Main Responsibility

You'll: 

• be part of the Committee in an advisory and consultative capacity but will not have a vote unlike the elected members of the Committee who are entitled to vote. 
• will be expected to provide specialist knowledge and insight to the workings and deliberations of the Committee and to support the Committee in providing effective, independent assurance of the adequacy of the risk management framework, an independent review of the Council’s financial and non-financial performance, and in providing independent challenge to, and assurance over, the Council’s internal control framework and wider governance processes.
• Actively promote good governance, risk management and control in the delivery of the Council's functions. 
• Attend and participate in formal Committee meetings, providing external challenge and support in relation to reports presented to the Committee. Each Independent Member will need to be available for up to eight meetings per year of the Audit & Standards Committee which will be held at County Buildings in Stafford, during normal office hours.
• Prepare for each meeting by reading the agenda papers and additional information to familiarise yourself with the issues under discussion and consider the questions you may wish to put to officers.  To be available on occasions for email or telephone consultation.  
• At the meetings ask questions in a way which is apolitical, non-judgemental and respects confidentiality.
• Keep up to date with key issues for the Council; to develop your understanding of the key priorities and initiatives being pursued.
• Contribute to achieving open, accountable and transparent local democracy in Staffordshire.
• To abide by the Council’s Constitution and Members’ Code of Conduct. 

The Ideal Candidate

You will:

• be a general member of the public (i.e. a non-elected representative)
• have good advocacy skills:
• be able to present relevant and well-reasoned arguments, and provide effective and constructive challenge
• have an ability to set aside own views and always remain open-minded, objective, and impartial and act with integrity
• have an ability to analyse, interpret and absorb information and evidence effectively and quickly
• have good communication and interpersonal skills; a confident public speaker
• an ability and willingness to challenge ideas and contribute positively to policy development
• an understanding the role of officers, members and other agencies and ability to have constructive and challenging dialogue with other Members and Officers
• have respect for, and desire to work with different groups and individuals with a commitment to supporting continual improvement and development within the Council
• have practical experience in financial management/accountancy within the public or private sector.
• have knowledge of financial controls and management, and/or governance, risk and audit matters.
• have an understanding and compliance with confidentiality requirements

Unfortunately you cannot be appointed as an Independent Member if you:

• have significant previous dealings with the Council which may compromise (or give the appearance of compromising) their impartiality and independence. 
• are a member of a local authority, or have been in the last five years, or are actively engaged in local party-political activity.
• are an employee or consultant to the Authority or other partner organisation with which the Council has dealings and which might affect your impartiality.
• are related to, or are a close friend/associate of, any Member or senior officer of the Council.
• a Member of Parliament

You must disclose to the Council any matter that might damage the reputation of the Council or indicate a real or perceived conflict of interest with the role of the Audit Committee.

Application process

Prospective candidates are invited to apply for the position by attaching their up to date CV in teh application form when asked to do so and also completing the supporting statement and role specific questions.

In your supporting statement it will be helpful if you can cover:

•  why you wish to be considered for the post of Independent Member and what you could offer the Council.
• Give brief details of your experience (e.g. employment / business / professional / voluntary / public service) and qualifications, and any other matter which you consider relevant to your suitability for appointment.
• Please also explain how you meet the role profile and person specification outlined in the application pack attached on the Staffordshire careers job board.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too. 

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post. 

Closing date: 16 September 2024

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.