Independent Member sought for East Surrey Council Audit and Governance Committee

East 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 voting 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 website.

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 and further details of where these meetings will be held will be confirmed in due course. 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 or 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 East Surrey Borough or District councils, or of a Parish Council within the Shadow Authority’s area, or be a relative or close friend of a councillor or Officer of the East Shadow Authority. Ideally candidates will have significant experience of working at a senior level in a large, complex organisation and 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 and there are also requirements that the Member has not significant business dealings with the Council or any formal connection with any political group.

How long will my appointment be?

The appointment will be for four year term expiring in March 2031.

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 comprising two members of the Audit and Governance Committee, 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

How can I apply?

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 & Governance Committee;
  • examples of where you have provided effective independent challenge or scrutiny; and
  • how you would maintain independence and objectively in the role

Please submit these by 10 am on Friday 27 November by email, to:

The Interim Chief Finance Officer (s151 Officer) at East Surrey Shadow Authority, Email: nikki.o'connor@eastsurrey.gov.uk

What is the deadline for applications?

The deadline for applications is Friday 27 November, 10am.