Independent Audit Committee Member (Co‑opted, Non‑Voting)
Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk
Remuneration: £242 per meeting + expenses
Term: minimum of 2-years
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk is seeking to appoint one or more Co‑opted Independent Members to its Audit Committee. This is a vital role that strengthens the Council’s governance, risk management and financial oversight.
As stated in the recruitment pack, the Audit Committee “provides independent assurance and high level focus on the adequacy of governance, risk, and control arrangements” and plays a key part in ensuring transparency and accountability across the Council and its companies.
If you have expertise in audit, finance, governance or risk—and the independence of mind to provide objective challenge—we would be delighted to hear from you.
About the Role
Independent Members sit alongside elected councillors on the Audit Committee (non‑voting). You will:
1. Offer constructive challenge, insight and objective scrutiny in a politically neutral manner
2. Apply your experience in audit, risk, governance or financial reporting
3. Support the Committee’s oversight of internal and external audit, financial statements, and governance arrangements
4. Uphold the Council’s Code of Conduct and the Nolan Principles of Public Life, particularly integrity and accountability (“Abide by the Council’s Code of Conduct and the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life…”).
Person Specification
Essential:
5. Understanding of audit, financial reporting and governance
6. Knowledge of risk management and internal control systems
7. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
8. Experience of committees or board‑level governance
9. Political independence and objectivity
10. Effective communication and interpersonal skills
11. Knowledge of and commitment to Equality and Diversity
Desirable:
12. Professional qualifications (e.g., CIPFA, ICAEW, ACCA)
13. Knowledge of local government and community links
Eligibility
Applicants must be fully independent of the Council. You cannot apply if you:
14. Are a current or recent (within 5 years) councillor or officer
15. Are closely related to a councillor or officer
16. Have been convicted of an offence resulting in imprisonment of 3 months or more
17. Are bankrupt or have outstanding Council debts
18. Have commercial or political interests that could conflict with the role (“Applicants must not… have commercial interests with the Council or links to political groups”).
Time Commitment
19. Minimum 5 formal meetings per year, held in person at King’s Lynn Town Hall
20. Meetings typically start at 4.30pm
21. Additional training sessions (mostly online)
22. Preparatory reading before each meeting
23. Term of appointment: minimum of 2-year, extension to be considered as part of Local Government Reorganisation
Remuneration
24. £242 per meeting attended
25. Reasonable travel and subsistence expenses reimbursed in line with Council policy
Please see further details below along with the application for for this opportunity: