At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic guidance and oversight to ensure high standards of governance.
- Company: Join the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
- Benefits: Earn £420 per day with flexible part-time hours.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming under-represented groups.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local audit transparency and accountability.
- Qualifications: Proven board-level experience and strong knowledge of public sector governance.
The predicted salary is between 20160 - 20160 € per year.
We are seeking five highly skilled and experienced Non‑Executive Directors to join the Local Audit Office Board. These roles will provide independent oversight, strategic guidance, and support to the Chair and executive management to ensure the Office operates with the highest standards of governance and accountability. The appointments are part of a major overhaul of the local audit system aiming to improve transparency, accountability and value for money.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide independent oversight and constructive challenge to the Controller of Local Audit and the Executive Management, supporting the establishment of the Office, delivery milestones and strategic direction.
- Contribute to the work of Board sub‑committees and the main Board, promoting governance and accountability best practice.
- Provide additional scrutiny, external expertise and discipline to promote transparent decision‑making of the Board and bring insight from wider experience.
- Support the operational independence of the Office while maintaining ministerial confidence in statutory functions.
- Represent the Organisation at external events and stakeholder engagements, fostering positive relationships.
- Act as an advocate for local audit across the corporate audit landscape, UK and internationally.
- Monitor the performance of the Executive Team and the Office, providing reporting, feedback and guidance.
- Ensure effective risk management practices are in place, identifying and addressing potential risks.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations and standards, maintaining high levels of corporate governance.
- Provide oversight of the Office’s use of resources, challenging and advising the decision‑making process.
Essential Criteria
- Proven board‑level experience as a non‑executive director or senior leadership in large, complex public or private sector organisations, or third sector.
- Strong knowledge of public sector governance, audit, risk and financial oversight, organisational development, transformation and performance monitoring.
- Excellent strategic thinking and independent, objective judgement – assessing complex issues, identifying key risks and mitigations, and supporting board decisions that improve accountability and value for money.
- Political astuteness and understanding of local and national government, Parliament, and the context of the Local Audit Office’s work.
- Strong communication, influencing and relationship management skills.
Desirable Criteria
- Strong understanding of the policy and regulatory framework for local financial reporting and audit, supported by relevant professional qualifications (e.g., accountancy, law, business administration).
- Experience of establishing or working within arm’s‑length bodies, leading or overseeing regulatory transformation, tackling complex system‑wide issues, holding executives to account, and delivering long‑term reforms in the public interest.
We welcome applications from traditionally under‑represented groups, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Local Audit Office – Non-Executive Directors (Part Time) employer: New Start
The Local Audit Office, part of the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, is an exceptional employer that values transparency, accountability, and governance excellence. With a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, the Office offers unique opportunities for professional growth and influence within the public sector, all while being centrally located in London. Joining our Board as a Non-Executive Director means contributing to meaningful reforms that enhance local audit practices and ensure value for money in public services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Audit Office – Non-Executive Directors (Part Time)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Show Up Prepared
When you get that interview, make sure you’re ready to impress! Research the Local Audit Office, understand their goals, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to showcase your skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
During interviews, don’t just sit back and answer questions. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the organisation and its challenges. This shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework, which we love to see!
✨Follow Up with Flair
After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can set you apart from other candidates. We believe that a little courtesy goes a long way in making a lasting impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Local Audit Office – Non-Executive Directors (Part Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Non-Executive Director. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; explain how your board-level experience and strategic thinking have made a difference in your past positions. We want to see how you can bring that expertise to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on public sector governance and audit practices. Familiarise yourself with the Local Audit Office's role and recent developments in local audit systems. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the key responsibilities and how you can contribute to improving transparency and accountability.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've had to assess complex issues and make strategic decisions. Be ready to discuss how you’ve provided oversight and constructive challenge in previous roles, as this is crucial for a Non-Executive Director position.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Strong communication skills are essential for influencing and managing relationships. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or colleague to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as both knowledgeable and approachable.
✨Understand the Political Landscape
Brush up on your knowledge of local and national government structures and current political issues that may affect the Local Audit Office. Being politically astute will not only help you in the interview but also in your role if you get the job, as it’s important to navigate these dynamics effectively.
