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's needed most.
About the role
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to chair our Audit, Risk, and Assurance Committee (ARAC). This pivotal role involves providing assurance over risk, financial management, and governance of the entire organisation during a period of transformation and growth. As the ARAC Chair, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that WMCA operates efficiently and responsibly, particularly as we take on additional powers and responsibilities through the devolution agenda.
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 to provide the oversight to ensure that the finances, processes, risks and standards of WMCA are managed to a high standard of openness, integrity and accountability, as well as promoting and overseeing high levels of conduct and behaviour by the elected Mayor and members of WMCA.
Key Responsibilities:
- Chair the ARAC meetings and leading discussions on risk, financial management, and governance.
- Provide independent challenge and assurance to WMCA, government, and the public.
- Ensure that WMCA's activities and accounts are managed appropriately.
- Oversee the assurance process for the integrated settlement and single pot of funding.
- Collaborate with committee members and stakeholders to drive the mayoral agenda and regional development.
Why Join Us:
- Be part of a trailblazing organisation with expanding powers and responsibilities.
- Play a key role in the transformation and growth of WMCA.
- Contribute to public service and regional development.
- Opportunity to work with a regional mayor and a dedicated team.
About you
- The ARAC Chair must have a good understanding of governance frameworks and risk management principles. This includes knowledge of internal control environments and the ability to provide independent assurance on the adequacy of these frameworks.
- Proficiency in financial management and reporting is crucial. The Chair should be able to oversee financial reporting processes and ensure that WMCA’s finances are managed with a high standard of openness, integrity, and accountability.
- Strong leadership skills are necessary to chair meetings effectively and provide independent leadership to committee members. Excellent communication skills are also important to foster good working relationships among committee members and between the committee and WMCA.
- The Chair should have experience in audit and assurance processes, including both internal and external audits. This involves overseeing the financial reporting and annual governance processes to ensure efficient and effective assurance arrangements.
- The ability to think strategically and provide independent challenge and assurance. This includes leading discussions on risk, financial management, and governance.
To be eligible for the post, individuals must:
- be aged 18 or over
- not currently be a member or employee of West Midlands Combined Authority.
- not currently be an independent chair of any other 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: There are a minimum of five Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee meetings each year at WMCA’s head office on Summer Lane in Birmingham. Each meeting lasts up to two hours. Additional meetings may be arranged as needed.
- Training Workshops: Occasionally, there will be training workshops that generally last about two hours.
- Preparation: The role involves understanding and dissecting papers, which range from 50 to 150 pages. This preparation will take a couple of days, though not necessarily full days.
- Involvement: We are looking for someone who is eager to probe, ask questions, and be very much involved. It's hard to specify a set number of days for the role, but we need someone who is committed to making a meaningful impact.
Key Dates:
- Advert open to applications: 7 to 27 April
- Interviews: week commencing 19 May (in-person)
- Appointment confirmed: mid-June
Reasonable adjustments.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).
Right to Work in the UK
Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any appointment can be confirmed.
