Transport for the North

Independent Member of Audit and Governance Committee x 2
Reference: APR20236039
Expiry date: 11:19, Fri, 12th May 2023
Location: Manchester
Salary: £250 Pro Rata
Benefits: £250 per meeting in addition to reasonable travel and subsistence costs.
Attachments: Roleprofile-Independantmemberofauditandgovernancecommitee_IC.pdf

TfN is looking to recruit an Independent Member of Audit and Governance

As part of the Audit and Governance Committee you will:

• Consider and comment on reports from the external Auditor and consider the External Audit Annual Management Letter and reports.
• Consider and comment on the annual internal audit strategy and annual audit plan.
• Consider and comment on reports from TfN’s internal audit provider, on internal audit reviews undertaken in accordance with the Annual Audit Plan.
• Consider any significant issues arising from external or internal audit work.
• Consider and comment on the annual internal audit report and assurance opinion and a summary of internal audit activity (actual and proposed), together with the level of assurance it can give over TfN’s corporate governance arrangements.
• Monitor and comment on the effective development and operation of risk management policies in TfN
• Monitor and comment on TfN’s arrangements to protect TfN from fraud and corruption, including the Anti-Fraud & Corruption Policy and the Whistle Blowing Policy.
• Review and approve the Annual Governance Statement and recommend it for signature by the Chief Executive and the Chair of TfN for publication in the Statement of Accounts.
• Review the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy and make recommendations on risk control measures. Any other audit related responsibilities as may from time to time be allocated.

The successful candidate will be expected to attend at least 4 of 5 meetings per year. Meetings are generally quarterly, with an additional meeting to support the approval of the year end accounts. Meetings are publicly accessible and are currently held online, although prior to Covid 19 they were generally held in Sheffield, Leeds or Manchester and lasted approximately 2.5 hours. Time will also be needed before each meeting for preparation.

What we are looking for:

The successful candidate will be a person who has experience of working in a medium / large organisation at a senior level or other experience which would give similar benefits, with experience of Financial management (accountancy, audit or management of a large budget) being advantageous.

You will possess the ability to understand complex issues and the importance of accountability and probity in public life, have the ability to analyse and question written and verbal reports on audit and risk management activities, combined with an understanding of the need for independence of audit from daily management responsibilities . Demonstrable integrity, discretion, and effective interpersonal skills, with an ability to maintain strictest confidentiality of sensitive information is a key behavioural competence of this role successor.

The expectation for the successful candidate is that they should have, or should acquire as soon as possible after appointment:

• An understanding of the objectives and key activities of TfN and current major initiative and significant issues for TfN
• An understanding of TfN’s structures and responsibilities, including key relationships with partners, businesses and organisations
• An understanding of the organisation’s culture
• An understanding of any relevant legislation or other rules governing the organisation
• An understanding of corporate governance arrangements in place across TfN
• An understanding of the government environment generally
• An understanding of risk management.

Without doubt the successful candidate must:

• Have local connections, and either reside within the area of TfN, carryout the main part of your work within the TfN area or have other recognisable ties to the area.
• Agree to abide by the provisions of the Cabinet Office’s Code of Conduct for Members of Public Bodies while serving on the Committee.

And must not:
• Be a councillor or officer of TfN or any of its Constituent Authorities or have been so in the preceding five years prior to appointment
• Be related to, or a close friend of, any councillor or officer of TfN
• Have been convicted of any offence attracting a sentence of imprisonment whether suspended or not for a period of 3 months without the option of a fine. TfN has the right to CRB check any independent committee members.
• Be an undischarged bankrupt
• Have significant business dealings with TfN
• Have a formal connection with any political group
• Be an employee of or the holder of a significant office in an organisation with close commercial links with TfN

In order to be eligible for this role you must have local connections, and either reside within the area of TfN, carryout the main part of your work within the TfN area or have other recognisable ties to the area and agree to abide by the provisions of the Cabinet Office’s Code of Conduct for Members of Public Bodies while serving on the Committee.

Provisional Interview Date: To be confirmed

If you believe you have the skills and experience we’re looking for please apply by emailing a copy of your CV, and covering letter (ensuring that you provide evidence in the form of specific examples of how you meet the essential criteria in the role profile),to [email protected].

We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from women, members of ethnic minority groups and people with disabilities who are currently under-represented.

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, all applications will be considered on their merit.