Independent Non-Executive Director in London

Shape governance for a trusted not-for-profit public body. Join as Independent Non-Executive Director to steer strategy, uphold integrity, and guide AI-enabled growth. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next phase of Smaller Authorities' Audit Appointments Ltd, the not-for-profit Sector Led Body for Smaller Authorities with annual turnover under £15 million, and to support the reputation, capacity and future audit arrangements of local councils, drainage boards and other Smaller Authorities in England.

The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 abolished the Audit Commission and introduced a new audit framework, leading to the creation of SAAA in 2016 to procure, appoint and oversee external auditors for 10,000 smaller authorities. SAAA is the ‘specified person’ appointed by the Secretary of State to carry out statutory functions under audit legislation. Since its establishment, SAAA has been successful and is now building on that progress.

We are seeking a Board member for the SAAA Board of Directors who can demonstrate ethical leadership, uphold the highest standards of integrity, probity and corporate governance, and bring AI skills to support the organisation’s future development.

Duties and responsibilities

• Comply with duties as a director of the Company, as codified in the Companies Act 2006.
• Attend quarterly Board meetings and other occasional meetings.
• Developing and setting the strategy and policy of the company.
• Demonstrate ethical leadership and promote the highest standards of integrity, probity, and corporate governance throughout the Company in line with the Nolan principles.
• Set clear expectations concerning the Company’s culture, values and behaviours and the style and tone of Board discussions.
• Help ensure effective communication with stakeholders.
• Involvement in board policy making and ensuring organisational independence from MHCLG and sector membership organisations (e.g., NALC, SLCC & ADA).
• Ensuring that the quality and timeliness of auditor work is maintained by reviewing and acting on regular quality reports.
• Monitor decisions taken at board meetings are implemented.
• Occasionally representing the Company at appropriate events, meetings, or functions.
• Act as a spokesperson for the Company where appropriate.
• Liaise with Chief Executive Officer/senior paid staff to keep an overview of the Company’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate.
• Promote a culture of mutual respect, openness, and debate by facilitating the effective contribution of non-executive directors and ensuring constructive relations between Member Directors and Independent Directors.
• Liaise with MHCLG senior officials, and ensure statutory requirements are met for example, the setting statutory Scales of Fees for auditor work.
• Approving the annual budget and annual accounts of SAAA.
• Participation in recruitment and appraising the performance of Chief Executive Officer/senior paid staff if appropriate.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• Understanding of audit legislation.
• Experience of contract setting, performance management and monitoring.
• Knowledge and experience of procurement.
• Experience of setting strategic direction of organisation.
• Ability to work effectively as a Board.
• Excellent communication skills.

Desirable criteria:

• AI skills and experience.
• Experience and knowledge of business transformation and IT development.
• Knowledge and experience of local authority audit.
• Ability to work with local authorities, auditors and government.
• Ability to manage any conflicts of interest.
• Knowledge of the limited assurance review framework for smaller authorities.
• Specialist individual areas of expertise.

Further information

SAAA is a not-for-profit private limited company established to procure audit services for the Smaller Authority sector. SAAA has a total of 8 Directors – one Member Director from each of the membership organisations and five independent non-executive Directors. Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd (SAAA) is responsible for appointing external auditors to over 10,000 smaller authorities in England, including parish councils and internal drainage boards. We are in a period of digital transformation and governance strengthening, including the delivery of our AGAR digital programme and continued development of skills based board governance.

Time requirements

It is envisaged that the role will be for 10 -20 days per year (including Board and committee meetings). Appointment is typically for a fixed term (e.g. 3 years) with potential for renewal.

Remuneration

£13,500 per annum plus reasonable expenses.

Work base

The position is home based. Occasional travel to the SAAA London office for meetings will be required, although travel expenses will be paid.

Closing Date: Thursday 20th August 2026

Interviews: Monday 7th September

Commitment to Diversity

SAAA is committed to improving the diversity and inclusivity of its Board, and we particularly welcome applications from candidates who bring diverse perspectives and lived experience.