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Independent Member of the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee
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West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA),
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, driving economic growth, creating jobs, building homes, and enhancing journeys across the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has access to well-paying jobs and safe, affordable homes. We put people and places at the heart of everything we do, working hand-in-hand with our partners to direct funding where it is needed most.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced and independent individual to join our Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee (ARAC) as an Independent Member. This is an important governance role, providing independent assurance and constructive challenge to help ensure that WMCA maintains the highest standards of governance, accountability, risk management, and financial stewardship.
As an Independent Member, you will bring an objective external perspective to the Committee's work, helping to oversee the effectiveness of WMCA's governance, risk management and internal control frameworks during a period of continued growth and transformation.
About The Committee
The Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee is a key component of WMCA's corporate governance arrangements. It provides an independent and high-level focus on the audit, assurance and reporting arrangements that underpin good governance and financial standards.
The Committee provides oversight to ensure that WMCA's finances, processes, risks and standards are managed to a high standard of openness, integrity and accountability. It also promotes and oversees high standards of conduct and behaviour across the organisation.
The Committee independently reviews governance, risk management and control frameworks, oversees financial reporting and annual governance processes, and monitors both internal and external audit arrangements to ensure effective assurance is in place.
Key Responsibilities
- Attend and actively participate in Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee meetings.
- Provide an independent perspective and constructive challenge on governance, audit, risk, assurance and standards matters.
- Support the Committee in fulfilling its statutory duties and responsibilities.
- Review and scrutinise financial reporting, governance processes and assurance arrangements.
- Contribute to the oversight of WMCA's risk management and internal control framework.
- Help ensure fraud, whistleblowing and governance concerns are appropriately considered and addressed.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, openness and accountability.
- Build effective working relationships with Committee Members, Internal Audit, External Audit and senior WMCA officers.
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Why Join Us?
- Play a vital role in helping to shape and strengthen governance across one of the UK's largest Combined Authorities.
- Help ensure public money is managed effectively, responsibly and transparently.
- Provide independent challenge and insight that supports better decision-making.
- Work alongside experienced elected members, independent members and senior officers.
- Contribute to the successful delivery of the West Midlands' ambitions for growth, opportunity and prosperity.
About You
We are looking for an individual who can bring independence, sound judgement and a commitment to high standards of governance and accountability.
You will be able to demonstrate:
- Experience of financial management and an understanding of financial governance principles.
- The ability to analyse complex information, identify relevant evidence and reach balanced, sustainable decisions.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to contribute effectively in a committee environment.
- The ability to listen carefully, comprehend detailed information and ask probing questions to gain clarification when required.
- Experience of building positive and constructive relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- The ability to deal with sensitive issues in a tactful, diplomatic and professional manner.
- A commitment to ongoing learning and development, including undertaking training relevant to the work of the Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee.
- The ability to maintain independence, integrity and political impartiality when carrying out the responsibilities of the role.
What will make you successful in this role?
The ideal candidate will be comfortable reviewing complex reports and assurance information, constructively challenging where appropriate, and contributing to robust decision-making. You will be collaborative in your approach whilst maintaining the independence necessary to support effective governance and accountability across the organisation.
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Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for appointment, applicants must:
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Not currently be a member or employee of the West Midlands Combined Authority.
- Not currently be an independent member of another West Midlands public sector body.
- Not be actively engaged in local party-political activity.
- Not be the subject of a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order.
- Not have been convicted within the last five years of any offence resulting in a sentence of three months' imprisonment or more (whether suspended or not).
- Not have been convicted of any fraudulent or corrupt electoral practice for which there is a period of disqualification.
Location and Commitment
- Meetings: A minimum of five Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee meetings are held each year at WMCA's offices, 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD. Meetings generally last up to two hours and are live-streamed publicly.
- Additional Meetings: Additional meetings may be scheduled where required.
- Training: Committee members are expected to attend periodic training and development sessions, typically lasting around two hours.
- Preparation: Members will be expected to review Committee papers and supporting documentation in advance of meetings.
Remuneration
The Independent Member will receive an annual Special Responsibility Allowance of £3151 per annum (paid monthly), together with reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses incurred whilst undertaking the role. The allowance is subject to annual review.
Dates to Note
Interviews are likely to commence from the 1st September, and will be held at our offices at 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require adjustments to the application or recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at careers@wmca.org.uk and we will be happy to discuss how we can support you.
Right to Work in the UK
Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required before any appointment can be confirmed, in line with UK Home Office requirements.
Attached documents
Independent Member Role and Person Specification (2).docx
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