Committee

Swindon Borough Council; Swindon; On-site; GBP 2,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in Swindon is seeking an Independent Member of the Audit Committee. This position involves attending evening meetings to oversee audit, assurance, and financial reporting processes, ensuring the Council remains transparent and accountable. The successful candidate will not vote but must actively participate in discussions, uphold governance standards, and demonstrate impartiality. The role comes with an annual allowance and a potential term lasting until March 2028, with possible extension.

Benefits

Annual allowance of £1,461.24

Expenses reimbursed

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret and analyse data.
• Critical thinker with commitment to accountability.
• Confident participant in Committee discussions.
• Good listener; fair, unbiased, and objective.

Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in Audit Committee meetings.
• Contribute to Committee's functions.
• Champion good governance practices.
• Engage in training and development.

Job description

Independent Member of the Audit Committee.

Swindon Borough Council.

Would you like to use your senior leadership experience, interpersonal skills and analytical abilities to make a difference to your local community?

Swindon Borough Council provides essential services to our residents and provides local community leadership on a range of issues. It is important that the organisation is well governed, transparent and accountable to the public. To help us achieve that the Council is inviting applications for the position of Independent Member on its Audit Committee.

This Committee plays a vital role in the Council's corporate governance framework, offering independent oversight of audit, assurance, risk management and financial reporting processes that support transparency and accountability.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate should:

• Be able to interpret and analyse data with a view to asking probing questions to reach rational conclusions.
• Be a critical thinker and seek to uphold accountability.
• Be confident in fully and proactively participating in the consideration of matters before the Committee at its public meetings.
• Be a good listener; fair, unbiased and objective in their approach.

About the Role

The successful candidate will join a team comprising six elected Councilors. In accordance with the Council's Constitution, Independent Members do not hold voting rights but are expected to contribute meaningfully to discussions and decision-making.

This role carries public responsibility, and you will have the chance to make a meaningful and positive contribution to the residents of the Borough of Swindon.

Committee meetings are held in the evening at the Council offices, with approximately six meetings per year, each lasting two to three hours. Additional meetings may be scheduled, when necessary, such as for the approval of the Annual Financial Statements.

Outside of formal meetings

The role involves:

• Reviewing agendas and supporting documentation.
• Attending evening briefings and training sessions.
• Engaging with relevant literature and materials to stay informed.
• Preparing thoroughly for all committee engagements.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend and actively participate in Audit Committee meetings.
• Contribute to the effective execution of the Committee's functions.
• Champion good governance practices across the Council.
• Take part in ongoing training and development to enhance committee effectiveness.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following eligibility:

• Must not be a current or recent (within five years) member or officer of Swindon Borough Council.
• Must not have close personal ties to current Councilors or employees.
• Must have no unspent criminal convictions (as per the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).
• Must not be an undischarged bankrupt.
• Must not have significant business interests with the Council that could compromise independence.
• Must be politically impartial and not engaged in party-political activities.
• Must not have a proven history of vexatious and/or frivolous complaints at any of the Councils.
• Must not be in arrears with Council Tax, Business Rates or have other outstanding debts owing to the Councils.

A full induction will be provided, and successful applicants will be required to publicly declare any interests and comply with the Council's Constitution in their role.

Remuneration & Term

• Annual allowance: £1,461.24, subject to review.
• Reasonable expenses reimbursed in line with the Council's Members' Allowance Scheme.
• Term of office: Until 31 March 2028 and may be extended for a further 12 months to link with any changes in Committee membership.

How to Apply

A copy of the role profile can be obtained from the document linked on the right side of the page.

For further information, please contact Nikki Soave, Head of Internal Audit and Corporate Fraud at [e-mail]

A covering letter which addresses your fit with the role profile and a recent CV should be submitted by clicking the link to apply below. Applications should be received by 5pm on Monday 19/1/26.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held in the weeks commencing 26/1/26, 2/2/26 and 9/2/26.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel comprising:

• The Chair of the Audit Committee.
• The Council's Section 151 Officer.
• The Council's Monitoring Officer.
• The Head of Internal Audit and Corporate Fraud.

Applications

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