Independent Chair – Audit, Finance & Performance Committee

About the role

A flagship governance role - £24,318 pa remuneration package

Please do not use the "Apply" button on this webpage. To apply, please submit the following by email:

• an expression of interest (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability
• a current CV

Email:

Closing date: 31 July 2026

The London Borough of Hillingdon is seeking an exceptional and independent leader to chair its new Audit, Finance & Performance Committee - a high-profile, non-voting, role at the centre of the Council’s governance, financial oversight and performance framework.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape audit, risk, governance, financial assurance and corporate oversight within a modern and ambitious local authority.

Incorporating a traditional audit chair position, the Committee also brings together audit and assurance with a strategic overview and scrutiny function, providing a single, transparent forum for financial governance, performance, risk and corporate oversight across the Council.

In its scrutiny role, the Committee is the Council’s lead body for finance oversight and also plays an important part in holding the Cabinet to account, reviewing decisions and actions, making reports and recommendations, and suggesting changes to improve policy and services.

You will provide independent leadership, oversight and constructive challenge, helping to support strong governance, sound financial management and public accountability.

The Committee operates through clearly defined audit/assurance and scrutiny sessions, each with a distinct purpose.

As Chair, you will oversee this separation – ensuring independent audit oversight alongside robust scrutiny of finance, performance, governance, procurement, transformation and commercialisation.

• Chair meetings of the Committee and lead the Committee’s audit, governance, risk and assurance functions, including oversight of internal audit, external audit, the Annual Governance Statement and the annual approval of the Council’s Statement of Accounts.
• Provide strategic direction across finance, performance, governance, procurement, transformation and commercialisation scrutiny.
• Support the Committee in its role of reviewing Cabinet decisions and actions, making recommendations, and contributing to improved policy and service outcomes.
• Ensure the effective and distinct operation of both audit/assurance and overview/scrutiny functions.
• Work closely with Councillors and senior officers, providing independent insight and constructive challenge.

We are seeking a credible and experienced professional with:

• Significant senior-level experience in audit, finance, governance or risk
• A strong understanding of audit and assurance frameworks, risk management and financial reporting
• The ability to provide independent, strategic challenge
• Excellent chairing, communication and relationship-management skills
• Integrity, independence and sound judgement

To preserve independence, applicants must not be:

• A current or recent (within five years) Councillor or officer of Hillingdon Council
• Closely associated with any political party or current Councillor at Hillingdon Council.

• A £24,318 annual Members' allowance remuneration
  , reflecting the scale and importance of the role.
• A unique opportunity to shape financial governance, assurance and strategic scrutiny at senior level
• A high-profile role supporting the Council’s financial resilience, transparency and service improvement

• Around 10–11 formal meetings per year, held at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge.
• Attendance at regular briefings, preparatory meetings and training sessions, reflecting the technical and strategic nature of the role.
• Time commitment to support key governance responsibilities, including audit oversight, financial reporting and annual accounts approval.
• Meetings are held in public and broadcast, supporting transparency and accountability.

This is a high-impact governance role at the forefront of local government practice.

If you are motivated to support strong financial stewardship, independent assurance and meaningful scrutiny, we would welcome your application.