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Job Description

London Borough of Havering

Independent Member – Audit Committee

Help Shape Good Governance in Havering

The London Borough of Havering is seeking to appoint up to two Independent Members to join its Audit Committee.

This is an exciting opportunity to use your professional skills, experience and insight to support transparency, accountability and strong governance in one of London's largest boroughs. By joining the Committee, you will play an important role in helping the Council deliver high-quality services for local residents and businesses.

We welcome applications from people with a range of professional backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from individuals who can bring fresh perspectives, constructive challenge and diverse experiences to our discussions.

About Havering's Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is a key part of the Council's governance framework. It provides independent assurance that the Council has effective arrangements in place for:

• Risk management
• Internal control
• Financial reporting
• Corporate governance
• Fraud prevention and anti-corruption activity

The Committee oversees both internal and external audit functions and helps ensure that the Council maintains robust systems of accountability and assurance while delivering its priorities for Havering's communities.

The Committee currently comprises six elected councillors and is seeking to strengthen its expertise through the appointment of up to two Independent Non-Voting Members.

About the Role

As an Independent Member, you will bring an external viewpoint, professional expertise and independent challenge to support the Committee's work.

Working alongside elected Members, senior officers and external auditors, you will help ensure effective oversight of governance, risk management, internal controls and financial stewardship.

This role offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to public service while broadening your own experience of governance within a large and complex local authority. Whether you are looking to share established expertise or further develop your knowledge of the public sector, this role offers a rewarding way to make a meaningful contribution to your local community.

About You

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some or all of the following:

• Knowledge of corporate governance, assurance or accountability arrangements within the public, private or voluntary sector.
• Experience of working at a senior level, leading teams, managing risk or supporting organisational decision-making.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Financial Management
  • Internal Audit
  • External Audit
  • Risk Management
  • Corporate Governance
• The ability to analyse and challenge complex information effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Sound judgement, integrity and objectivity.
• An understanding of the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with attention to detail.
• Confidence to provide constructive challenge and ask probing questions.
• A commitment to supporting the continued development and effectiveness of the Audit Committee.

We Value Diversity

We are committed to building a Committee that benefits from a broad range of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all communities and identities, including those who may be under-represented in governance and leadership roles.

If you meet most, but not all, of the criteria, we would still welcome an application. We value transferable skills and recognise that expertise can be gained through a variety of professional and lived experiences.

Term of Appointment

• Initial appointment for a four-year term.
• Eligible for reappointment for one further four-year term, subject to Council approval.

Allowance and Expenses

Independent Members will receive:

• An annual allowance of £1,100, paid in monthly instalments.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and subsistence expenses in line with Council policy.

Time Commitment

The role typically involves:

• Attendance at approximately four to six Audit Committee meetings each year.

• Meetings are normally held in the evening and last around two hours.
• Meetings take place in person at:

Havering Town Hall
Main Road
Romford
RM1 3BB

In addition, members should allow time to review papers in advance of meetings and may choose to attend training and development sessions throughout the year.

The estimated total commitment is approximately 10-15 days per year, including meeting preparation and development activities.

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming an Independent Member of Havering's Audit Committee, please submit a supporting statement of no more than two pages outlining:

• Why you are interested in the role; and
• How your skills, knowledge and experience make you a suitable candidate.

Further Information

If you would like an informal discussion about the role or require any additional information, please contact:

Maria Denton
Email: Maria.Denton@havering.gov.uk

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 24/07/2026, however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.

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