POSITIONS: INDEPENDENT MEMBER/S FOR AUDIT & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE (UP TO 2 POSITIONS)

Location: Meetings are currently held at the Town Hall, Market Street, Tamworth but from July 2025 are planned to be held from the Council Chamber in Marmion House, Lichfield St, Tamworth.
Time Commitment: Attendance at Audit Committee meetings 6 times per year (approx. 2 hrs each) plus reading preparation time
Term: 3 years
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Remuneration: To be confirmed by Independent Remuneration Panel, proposed allowance of £500-£750 per annum – see link to report to Audit & Governance Committee:https://tamworth.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s41270/Independent%20Member%20Recruitment%20Main%20Report.pdf
At Tamworth Borough Council, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of financial integrity and accountability. To further strengthen our governance and ensure the robustness of our audit and financial management practices, we are seeking to appoint two Independent Members to our Audit & Governance Committee. The ideal candidates will have a strong knowledge of audit and financial management.
The Audit & Governance Committee plays a critical role in overseeing our internal and external audit processes, risk management, financial reporting, and compliance. This is an exciting opportunity for up to two experienced individuals to contribute to strengthening financial governance and transparency at a strategic level.

As an independent member, your responsibilities will include:

• Provide appropriate skills and experience to supplement those of the elected members.
• Bring knowledge and insight in the activities of the Audit & Goverrnance Committee.
• Support the committee to provide effective and independent assurance over internal financial control, risk management and governance, reviewing financial statements and seeking assurance from the work of the internal and external auditors.
• To engage fully in considerations of the issues presented before the Audit & Governance Committee, taking into account any necessary guidance or legislation.
• Promote the concept of effective risk management, financial control and good governance.
• The roles do not have voting or decision-making powers.

The specification for the roles is at Appendix A. The Committee’s terms of reference can be found at Article 9, page 19 of the Council’s constitution at the following link:
https://tamworth.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s40886/Constitution20thEditionV2ForModGov.pdf
We have a preference for candidates who have either lived or worked within the Borough or have a connection to the Borough. While operating as a member of the Committee, Independent Members will be expected to follow the Nolan Principles of Standards in Public Life, which form the basis of the elected Members’ Code of Conduct.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Have a local connection to Tamworth but be able to demonstrate independence from the Council. (Essential)
A broad range of experience, preferably in a medium/large organisation in any sector at a senior level or other experience which would provide similar benefits. (Desirable)
A good understanding of governance, risk management and control. (Essential)
Integrity, objectivity, discretion and the ability to make decisions in line with the Nolan principles. (Essential)
Ability to analyse complex information, question probe and seek clarification so to come to an independent and unbiased view. (Essential)
Understanding of the political environment that local authorities operate within. (Desirable)
Effective interpersonal skills, including good communication skills, the ability to cooperate with others in a committee and demonstrate tact and diplomacy in handling sensitive matters. (Essential)
For the Audit aspect of the role – knowledge/experience in finance, risk management, performance management or audit and/or general management of businesses or public sector organisations. (Desirable)
For the Committee aspect of the role - an interest, experience or knowledge of public sector governance issues. Understanding of the current policy agenda for local services. (Desirable)

Confirmation from the Candidate that they are not a member or officer at Tamworth Borough Council or have been so in the preceding five years prior to appointment; and:

• not closely associated with anyone who is now a member/employee of Tamworth Borough Council;
• have no unspent criminal convictions (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act applies). The Council has the right to DBS check any independent committee members.
• not an undischarged bankrupt;
• do not have significant business dealings, including significant business dealings (contractual arrangements) with Tamworth Borough Council, which could be seen to be prejudicial to a person’s independence or represent a conflict of interests during the previous 3 years, prior to application.
• do not have any connection with any political group or be engaged in any party-political activity.
• do not have a proven history of vexatious and/or frivolous complaints against the Council; and
• not the holder of a significant office in an organisation being grant aided/supported by the Council. (Essential)

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 36 months
Pay: £500.00-£750.00 per year

Schedule:

• Flexitime

Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 20/06/202

• Provide appropriate skills and experience to supplement those of the elected members.
• Bring knowledge and insight in the activities of the Audit & Goverrnance Committee.
• Support the committee to provide effective and independent assurance over internal financial control, risk management and governance, reviewing financial statements and seeking assurance from the work of the internal and external auditors.
• To engage fully in considerations of the issues presented before the Audit & Governance Committee, taking into account any necessary guidance or legislation.
• Promote the concept of effective risk management, financial control and good governance.
• The roles do not have voting or decision-making powers