Audit & Governance Committee Independent Member

Job Introduction

Do you have the time and skills to make a positive and independent contribution to Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council's Audit and Governance Committee?

Building on the successful appointments made previously, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is inviting applications from individuals to serve as up to two Independent Members of its Audit & Governance Committee from approximately April 2026. This is a valuable opportunity to play a key role in strengthening transparency, accountability, and good governance across the Council.

The Audit & Governance Committee is a key component of the Council's corporate governance framework. The Committee provides assurance and high-level focus on risk management, governance, financial controls, annual accounts and the work of internal and external audit.

As an independent member you will serve a term of 2 years, the option to renew for a further 2 year term may be mutually agreed. Thereafter the Council will seek to appoint a new independent member. All appointments and terms are subject to full Council agreement / decision.

You will receive an annual allowance of £1,239 (current rate to 31 March 2026) payable monthly in arrears. This figure is set by an independent remuneration panel and may be subject to change. Any changes can be backdated should the panel recommend this.

Notice of intent to resign from the role can be given at any time, no 'period of notice is required'.

As an independent member you will be required to sign an undertaking to comply with the Council's Code of Conduct for Members, which sets out standards of behaviour expected from all members. Additionally, you will be required to complete a Declaration of Interests form on an annual basis.

The estimated time commitment required to undertake the role will vary, on average it would involve attendance at up to 8 early evening meetings a year. This average may be supplemented by occasional ad-hoc meetings or briefings.

Typically, all meetings will start at 6pm and last approximately 2 to 4 hours. There will be a need for associated reading of the prepared reports and papers. Meetings will tend to be in person at the BCP Council Bournemouth Civic Centre. There may be very occasional meetings held electronically.*

* As independent members have no voting rights it will be possible to attend meetings electronically, some attendance in person is preferred.

Please note BCP Council A&G Committee meetings are live streamed.

• To be an independent non-voting member of the Audit & Governance Committee, providing external challenge and support.
• To assist the Committee in delivering on the Committees' Terms of Reference.
• To receive and consider reports to the Committee from internal and external auditors and other Council Officers.
• To have an affinity with the values of public service.
• To be politically aware without political affiliations or memberships.
• To apply strategic thinking to reports from across the Council.
• To provide challenge and ask questions that draw out relevant facts and explanations.
• To get to the facts while maintaining positive relationships.
• To seek understanding and provide solutions.
• To evaluate information based on evidence presented without political bias.
• To weigh up differing views and be able to come to an evidence-based conclusion.

Experience:

• In a business management environment working at a senior level in a large or complex organisation or hold an appropriate qualification
• To have knowledge of corporate governance arrangements in either the public, private or charity sectors.
• Alternatively, you may have sat on an Audit Committee in a large organisation or had other experience which would give similar benefits/understanding.

Skills:

• Good analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
• A high level of integrity inspiring public confidence.
• Ability to constructively challenge and hold to account Council officers.
• Good IT skills including the ability to access reports and information electronically.
• An understanding of confidentiality requirements.
• The ability to work as part of a team and contribute to the work of the Committee.
• Able to understand the importance of accountability and probity in public life.
• Ability to see and focus on the 'big picture' and to avoid being drawn into 'detail'.
• Able to reconcile the ideal with reality and practicality and to balance risk, reward and response.
• Able to analyse and assess evidence and come to a rational conclusion.
• Able to demonstrate objectivity, integrity and discretion in decision making.

To be eligible to become a BCP Council Independent member of the A&G Committee you should:

• Not be active in local or national politics.
• Not be a member of a political party, pressure group or a member of an organisation or association which is not open to the public without formal membership and/or commitment of allegiance and/or has secrecy about rules or membership or conduct.
• Not have a…