At a Glance
- Tasks: Help the Council manage governance and provide independent assurance on financial processes.
- Company: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to effective governance.
- Benefits: Modest remuneration of £1,362 per annum and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Meet six times a year with training sessions to enhance your skills.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable governance experience.
- Qualifications: Financial or governance experience, ideally within a large organisation.
About the Opportunity
Would you like to help the Council manage its governance effectively? 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 consists of nine members: four Council Members and five independent lay members.
Expressions of Interest
Expressions of interest are invited from individuals who have financial or governance experience, ideally within a large organisation, to join the Audit and Governance Committee. It is particularly important to have an appreciation and understanding of the financial and service pressures currently facing the Council, as well as change programmes required to deal with government reforms and the potential impact on services provided to residents of the Borough.
Role Responsibilities
The role of the Audit and Governance Committee is to provide independent assurance to the Council regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the Authority’s systems of governance, incorporating internal control and risk management arrangements, and to oversee 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. The Committee normally meets six times a year, with meetings lasting approximately two hours. Before each meeting an hour session is dedicated to training and awareness, where presentations and updates are provided on pertinent issues. There is also an annual development meeting scheduled every October.
Appointment Details
The term of appointment is for a maximum of two four‑year terms. Training is provided upon commencement and regularly throughout the year. The role carries a modest remuneration of £1,362 per annum.
Further Information
For more information regarding this role please contact Sharon Bradley, Head of Corporate Assurance, at (07795 305846) or sharonbradley@barnsley.gov.uk. Applications should be made via the Council’s website by the deadline 5th June 2026 and returned to Sharon Bradley (sharonbradley@barnsley.gov.uk). Selection will be through an interview by a panel and interviews will be held in person in Barnsley Town Hall.
Independent Member of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Audit and Governance Committee employer: Barnsley Council
Barnsley Council is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute to the governance of the Borough while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment. With a commitment to professional development through regular training sessions and a focus on community impact, this role allows members to engage meaningfully with local governance issues. The Council fosters a collaborative work culture that values diverse perspectives, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a difference in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Member of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Audit and Governance Committee
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Council's current challenges and priorities. Understanding the financial and governance pressures they face will help you stand out in interviews. We recommend doing a bit of research on recent reports or news articles related to Barnsley Council.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former members of the Audit and Governance Committee. They can provide insights into what the role really entails and what the panel might be looking for. We suggest reaching out via LinkedIn or local community events.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by thinking about how your experience aligns with the role's responsibilities. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your background that demonstrate your understanding of governance and risk management. We believe this will show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through the Council’s website as soon as you can! The sooner you submit your application, the better chance you have of being considered. We’re here to support you, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help with the process.
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 🫡
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any financial or governance experience you have. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Understand the Council's Challenges:Take some time to research the current financial and service pressures facing Barnsley Council. We appreciate candidates who demonstrate an understanding of these issues in their application.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We love a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via the Council’s website! It’s the best way to ensure your expression of interest is received and considered by the right people.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of governance and financial management. Familiarise yourself with the current challenges facing Barnsley Council, as well as any recent changes in government reforms that could impact local services.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in financial or governance roles, especially within large organisations. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've contributed to effective governance or risk management in the past.
✨Understand the Committee's Role
Get a good grasp of what the Audit and Governance Committee does. Be prepared to talk about how you can provide independent assurance and oversight, and why this is crucial for the Council’s operations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions that show your interest and understanding of the role. Inquire about the training sessions and how they align with the committee's objectives, or ask about the key issues currently being addressed by the Council.
