Role of the Governance and Audit Committee
This statutory committee is a key component of the Local Authority’s governance framework and improvement programme. The purpose of the Governance and Audit Committee is to provide independent assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of our risk management framework, internal control environment, performance assessment, complaints handling and integrity of our financial reporting and governance processes. By overseeing both internal and external audit it makes an important contribution to ensuring that effective assurance arrangements are in place.
Conwy County Borough Council operates a ‘hybrid’ meeting arrangement which will give you the choice to attend meetings in person or remotely. This makes Lay Person participation easier.
On average our committee meets five to six times a year for which Lay Persons (Independent Members) receive financial remuneration in accordance with the rates determined by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (section 9, pages 30-31).
What is a Lay Person?
A Lay Person means a person who:
- Is not a member or an officer of any local authority,
- Has not been at any time in the period of twelve months ending with the date of appointment been a member or an officer of any local authority, and
- Is not the spouse of civil partner of a member or an officer of any local authority.
In addition to satisfying this criteria, suitable applicants will need to be non-political with an understanding and commitment to the 7 Principles of Public Life (the Nolan Principles) and able to demonstrate the following qualities and characteristics:
- Interest and knowledge/experience of financial, risk and performance management, audit, accounting concepts and standards, and the regulatory regime within Wales;
- Objective and independent of mind with an unbiased attitude and ability to apply discretion;
- Supportive of good governance principles and their practical application towards the achievement of organisational objectives;
- Strategic thinker with excellent communication skills;
- Ability to understand and weigh up evidence and challenge respectfully.
A detailed knowledge of local government is not necessary although it would be expected that potential candidates would be interested in matters relating to public life and services.
From May 2022 our Governance and Audit Committee will be chaired by a Lay Person, so a willingness and ability to fulfil this role is desirable.
How to apply
If you have an interest or experience in governance, audit, performance or risk management and want to help us ensure that we are governed effectively, you can apply online – we do not accept CVs. To complete the online form you will need a valid e-mail address.
Please note: the online application form will time out after a period of inactivity (approximately 2 hours), so you may want to complete a separate Word version of the form instead and submit it using the button below.
Application to serve as lay person on governance and audit committee (Word document, 44KB)
There are currently no vacancies on the Governance and Audit Committee
After applying to become a Lay Person
We will consider all applications received and get in touch to provide further information.
For further information contact committees@conwy.gov.uk.