Independent Governance and Audit Committee Member

What will you be doing?

Kent County Council is seeking a second Independent Member to join its Governance and Audit Committee, ideally for a four‑year term.

The Committee provides independent assurance on the Council’s governance, risk management, financial management and internal control arrangements, helping to ensure strong accountability in the delivery of public services.

This voluntary role involves attending daytime meetings at County Hall, Maidstone, normally at least six times a year, and offering constructive, independent challenge and scrutiny. An annual allowance of £1,700 is payable, along with expenses and dependants’ carers’ allowances.

Help strengthen good governance at Kent County Council

This is a valuable opportunity to play a key role in providing independent challenge and assurance on how the Council manages its business – from risk management and internal controls to financial reporting and governance arrangements.

As a member of the Committee, you will help ensure the Council is transparent, accountable and well‑governed, directly supporting the effective delivery of services that make a real difference to communities across Kent.

Your insight, independence and constructive challenge will help shape the framework for managing council business and uphold the highest standards of public sector governance.

Background

Kent County Council operates a Governance and Audit Committee that is accountable directly to Council. Its role is to provide independent and high-level focus on the adequacy of governance, risk, finance, and control arrangements of the Council.

The full Terms of Reference for the Audit Committee is attached.

It operates with due regard to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's (CIPFA) good practice guidance and Position Statements last updated in 2022.

Duties and Responsibilities / Time Commitment

To attend Governance and Audit Committee meetings as and when required. The Committee normally meets at least six time a year (January, March, May, July, September, October, November); however, the number of meetings will vary depending on business need. The Committee meets during the day, normally starting at 10.00. Meetings last between 2 to 3 hours (but may be longer on occasion) and you would also need to allow for some preparation time. Meetings are held in person in County Hall, Maidstone.

There are minimum mandatory training requirements for elected Members and substitutes of the Committee, and it is expected that the Independent Member will attend sufficient training as part of their induction to ensure they understand the specific governance and operational context of Kent County Council.

To attend other briefings and training events as required, some of which are held prior to the start of each meeting, or online.

To actively promote good governance, risk management and control in the delivery of the Council's functions.

To be an independent source of support for Council’s Governance and Audit Committee providing independent challenge and scrutiny in response to reports presented to it.

To behave in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

Co-opted members are subject to the Kent Code of Members Conduct.

Knowledge and Skills

The candidate for the position of Independent Member of the Audit Committee will ideally have:

• extensive experience of working with or being a member of an Audit Committee.
• a financial or audit type background and appropriate experience of financial management.
• a good understanding of governance, risk management and control.
• integrity, objectivity, discretion, and the ability to make decisions.
• an ability to analyse complex information, question, probe and seek clarification so to come to an independent and unbiased view.
• experience of working in or with large, complex organisations with an understanding of the political environment that local authorities operate within,
• good interpersonal and communication skills.

You should not:

• have been a member or employee of the Council at any time during the last 2 years.
• be a relative or close friend of a member or officer of the Council.
• be engaged in any party political activity.
• have any criminal convictions or be an un-discharged bankrupt.
• have any significant business dealings with the Council.

Remuneration

An allowance of £1700 is payable per annum. The Independent Governance and Audit Committee Member is also entitled to claim expenses and the Dependents’ Carers’ Allowances.

Applications are required by 18th May 2026 and interviews will be held on the 24th and 25th June 2026 in person. If successfully shortlisted, you will be invited for a short interview with a panel of Members from the Committee including the Chair and Vice Chair.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the specification to Katy Reynolds, Governance Advisor at Katy.Reynolds@kent.gov.uk

About you

If you have any questions and are interested in this position, please send a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the specification to Katy Reynolds, Governance Advisor at Katy.Reynolds@kent.gov.uk. If you have any queries regarding your application, she can be contacted on tel: 03000 422252

About us

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.