At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide independent assurance on governance and financial processes for Barnsley Council.
- Company: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to transparency and accountability.
- Benefits: Modest remuneration, training opportunities, and a chance to influence local governance.
- Other info: Meetings six times a year with potential for two 4-year terms.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience in governance.
- Qualifications: Financial or governance experience, ideally from a large organisation.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Barnsley Council is looking to appoint a member of the public to serve as an Independent Member on the Audit and Governance Committee. The Committee comprises nine people, four Council Members and five independent lay members.
Responsibilities
The committee is responsible for providing independent assurance to the Council regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the Authority’s systems of governance, internal control and risk management arrangements, and for overseeing the statutory financial reporting process. This assurance is primarily informed through the consideration of the work of the Authority’s internal and external auditors and from reports provided by the Senior Management Team.
Qualifications & Experience
Expressions of interest are invited from individuals who have financial or governance experience, ideally within a large organisation. An appreciation and understanding of the financial and service pressures currently facing the Council, and the potential impact of change programmes required to deal with government reforms, is particularly important.
Commitment & Remuneration
The Committee normally meets six times a year (approximately 2 hours per meeting) with an additional hour of training and awareness before each meeting. An annual development meeting is scheduled every October. The term of appointment is for a maximum of two 4‑year terms. Training is provided upon commencement and throughout the year. The role carries a modest remuneration of £1,362 per annum.
Application Process
Applications should be made via the Council’s website by the deadline 5th June 2026 and should be returned to Sharon Bradley (Head of Corporate Assurance). Contact details: phone 07795 305846 or email sharonbradley@barnsley.gov.uk. Selection will be through an interview by a panel and will be held in person at Barnsley Town Hall.
Independent Member of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Audit and Governance Committee employer: Barnsley Business Innovation Centre Limited
Barnsley Council is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute to the governance and financial oversight of the community. With a commitment to professional development through training and a supportive work culture, members of the Audit and Governance Committee can expect to engage meaningfully with local governance while enjoying the flexibility of a part-time role. The Council values diverse perspectives and provides a platform for independent voices to influence positive change in Barnsley.
Contact Details:
Barnsley Business Innovation Centre Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Member of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Audit and Governance Committee
✨Connect with Local Community Projects
Get involved with local community service projects or government initiatives that align with your interests. This will not only give you hands-on experience but also help you build connections within the public sector that might lead to volunteer opportunities at places like Barnsley Business Innovation Centre Limited.
✨Check Online Portals and Local Councils
Many government organisations post their volunteer roles on specific online portals or their official sites. Keep an eye on the careers section of Barnsley Business Innovation Centre Limited's website and your local council’s page to find roles that resonate with you.
✨Get Involved in Public Sector Events
Look for local events, town hall meetings, or public forums where you can meet professionals from the public sector. Engaging in conversations at these events can spot volunteer opportunities and even lead to future roles within Barnsley Business Innovation Centre Limited.
✨Network with Fellow Volunteers
Join groups or forums focused on volunteering in your area. Not only will you be able to share experiences, but you might also come across insider info about upcoming roles at Barnsley Business Innovation Centre Limited or other related organisations. It's all about who you know!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Member of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Audit and Governance Committee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Community Involvement:Volunteering in the government and public sector is all about making a difference in your community. Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or community projects you’ve been involved in on your CV. We want to see how passionate you are about serving the public and what initiatives you've taken to create positive change.
Emphasise Transferable Skills:In the public sector, skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are golden. Highlight any experiences where you've demonstrated these skills, even if they were in a non-public sector role. We appreciate real-world examples that show your ability to connect with people and work collaboratively towards common goals.
Craft a Purposeful Cover Letter:Since you're applying for a volunteer role, your cover letter should reflect your motivation and commitment to helping others. Use this opportunity to express your passion for public service and any specific issues or groups you’re excited to support. Let's see your reason for wanting to join our cause at Barnsley Business Innovation Centre Limited!
Show Your Availability:When you're volunteering, we need to know how much time you can commit. Be clear about your availability and any other commitments you might have. This will help us understand how you can best fit into our team at Barnsley Business Innovation Centre Limited. Let’s make sure you can be the mighty force we need on the ground!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Business Innovation Centre Limited
✨Know Your Community
For a volunteer role in the public sector, it’s super important to understand the community or area you’ll be serving. Reflect on local issues and initiatives that affect residents. This shows your interest and awareness, which can set you apart during the interview with Barnsley Business Innovation Centre Limited.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
Volunteering is about service – be ready to discuss why you want to contribute to the public sector. Share any past experiences of community involvement or projects that demonstrate your dedication. Be honest about your motivations; passion goes a long way in volunteer roles.
✨Familiarity with Policies
Brush up on basic policies or regulations relevant to the public sector. Familiarity with how these impact community services can be a big plus. You might be asked situational questions where your understanding of these matters might help, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Bring Your Soft Skills
In a volunteer role, soft skills are key. Think of examples that showcase your teamwork, empathy, and communication skills. Since we’re dealing with people from various backgrounds, your ability to connect and collaborate is crucial, so be ready with stories that highlight these abilities.
