At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Audit Committee to ensure effective governance and risk management.
- Company: Kingston Council, a vibrant and diverse community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Receive an annual allowance and gain valuable experience in governance.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, audit, or corporate governance is preferred.
Independent Member of the Audit, Governance & Standards Committee
Employer: Kingston Council
Location(s): Kingston
Workplace Type: On-site Only
Contract Type: Volunteer
Working Hours: Bank/Casual/Sessional, Volunteer
Grade: Other Grade (Other)
Volunteer - allowance or expenses can be paid
Application Deadline: 01/09/2026, 23:55
Anticipated Interview Date(s): TBC
About the Borough: Found in zone 6 with good transport links in and out of London, Kingston is a vibrant and diverse university town which creates the rich sense of community shared across the borough and its Residents. Kingston boasts an idyllic riverside location, good shopping and great restaurants, as well as a mix of modern and historic town centre. Kingston has lots of open parklands and cycle routes that help connect the district town centres into an enjoyable place to live and work. We are passionate about working closely with our residents and vulnerable groups to help them maintain their independence and create a balance between support and independent living.
About the Role and our Ideal Candidate: We are looking for someone with the necessary skills, enthusiasm and commitment to be a member of the Committee and to bring an external perspective to its work. The purpose of the Committee is to provide independent assurance of the effectiveness of:
- the governance arrangements of the Authority, including standards of conduct
- the Authority’s risk management framework
- the Authority’s annual statement of accounts and internal control and audit systems
Applicants will have experience either within a financial or audit background, or of wider corporate governance issues more generally. The Committee normally meets four times a year at 7.30pm in the Guildhall, Kingston upon Thames. This role is not open to current Members or employees of the Royal Borough or who have served/been employed in either of those capacities within the last five years. Applicants must not have a background of political activity or campaigning which may reasonably call into question the perception of their independence. An allowance of £643.79 per annum is payable for the role.
About Us: The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee of the Royal Borough of Kingston currently has a vacancy for an Independent Member who either lives within the Borough or close to it.
Our Offer To You: As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential and will offer you a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment to grow and develop your career and skills. We’re constantly striving to improve our ways of working so putting your ideas across however big or small; will be fully encouraged and supported by your colleagues and our dynamic and experienced management team. Employees have access to a wide range of benefits to enable staff to achieve a work life balance, some of which include:
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 25-32 days, plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time working hours apply) depending on service and grade.
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependents leave
- Three volunteering days per year in Kingston
- Hybrid working (dependent on the role)
- Flexible and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks
- Learning and development portal offering a range of courses
- Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres
- Interest free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle leasing scheme
- Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support
Application Process: We understand and recognise the benefits of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace and are embracing AI where appropriate, to boost our productivity and streamline how we deliver our Council services efficiently; to provide the best possible outcomes for our residents and communities. However, we reserve the right to reject applications where it is apparent that AI-generated content has been used in isolation and without personalised responses. At Kingston we value authenticity and are looking for individuals who can clearly demonstrate their own skills, experience and motivation for the role that they are applying for and embrace and demonstrate our STAR values. Here at Kingston we have core values of Transparency and this is to be demonstrated during the application process and completion of the supporting statement and will be further tested at interview and selection stage for those who progress forward. The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received, it is strongly advised that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. As part of our award winning Diversity Programme we anonymise all applications received to reduce conscious and unconscious bias enabling every application to be reviewed on the knowledge, skills and experience shown in your application. We encourage our interview panels to be as diverse as possible (age, cultural, neurodiverse etc.) to reduce bias where possible. We are fully committed to removing barriers and enhancing the diversity of our workforce.
Additional Information: We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming Borough and we strive to create a workforce which reflects the community we serve, and instil a sense of belonging in our staff. We celebrate and respect differences and appreciate the value of having a diverse workforce, therefore we welcome applications from under represented groups. To support our workers and their families we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums and inclusive staff networks who help drive our diversity agenda. We are also proud to be a disability confident employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for a role. As an accredited London Living Wage Employer all our employees are guaranteed the London Living Wage regardless of their length or type of contract. The UK has a points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non‑EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance. Sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case‑by‑case basis.
Independent Audit & Governance Committee Member (Volunteer) in Kingston upon Thames employer: LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON
The London Borough of Sutton is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and community engagement. As a Dance Enrichment Tutor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of learners with special educational needs, while enjoying a collaborative environment that fosters growth and innovation. With a commitment to quality assurance and a vibrant curriculum, you will be part of a team dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes in a diverse and inclusive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Audit & Governance Committee Member (Volunteer) in Kingston upon Thames
✨Connect with Local Community Projects
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✨Check Online Portals and Local Councils
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✨Get Involved in Public Sector Events
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✨Network with Fellow Volunteers
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We think you need these skills to ace Independent Audit & Governance Committee Member (Volunteer) in Kingston upon Thames
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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON!
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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON. Let’s make sure you can be the mighty force we need on the ground!
How to prepare for a job interview at LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON
✨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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON.
✨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.
