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15 August 2025

Community news, Democracy news, News

We’re looking for an independent member to join our audit and governance committee.

Are you passionate about improving local governance? Are you looking to enhance your skills and add value to your community? If so, we are seeking independent members to join our audit and governance committee.

The primary role of the audit and governance committee is to independently provide assurance to the council regarding the adequacy of governance arrangements, internal control, financial performance, and risk management.

Voluntary co-opted member

We currently have a voluntary co-opted position available on the committee. This is an exciting opportunity to engage with various challenges and have a more active role in your local community.

As a voluntary co-opted member, you will:

Offer an independent perspective on council governance and assurance frameworks
Collaborate with the committee to monitor and review the governance of Epping Forest District Council
Gain new skills and access training and development opportunities
Make a non-political contribution to the local community
Participate in engaging and stimulating meetings
Contribute to projects that have a lasting impact for future generations
Hold the council accountable on behalf of your community

Committee meetings take place in the evening at the civic offices. There are typically 5 meetings held each year, lasting approximately 2 hours. Additionally, there may be occasional training sessions and preparation required for meetings.

Duties and responsibilities

Attend audit and governance committee meetings as required
Fully participate in discharging the committee’s functions outlined in the terms of reference
Actively promote good governance within Epping Forest District Council
Participate in training and development events to promote awareness of the committee’s role and remit

Person specification

Eligibility

To be eligible for this role, you must:

Live or work in the Epping Forest district, or have a local connection
Not be a current or former member or officer of Epping Forest District Council or any town or parish council within the district within the past 5 years
Not have close associations with any current members or employees of Epping Forest District Council
Have no unspent criminal convictions
Not be an undischarged bankrupt
Have no significant business dealings with Epping Forest District Council that could compromise your independence or pose a conflict of interest
Have no affiliations with any political group or engagement in party political activities
Publicly declare and register any relevant interests, and adhere to the council’s constitution in carrying out your duties as an independent member

Essential criteria

Be able to demonstrate independence from the council
A good understanding of governance, risk management and control
Integrity, objectivity, discretion and the ability to make decisions in line with the Nolan principles
Ability to analyse complex information, question probe and seek clarification so to come to an independent and unbiased view
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

Desirable criteria

Have a local connection to the Epping Forest district
A broad range of experience, preferably in a medium or large organisation in any sector at a senior level or other experience which would provide similar benefits
Understanding of the political environment that local authorities operate within
Knowledge or experience in finance, risk management, performance management or audit and / or general management of businesses or public sector organisations
An interest, experience or knowledge of public sector governance issues. Understanding of the current policy agenda for local services

Allowance and expenses

The successful candidate will receive an annual allowance of £500, subject to approval by full council. Reasonable expenses can be claimed according to the council’s constitution.

The term of office for an independent member of the audit and governance committee is 3 years.

How to apply

Send your CV and covering letter with your application, clearly stating if you meet all the eligibility and person specifications, to Owen Sparks, Strategic Director and Section 151 Officer by:

Email lkirman@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
Post to: Epping Forest District Council, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping CM16 4BZ

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 3 September 2025. Interviews will be held in September 2025.

Want to know more

If you’dlike to know more about the role or specific information about the audit and governance committee contact Laura Kirman at:

Call 01992 564273
Email lkirman@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

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