The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) is seeking to appoint an Independent Member to act as a Member of its Audit and Governance Committee.  This is a key role within the governance arrangements of the organisation in ensuring effective governance and oversight within the Combined Authority.  The primary role of the Independent Member is to bring objectivity, impartiality, experience outside of the Combined Authority and credibility with the public, helping to achieve a non-political focus on governance, risk and control matters.

The post holder will supplement the knowledge and experience of elected representatives in specific areas, such as audit or financial reporting and provide continuity outside the political cycle.

About York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

The YNYCA was formed in February 2024 and aims to work with local leaders and communities to invest in ways that will help to make York and North Yorkshire a better place to live, work and do business.  The Combined Authority covers the two local authority areas of York and North Yorkshire and represents a collaboration between these local authorities, working together through powers and funding granted to it through devolution.

Led by an elected Mayor, David Skaith, the Combined Authority seeks to grow the local economy, help to make communities safer and deliver strategies and projects, attracting funding and investment.

Through our strong partnerships with key stakeholders across the region, the Combined Authority has developed a comprehensive set of investment priorities aimed at creating jobs, growing businesses and infrastructure improvements across the region. 

To find out more about the YNYCA please visit; https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk

The Audit and Governance Committee

The Audit and Governance Committee is a statutory regulatory committee of the Combined Authority and a key component of our governance framework and our corporate governance arrangements.  The Committee will focus on the audit, assurance and reporting framework underpinning financial management and governance arrangements.

The Committee advises on the adequacy and effectiveness of governance arrangements including the management of risk, as well as reviewing and endorsing key financial documents such as the Treasury Management Strategy, Financial Regulations and statutory accounts, before they are finalised and presented to the Combined Authority for consideration and approval.

The Committee has a key internal and external audit role and also acts as the Committee with responsibility for the Member Code of Conduct, ensuring the Combined Authority has effective policies and processes in place to support high standards of conduct by its Members and co-opted Members.

The role of the Independent Member

An Independent Member will provide an independent and impartial presence on our Audit and Governance Committee and will serve a term of three years, which may be renewed.  It is an opportunity to make a contribution to the fairness and integrity of the Authority.  Eight elected Members (four from each of our constituent Authorities of City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council) also serve on the Committee.  The Independent Member is a non-voting position.

We’re seeking someone with experience of internal audit and financial management, this will likely have been gained through business management experience working at a senior level in a complex organisation, or alternatively, previous experience as an Audit and Governance Committee Member. Knowledge of the following is desirable:

• Devolved arrangements and/or Local Government
•  Corporate governance arrangements in either public or private sectors
• Financial management
• Risk management
• Audit practice and responsibilities
• Good governance

You’ll have an ability to act impartially, whilst evidencing logical reasoning and will play a critical role in corporate governance and the promotion of the long-term success of the Combined Authority.

The estimated time commitment required to undertake the role may vary.  On average it will involve attendance at four daytime Committee Meetings per year (typically at 10.00am on a Tuesday) plus associated preparatory work/reading, although it may be necessary to attend other Meetings from time to time where necessary.  There will also be a requirement to attend any Committee training held.

To be eligible to be appointed as an Independent Member you must not be, or have been within a period of five years prior to the appointment:

(a)  A Member, substitute Member, co-opted Member or Officer of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority or the constituent Councils (North Yorkshire Council or City of York Council);

(b)  A Member, or co-opted Member or Officer of a Town or Parish Council within the area of North Yorkshire Council or City of York Council;

(c)   Is a relative or close friend of a person in (a) or (b) above.

Please read the detailed eligibility criteria in the Job Description.

 Job Description: Independent Member.docx

Contact and Apply

To apply, please submit a copy of your CV accompanied by a one page Supporting Statement on a Word document to katherine.brioude@northyorks.gov.uk. In your Supporting Statement please address how you meet the relevant personal specification.

 If you would like a discussion about the role of Independent Member, please contact Rachel Antonelli, Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer, Rachel.antonelli@yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk.

Key dates:

Closing date: Monday 4th November