Independent Audit Committee Member - CMB2462e

Location(s): Cumberland

Contract: Length of appointment is to be for a term of five years.

Salary: An allowance of up to £1,200 p/a is payable together with reimbursement of any allowable expenses.

About this opportunity

The audit committee is a key component of Cumberland Council's corporate governance framework. It provides an independent and high‑level focus on the audit, assurance and reporting arrangements that underpin good governance and financial standards. The purpose of the audit committee is to provide independent assurance to the Council on the adequacy of the risk management framework and the internal control environment. It provides an independent review of CC's governance, risk management and control frameworks and oversees the financial reporting and annual governance processes. It oversees internal audit and external audit, helping to ensure efficient and effective assurance arrangements are in place.

As part of these arrangements, the Council is seeking to appoint an Independent Member, who will play a key role as part of the committee. An independent member is a member of the general public who works alongside the six councillors on the committee. They contribute to the work of the committee by bringing specialist knowledge and skills to the process and providing an element of external challenge and support. The council is looking for someone who has knowledge of local government and a relevant specialism (e.g. Accountancy / Audit / Governance) can demonstrate an ability to establish good working relationships with Councillors and managers. An independent member is objective and politically independent with an ability to analyse information. An independent member is expected to attend formal meetings of the Audit Committee in person and to prepare for each meeting by reading the agenda papers and supporting information in order to be familiar with the issues for discussion.

Qualifications & Criteria

• Some knowledge of local government or some other aspects of the public sector and/or of large, complex organisations at a senior level.
• Knowledge and understanding of public sector finances, risk management, corporate governance and the roles of internal and external audit.
• High standards of personal integrity.
• The ability to be objective, independent and impartial and exercise sound judgment.
• Sound questioning, analytical and decision‑making skills.
• Good communication skills and the ability to contribute to discussions.
• A respect for confidentiality.

The appointment is likely to be for a term of five years and will attract a fixed allowance together with reimbursement of any allowable expenses. There are usually six meetings per year, held in the morning at Carlisle, Workington or Whitehaven, with additional training sessions arranged also.

Ineligibility

• Persons who have been within the last 5 years a member or officer of the Council; and
• Persons who are related to, or a close friend of, a current member or officer of the Council.

Persons interested in applying for this position should complete the attached application form. Anyone wishing to discuss the position before submitting an application should contact Michael Roper on 07518294374.

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We are a Disability Confident Leader and an Age Friendly Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application and Interview Information

Closing date: 8th May

Interview date: Late May (TBC)

If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk. Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who meet the essential criteria, including:

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under.
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).