Could you take on an important council role?

Michael Beanland

Could you take on an important council role?

Cheshire East Council is seeking to recruit a second resident to sit on a committee that supports good governance at the local authority.

Candidates should ideally have practical experience in areas such as financial management, accountancy or governance. The successful candidate will sit on the council's audit and governance committee as a co-opted independent member.

The committee provides independent and high-level focus on the council's audit, assurance and reporting arrangements that support good governance, risk management and financial standards.

The committee also develops, maintains and monitors the codes of conduct for councillors and co-opted members.

Councillor Michael Beanland, chair of the audit and governance committee, said. "Previous experience of working with audit committees would be helpful but is not essential. We want co-opted members to bring additional knowledge and expertise to this important committee, reinforcing its political neutrality and independence.

"Providing constructive challenge, as a member of the committee, supports the council's commitment to open and transparent government. We also seek to represent and reflect all of the borough's residents and we welcome applications from all parts of the borough's community.

"While co-opted independent members are not employees or members of the council, they will receive specific training to enable them to undertake their new role effectively. If you think you could make a positive contribution to the work of the committee, I urge you to apply."

The committee will meet approximately five times each financial year. The candidate will need to be able to attend training and briefing sessions in addition to the committee meetings and will be expected to serve for four years.

Committee meetings are held in person, but training and briefing sessions are generally held virtually. The independent members are entitled to be reimbursed for expenses but do not receive any allowance or pay.

Applications are invited up to the deadline of Friday 8 September 2023. Visit the council's audit and governance webpage Councillor Michael Beanland