Interim Director of Governance, Risk & Assurance
Interim Director of Governance, Risk & Assurance

Interim Director of Governance, Risk & Assurance

Temporary 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Panoramic Associates Limted

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead governance, risk, and assurance initiatives to drive measurable improvements.
  • Company: Local authority in London under significant external scrutiny.
  • Benefits: Negotiable salary and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Step into a critical role and influence positive change in local governance.
  • Qualifications: Director-level experience in local government or regulated environments required.
  • Other info: Opportunities for interim and permanent roles available.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

This is a critical interim appointment within a London local authority operating under significant external scrutiny, following statutory recommendations and ongoing engagement with auditors and regulators.

They need someone who can step in quickly, take control of the narrative, and drive real, measurable improvement across governance, risk and assurance.

Reporting to the Corporate Director of Resources (s151), you will take ownership of the council’s response to compliance, audit, risk and internal control challenges. Your remit will centre on strengthening assurance, restoring confidence and ensuring that audit and regulatory findings translate into embedded, sustainable change.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and coordinate the council’s response to statutory recommendations, ensuring clear delivery plans, ownership and measurable outcomes.
  • Provide strategic oversight of the corporate risk management framework, embedding consistent risk identification, escalation and mitigation across all directorates.
  • Oversee the Internal Audit function, ensuring audit plans are aligned to key risks and that recommendations are delivered and closed down.
  • Establish robust assurance reporting to Members, Corporate Leadership Team and committees, improving visibility and supporting decision-making.
  • Act as the key interface with external auditors, inspectorates and regulators, ensuring credible, timely and well-managed engagement.
  • Strengthen and embed effective internal control environments, particularly across financial governance, procurement and decision-making.
  • Lead oversight of investigations and counter-fraud activity, ensuring independence, rigour and appropriate resolution.
  • Drive delivery of the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) from a governance, compliance and assurance perspective.
  • Provide independent challenge and advice to Members (including the Mayor), Corporate Directors and senior officers.
  • Support and enhance key governance forums, including Audit Committee and assurance boards.
  • Ensure alignment between risk, finance, performance and governance, creating a joined-up assurance framework.
  • Lead and stabilise teams across audit, risk, compliance and assurance, ensuring capability is fit for purpose.
  • Identify and manage emerging risks linked to organisational change, financial pressure and ongoing scrutiny.

You’ll likely have operated at the Director level within local government or a similarly regulated environment. You’ll be comfortable working with Members, s151 officers, auditors and regulators, and able to provide calm, credible leadership when it matters most.

If the role sounds of interest, I’d be happy to share more details or arrange a quick call. Just reply with your CV or let me know a good time to speak.

Even if this role isn’t quite the right fit, I’d still love to hear from you. We have other exciting interim and permanent opportunities in the pipeline, and Panoramic Associates also runs a referral scheme, so if you know someone suitable, feel free to share!

Interim Director of Governance, Risk & Assurance employer: Panoramic Associates Limted

As an Interim Director of Governance, Risk & Assurance within a London local authority, you will be part of a dynamic and impactful team dedicated to driving meaningful change in governance and compliance. The organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values transparency and accountability, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a high-stakes environment. With a focus on continuous improvement and strong leadership, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant difference while working closely with key stakeholders and enhancing public trust.
Panoramic Associates Limted

Contact Detail:

Panoramic Associates Limted Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Director of Governance, Risk & Assurance

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or related fields. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent challenges and successes. We want you to be able to speak confidently about how you can drive improvement in governance, risk, and assurance. Tailor your examples to show how you’ve tackled similar issues in the past.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. We love a proactive candidate!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting interim and permanent opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you that dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director of Governance, Risk & Assurance

Governance
Risk Management
Assurance
Compliance
Audit Management
Strategic Oversight
Stakeholder Engagement
Internal Control
Counter-Fraud Activity
Continuous Improvement
Leadership
Decision-Making
Change Management
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Director of Governance, Risk & Assurance. Highlight your experience in local government and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive change and manage risk.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past and how you can bring that expertise to our team.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role requires calm and credible leadership. In your application, emphasise your experience working with senior stakeholders and how you've successfully led teams through periods of change and scrutiny.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity as well as future roles that might suit you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Panoramic Associates Limted

✨Know Your Governance Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the latest governance, risk, and assurance frameworks relevant to local authorities. Familiarise yourself with statutory recommendations and how they impact decision-making. This will show that you’re not just a candidate but someone who understands the landscape.

✨Prepare Real-World Examples

Think of specific instances where you've successfully led teams through compliance challenges or improved internal controls. Be ready to discuss measurable outcomes from your previous roles, as this will demonstrate your ability to drive real change.

✨Engage with Key Stakeholders

Understand the dynamics of working with Members, auditors, and regulators. Prepare questions that show you’re keen to engage with these stakeholders effectively. This will highlight your collaborative approach and readiness to take ownership of the council’s response.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you stabilise teams during times of change. Share examples of how you’ve provided calm, credible leadership in high-pressure situations, as this is crucial for the role.

Interim Director of Governance, Risk & Assurance
Panoramic Associates Limted

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