Independent Joint Audit Committee Panel Member

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner and Merseyside Police
Independent Joint Audit Committee Panel Members

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner and Merseyside Police jointly run an Audit Committee which amongst other things advises the Commissioner and Chief Constable about good governance principles, ensures appropriate risk management arrangements and considers internal and external audit reports to both the Commissioner and Chief Constable. In setting up the Joint Audit Committee the Commissioner and Chief Constable have taken due regard of the CIPFA Audit Committees Practical Guidance for Local Authorities and Police as well as the Home Office Financial Management Code of Practice.

We currently have vacancies for Independent Members to work with the chair and the other members.

You can read more about the Joint Audit Committee and see the terms of reference on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website here: Audit Committee: Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner

Role Profile

The role of an independent Member of the Joint Audit Committee is demanding and challenging one. We are looking for high calibre candidates who can provide clear examples demonstrating how they meet as many of the skills, experiences and competencies as possible, as set out below including the role specification.

Purpose of Role

Contribute as an individual, and collectively within the Joint Audit Committee, to fulfilling the Terms of Reference and adopting and maintaining best practice in doing so.
Demonstrate a personal commitment to independent thought and challenge in fulfilment of the role and in so doing adopt and present a politically neutral stance.
Promote the work and role of the Joint Audit Committee within the Police Service wider community.

Key Responsibilities and Commitments

Attend and constructively participate in all meetings of the Joint Audit Committee.
Read and consider carefully all reports and documents in preparation for the Joint Audit Committee meetings.
Prepare suitable questions for senior management with due regard to the role and protocols of the Joint Audit Committee.
Adopt and demonstrate a politically neutral perspective in questions asked and the general contribution to the work of the Committee whether in formal meetings or elsewhere.
Apply relevant skills and experience to add value and depth to the work of the Committee.
Contribute to the development of the Joint Audit Committee members through mutual support and assistance.
Commit to personal development in the role.

Appointment Process

The selection process will be based upon the principles set out in the Code of Practice published by the Commissioner for Public Appointments which relate to ministerial appointments to public bodies. The three basic principles are that appointments be made on merit by an objective, fair and open selection process. The appointment will be made under the principles of public life set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Nolan Principles).

Terms of Appointment

Persons appointed as Independent Members to the Joint Audit Committee will not be members of the Commissioner’s or Chief Constable’s staff, nor will they be employees. They will be engaged on a contract for services with detailed terms and conditions which will secure the proper performance of their role in the public interest.

The Committee will comprise of between three and five independent members with a quorum of three members.

Committee meetings will be held four times a year in line with CIPFA guidance. Meetings will be scheduled for November, February, May and September with additional meetings being convened where necessary. Meetings will normally commence at 2pm on Thursday and be held at a Merseyside Police Headquarters in in Liverpool.

Fees will be paid to Independent Members at the rate of £2750 per annum, please note new panel members will need to complete a 3-month probationary period before this allowance becomes payable and this monthly payment will cease once, they no longer serve on the Committee. The JAC is expected to meet around 4 times a year. Committee members will be reimbursed reasonable expenses including travel and subsistence.

The allowances will be subject to increases at the rate of the Police Staff pay award.

See the Joint Audit Committee Member Allowance Scheme 2025/26 for further information.

Tenure

Committee members will be recruited for tenure of 4 years, with a maximum of 8 years’ service subject to re‐application after four years.

Restrictions and Disqualifications

The following restrictions will apply to ensure the complete independence and objectivity of members of the Committee in the conduct of business. Committee members should not be:

Serving elected members/officers of a Council represented on the Merseyside Police and Crime Panel and/or similar Merseyside public sector bodies.
Former elected members/officers of the above Council/bodies (time restricted to 3 years);
Serving Police Officers and Police staff and former Police Officers/staff (time restricted to 3 years)
Individuals active in local or national politics.
Individuals who have significant business or personal dealings with the Force/OPCC.
Individuals who have close relationships with any of the above including immediate family members.

Standard disqualifications apply to ensure the avoidance of any reputational embarrassment, for example individuals who have been removed from a trusteeship of a charity, anyone under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification act or a person who is an un‐discharged bankrupt.

Before an appointment to the Committee is confirmed candidates will need to be successfully vetted. Any arrests, cautions and convictions must be declared on the vetting form whether or not they are ‘spent’ under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Should any applicant be unsure in respect of disqualifications they are advised to speak to the OPCC Chief Executive prior to application.

Please note that to enable all appropriate vetting checks to be undertaken in accordance with the Vetting Code of Practice and its associated framework Authorised Professional Practice you ‘must have resided in the UK for three consecutive years’.

All appointees must agree to their name, photo and declaration of interests being made publicly available, including on the Force and PCC websites.

To apply please attach a copy of your CV, with a statement on how you meet the role profiles/ competencies and personal skills and qualities/ personal specification (maximum of 750 words) and by completing and returning the monitoring form.

The monitoring form does not form part of the selection process and will not be seen by any members of the selection panels. The form is used solely to collect the information that public authorities are legally required to monitor to assist in the elimination of any form of discrimination.

Closing date 30^th May 2025 - 17:00

Shortlisting by 6th June 2025

Interviews on 12th & 13th June 2025

It is anticipated that the new Members will be appointed by 30^th June 2025.

Please click here for the full recruitment pack