Independent Person for Audit and Governance Committee
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council (RBWM) is looking to appoint an independent member to its Audit and Governance Committee.
The Audit and Governance Committee is a key component of the Council’s governance framework. Its purpose is to provide an independent and high-level focus on the adequacy of governance, risk and control arrangements at RBWM. The Committee’s role in ensuring that there is sufficient assurance over governance, risk and control gives greater confidence to all those charged with governance that those arrangements are effective. The Audit and Governance Committee has oversight of both internal and external audit together with the financial and governance reports, helping to ensure that there are adequate arrangements in place for both internal challenge and public accountability. Further information on the role of Audit and Governance Committee can be found in the Council Constitution, part 6.
As an independent member you will play an important role in enhancing the skills, experience and knowledge of the Audit and Governance Committee and supporting it to continue as a cornerstone of our governance and assurance framework.
If you are interested in playing a key role in enhancing governance and assurance, you are invited to apply for the position.
Job Description
As an Independent Person for the Audit and Governance Committee, you will:
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Consider and comment on reports from the External Auditor and consider the External Audit Annual Management Letter and reports.
- Consider and comment on the annual internal audit strategy and annual audit plan.
- Consider and comment on reports from SWAP Internal Audit Services (SWAP) on internal audit reviews undertaken in accordance with the annual audit plan.
- Consider any significant issues arising from external or internal audit work.
- Consider and comment on the SWAP annual report and assurance opinion and a summary of internal audit activity (actual and proposed), together with the level of assurance it can give over RBWM’s corporate governance arrangements.
- Monitor and comment on the effective development and operation of risk management policies in RBWM.
- Monitor and comment on RBWM arrangements to protect the Council from fraud and corruption, including the Anti-Fraud & Corruption Policy and the Whistle Blowing Policy.
- Review and approve the Annual Governance Statement and recommend it for signature by the Chief Executive and the Chair of RBWM for publication in the Statement of Accounts.
- Review the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy and make recommendations on risk control measures.
- Any other audit-related responsibilities as may from time to time be allocated.
Commitment
There will usually be four meetings a year which you will be expected to attend in person. They will usually be held in the Council Chamber in the Town Hall in Maidenhead. They will last approximately 2.5 hours, commencing at 18.30 on weekday, and time will also be needed before each meeting for preparation.
Experience
You will be a person who has experience of working in a medium / large organisation at a senior level or other experience which would give similar benefits.
Financial management, governance or internal audit experience would be advantageous.
Skills
You will have:
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an ability to understand complex issues and the importance of accountability and probity in public life.
- an ability to analyse and question written and verbal reports on audit and risk management activities.
- an understanding of the need for independence of audit from daily management responsibilities.
- an ability to demonstrate integrity and discretion.
- effective interpersonal skills.
- to be able to maintain strictest confidentiality of sensitive information.
You must:
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Have local connections, and either reside within the area of Windsor and Maidenhead, carry out the main part of your work within the Windsor and Maidenhead area or have other recognisable ties to the area.
- Agree to abide by the provisions of the Members Code of Conduct while serving on the Committee.
You must not:
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be a councillor or officer of RBWM or any of its Constituent Authorities or have been so in the five years prior to appointment.
- be related to, or a close friend of, any councillor or officer of RBWM.
- have been convicted of any offence attracting a sentence of imprisonment whether suspended or not for a period of 3 months without the option of a fine. RBWM has the right to DBS check any independent committee members.
- be an undischarged bankrupt.
- have significant business dealings with RBWM.
- have a formal connection with any political group.
- be an employee of or the holder of a significant office in an organisation with close commercial links with RBWM.
We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the stated end date.
