When she was elected Mayor of the city in May, Joanne Anderson promised Liverpool would have ‘the best accountability and transparency structures in the country’. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool City Council is seeking financial experts to strengthen the scrutiny of its auditing and governance procedures following the damning Max Caller report.
Published in March, the Caller report into the Governance of the development functions at the city council uncovered a “dysfunctional culture”. This has led to the arrival of Government-appointment commissioners to overseeing the authority’s highways and property functions.
When she was elected Mayor of the city in May, Joanne Anderson vowed to introduce a more transparent and accountable system of governance. She said: “I want Liverpool to have the best accountability and transparency structures in the country.”
As part of the response to the recent Best Value Inspection, the local authority is looking for two independent experts with practical experience in professional services such as financial management, or accountancy, to sit on the audit committee as co-opted independent technical advisers.
The committee provides an independent and high-level focus on the council’s audit, assurance and reporting arrangements.
It reviews the council’s governance, risk management and control frameworks, and oversees the financial reporting and annual governance processes. The committee also develops, maintains and monitors the codes of conduct for councillors and co-opted members.
Candidates should ideally have practical experience in areas such as financial management, accountancy, governance, or other professional services. Previous experience of working with audit committees is helpful, but is not essential.
The Committee meets approximately six times in a financial year and candidates will be expected to serve for three years. The successful applicants will receive expenses, but not an allowance, or remuneration.
Closing date for expressions of interest is July. Click here for more information.
Cllr Kris Brown, chair of the audit committee, said: “These roles are a key part of making the council’s scrutiny procedures as strong as they possibly can be.
“We want the members of the audit committee to be getting the best possible advice, enriching their ability to scrutinise the organisation. The co-opted members will bring additional knowledge and expertise, reinforcing the committee’s political neutrality and independence.
“You don’t need to be an expert in how the council works, as you will get specific training to undertake the role effectively.”