Non-Executive Director - House of Commons Audit Committees

House of Commons Audit Committee

The House of Commons has two audit committees, with identical membership, covering the House’s two Estimates (budgets). Both Committees provide support to the Clerk of the House in discharging his responsibilities as the Accounting Officer, and advise him on the maintenance of an effective system of internal controls. The Administration Estimate Audit Committee covers the Administration Estimate which meets the costs of the House of Commons service and supports the House of Commons, its Committees and its Members. The Members Estimate Audit Committee covers the Members Estimate, which concerns only a limited amount of expenditure directly relating to Members. Neither Committee is responsible for Members’ pay or expenses, which are the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).

The audit committee is chaired by an external member, who is also a member of the House of Commons Commission; the Commission is responsible for the administration and services of the House of Commons, including the maintenance of the Palace of Westminster and the rest of the Parliamentary Estate. Other audit committee members include two other external members and four Members of Parliament. Further information on the Audit Committees, including their Terms of Reference and their membership is available here on the Parliament website.

The Audit Committee is looking to recruit a new external member from July 2020. The successful candidate will have a professional background in accountancy or a related discipline, with experience of audit and an excellent understanding of public sector management and governance in a large and complex organisation.

Time commitment and remuneration

The successful candidate will need to be willing to dedicate around 10 to 15 days per year to the role. This will include approximately 2 days per quarter to attend Audit Committees meetings in Westminster, as well as additional meetings to coincide with the end of the financial year (early summer) and other meetings/familiarisation visits by arrangement.

Appointment will be for three years, with the possibility of extension. An annual fee of £9,000 will be paid.

You are invited to apply with a letter of interest and full CV via the House of Commons careers website – https://www.parliament.uk/about/working/jobs .