West Surrey Council is seeking an Independent Member to join our Audit and Governance Committee
This is an important role supporting excellence in risk management, effective governance, internal control and financial reporting.
The successful candidate will bring independent challenge, constructive scrutiny and relevant professional experience to the Committee.
Independent Members will be expected to actively participate in meetings of the Audit and Governance Committee and demonstrate independence, integrity, objectivity and impartiality in their decision-making.
Independent Members are advisory members of the Committee, who assist in overseeing internal and external audit arrangements, reviewing and scrutinising financial statements, and reviewing and assessing the risk management of the authority.
The terms of reference for the Audit Committee can be found in the Shadow Authority's Constitution which is published on our
West Surrey Shadow Authority Constitution website (opens new window).
What sort of person are we looking to appoint?
The Audit and Governance Committee is seeking an independent member with a wide range of skills and experience.
The ideal candidate would have:
- a strong knowledge of audit
- risk
- governance and financial management
- have an interest in public accountability,
- and be able to provide an objective perspective
We have a preference for a candidate who has either lived or worked within the county of Surrey or has a connection to the county.
Whilst operating as a member of the Audit and Governance Committee, co-opted independent members are expected to follow the Nolan Principles of Standards in Public Life, which form the basis of the elected Member's Code of Conduct.
Commitment
The Committee meets approximately four to five times a year, with meetings currently anticipated to take place at the Council Offices in Guildford.
There is a requirement in between meetings to read agendas and related papers.
Additionally training for committee members could be held and Independent Members would be expected to attend.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for appointment candidates must not
- be engaged in party political activity
- have been, at any time in the preceding five years, a member, co-opted member or officer of Surrey County Council, or any of the West Surrey District and Borough councils
- or of a Parish Council within the Shadow Authority's area,
- or be a relative/ close friend of a councillor or Officer of the Shadow Authority
Ideally candidates will have significant experience of:
- working at a senior level in a large, complex organisation
- have a very good understanding of strategic or financial management
- risk
- governance and internal control,
- or have sat previously on an Audit Committee
There are also restrictions on appointment for persons who:
- have been convicted of any criminal offence,
- or is an undischarged bankrupt
- there are also requirements that the Member has not significant business dealings with the Council,
- or any formal connection with any political group
Those disqualified from serving as a co-opted member (see section 80 of the Local Government Act 1972 (opens new window) and section 34 of the Localism Act 2011 (opens new window)).
How long will my appointment be?
The appointment will be for a two year term, expiring in May 2029.
How will the successful candidate be appointed?
The Monitoring Officer and Chief Finance Officer, or their representatives, shall short-list candidates and invite them for interview by a panel.
This will be comprised of two members of the Audit and Governance Committee, together with the Portfolio for Finance, the Interim Monitoring Officer and the Interim Chief Finance Officer, or their representatives.
The recommendations of the Panel, as to the appointment of Independent Co-opted Members, shall be referred to the Shadow Authority for approval.
Is the appointment paid?
Co-opted Independent Members will be entitled to receive an allowance, currently set at £1,738 per annum.
Co-opted Independent Members may claim travel, subsistence and other expenses, provided that their expenses are not also being met by a third party.
What next?
If you wish to make an application for appointment to this role, please send your CV together with a supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4 indicating your suitability for the role, explaining:
- your relevant experience
- how you would contribute to the Audit and Governance Committee
- examples of where you have provided effective independent challenge or scrutiny
- how you would maintain independence and objectively in the role
Please submit these, by email, to:
S151 (interim) at West Surrey Shadow Authority, email: vicky.radford@westsurrey.gov.uk.