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- Tasks: Lead the establishment of the Local Audit Office and drive vital reforms for public accountability.
- Company: Join a government initiative transforming local audit systems for better community services.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, impactful role, and opportunity to shape public trust.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities by enhancing transparency and accountability in public services.
- Qualifications: Strong strategic leadership experience and ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to lead change in a complex system with significant public impact.
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding individual as the new Chair for the Local Audit Office. Local public bodies are at the heart of our communities. They support democracy and help deliver vital public services. The local audit system covers a wide range of public sector bodies (including local authorities, police, fire and NHS bodies). An effective and efficient external audit system is vital to ensure transparency and accountability for billions of pounds of public funds.
This government is driving a major overhaul of the local audit system by leading one of the most ambitious and wide-reaching reform programmes in over a decade. These efforts mark a decisive shift toward modernising a broken system that has struggled with complexity, fragmentation and capacity challenges. The scale of the problem has been epitomised by the backlog of outstanding unaudited accounts, which led to a paralysis of local audit prior to this government’s decision action to tackle it. The problems in local government financial reporting and the backlog in unaudited accounts has regrettably led to the disclaimer on the Whole of Government Accounts for both 2022/23 and 2023/24, and a general loss of public accountability and trust in the system.
As part of our overhaul of the local audit system, we are launching the new Local Audit Office (LAO). The LAO will play a critical role in ensuring the effective delivery of reforms, strengthening accountability, securing better value for money for taxpayers, and supporting long-term economic growth. The LAO will reduce the complexity of the current arrangements; improve coordination across the system; and improve capacity and capability. The vision for the LAO is to oversee and coordinate the auditing of local public bodies to promote effective, value for money and timely local audit, and to put the system back onto a secure and reliable footing. The LAO will be pivotal to rebuilding transparency, accountability and public trust. It will restore a crucial part of the early warning system for authorities facing potential failure and challenge. The LAO’s development will be an iterative process, and its functions will develop over time to fulfil its long-term vision.
We are looking for a charismatic and influential leader with strong strategic leadership experience to oversee the establishment of the LAO. You will lead on the establishment and strategic development of the organisation following launch, while ensuring the broader programme of audit reform for local bodies (including rebuilding assurance following the backlog) is delivered successfully to restore accountability, transparency, and public trust. You will provide visible, public facing leadership for the LAO, and play a crucial role in the development and growth of the LAO through support, challenge and advice on both the immediate delivery milestones and the strategic and longer-term direction of the organisation. You will influence a wide range of government and sector stakeholders, build consensus and navigate complex challenges. Through collaborative leadership across organisational boundaries, you will play a key role in driving forward these critical reforms.
You will be at the heart of a bold and ambitious mission to transform the local audit system. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact for communities and taxpayers across the country. If you believe you have the experience and skills we are seeking, I would like to encourage you to consider applying to help the government tackle the challenges and rebuild the system.
Full details of the role, responsibilities and commitments are set out in this document, and I hope you will decide to apply. We want to receive applications from a wide range of individuals; we welcome candidates from traditionally under-represented groups, including those from an ethnic minority background.
If you have further questions about any aspect of the role or the application process, please contact PublicAppointments@communities.gov.uk.
Appointment descriptionKey Responsibilities
- Leadership and Governance
- As Chair you will operate in a governance and strategic capacity providing independent advice and leadership to the Local Audit Office.
- Provide visible, authoritative public facing leadership, support, constructive challenge and advice on the establishment of the Local Audit Office, delivery milestones, and strategic long-term direction of the organisation.
- Promote the highest standards of governance to ensure the Local Audit Office can act with independence, credibility and objectivity in a complex environment demonstrating complete integrity and commitment to transparency in decision making and operations.
- Cultivate a positive organisational culture and ethos, bringing together a diversity of working cultures and staff from a range of backgrounds and experience.
- Foster a culture of engagement, inclusivity, and growth, to create a thriving workplace to attract and retain talent, boost productivity, and drive success.
- Operational Delivery
- Support the recruitment of the Controller of Local Audit whilst working with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to establish the Local Audit Office’s key functions.
- Lead the Local Audit Office Board in establishing and maintaining the operational independence of the Local Audit Office.
- Hold the Controller of Local Audit and executive team accountable and oversee their performance.
- Provide oversight of the Local Audit Office’s use of resources, including how public funds are spent.
- Support the recruitment of externally facing leadership roles which will provide expert support, guidance, and external views on the Local Audit Office.
- You will oversee timely performance reporting of the Local Audit Office’s operations and functions to the Secretary of State/Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
- Strategy and Vision
- Provide independent support and constructive challenge to the Controller regarding the long-term development of the Local Audit Office as an independent body.
- Establish a strong working relationship with the Controller, providing support and advice as appropriate.
- Engagement
- Act as an advocate to champion the profile of local audit across the broader corporate audit and regulatory landscape.
- Support engagement focused activities, including leading a comprehensive programme of engagement with the local audit system and sector, cross-government stakeholders, and members of the public.
This will be a demanding role in a complex system, working across boundaries and navigating difficult challenges. You will need to influence and bring key decision makers with you, whilst presenting an inspiring and motivating vision for the future of the local audit system. You will be responsible for managing a broad range of stakeholder interests, fostering trust and building consensus, particularly with local audit bodies whose confidence in the Local Audit Office will be critical to its success.
Local Audit Office – Chair (Full Time) employer: Local Gov
Contact Detail:
Local Gov Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Audit Office – Chair (Full Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the local audit sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Local Audit Office and its recent reforms. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about transforming the local audit system. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your public speaking skills! As Chair, you’ll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Join a local Toastmasters club or practice with friends to boost your confidence and clarity when presenting your ideas.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, hit that 'Apply Now' button and show us what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Local Audit Office – Chair (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with clues about what we’re looking for in a candidate. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: As the Chair of the Local Audit Office, we want to see your strategic leadership experience shine through. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in complex environments.
Be Authentic and Engaging: We’re looking for a charismatic leader, so let your personality come through in your application. Don’t be afraid to share your passion for public service and how you envision making an impact in this role. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary details and resources to help you along the way. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Gov
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of the Local Audit Office and its significance in the public sector. Familiarise yourself with recent reforms and challenges in local audit systems, as well as the specific responsibilities of the Chair. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience and how it aligns with the vision for the Local Audit Office. Think about examples where you've successfully navigated complex challenges or built consensus among diverse stakeholders. This will highlight your ability to foster a positive organisational culture and drive strategic initiatives.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about how you would engage with various stakeholders, including government bodies and local authorities. Consider strategies for building trust and collaboration, as well as how you would advocate for the Local Audit Office's role in enhancing transparency and accountability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the current landscape of local audit. Inquire about the challenges the Local Audit Office faces and how they envision the Chair contributing to overcoming these hurdles. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
