Head of Assurance

London, England, United Kingdom

12/20/2024

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

Are you a dedicated professional with expertise in audit, risk management and governance? Do you have a sharp strategic vision and a passion for delivering exceptional public service in a dynamic, diverse community?

What’s the role?

As the Head of Assurance, you will oversee Lewisham Council's Internal Audit, Counter-Fraud, Risk, Health & Safety and Insurance functions, ensuring robust governance, risk management and control. Acting as the Council's Chief Audit Executive, you'll provide strategic advice to senior leadership and Members, drive a proactive counter-fraud culture and lead on health and safety initiatives. The role demands a leader with expertise to shape assurance strategy, deliver real service improvements and uphold the Council's commitment to excellence in public service.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks
  
  

What We’re Looking For

You'll be an accomplished and inspiring professional with a strong track record in one or more of the fields of audit, risk management, governance and health and safety within complex organisations. You will be qualified under the Global Internal Audit Standards to act at the Council's Chief Audit Executive and have a deep understanding of local government structures, statutory responsibilities and best practices. Exceptional strategic and people management skills are essential, along with the ability to engage and influence senior leaders, elected members and external stakeholders. You will have experience of fostering a culture of accountability and delivering innovative, value-driven outcomes. An ethical and principled leader, a strong commitment to public service, equality and equity will underpin everything you do.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

• A professional accounting qualification (e.g. CIPFA, CIMA) or CMIIA is required to act as Chief Audit Executive
• Occasional evening working to support Member committees will be required.
• The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check
  
  

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Rich Clarke, outgoing Head of Assurance on 07973 748 127 or at rich.clarke@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£77,157 - £83,448 per annum (SMG3).

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works , which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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