How To Manage A Corporate Council

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION POST: SERVICE: GRADE: Audit and Governance Manager Corporate Governance and Support SE1 MAIN PURPOSE The Governance Manager will form part of the Council s bronze level of management and reporting directly into the Group Manager (Corporate Governance and Support) will be responsible for all matters relating to the operational management of the following service areas: - Committee Services (inc. Member Support) Project, Performance and Risk Management Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Insurance Directorate Support In addition, the post will provide a major source of independent assurance to the Council on the overall corporate governance arrangements through the Local Code of Corporate Governance and Annual Governance Statement and seek to develop the effectiveness of the council s overall governance arrangements and assurance framework. The Council is committed to ensuring that its policies and procedures are consistent with Essex Safeguarding Children Board and Essex Safeguarding Vulnerable Adult Board guidance. This will help to minimise the risks to vulnerable groups, including children, and to ensure that the Council safeguards the health and well-being of its Service Users. Please note that the Council applies a robust recruitment vetting process. MAIN DUTIES 1. Ensure the Council s democratic and decision making processes accord with the Council s Constitution and legislative requirements and that a high level of support is provided to meetings of the Cabinet, the Council and its committees, the overview and scrutiny function and other partnership and internal meetings as required. 2. Manage the provision of an effective Civic Office function in supporting the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, organisation and delivery of civic events, as well as provision of administrative and secretariat support to the Leader of the Council and other Elected Members, as appropriate.

2 3. Ensure timely delivery of a risk based internal audit function in line with the mandatory Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and Code of Ethics covering the requirements of the Council, Responsible Financial Officer (S151) and the Audit and Risk Committee (meeting the relevant statutory requirements and standards). 4. To sustain the managed audit status of the service and clear External Audit opinion and act as the Council s main point of liaison with the External Auditor. 5. To develop and manage the Council Insurance strategy and ensure that it is complementary to wider corporate risk management objectives whilst sustaining adequate internal and external cover and maintaining adequate provisions and reserves to meet known and potential liabilities. Overseeing negotiations with Insurers, Brokers and other outside bodies. 6. Effective financial management of the Insurance Pool. 7. Manage the provision of a managed Insurance Service to other Local Authorities in line with contract provisions. 8. Work closely with the Group Manager (Corporate Governance and Support) to develop and embed corporate policies and strategies for effective corporate arrangements for project management, the corporate performance management framework and risk management, ensuring that these arrangements complement and support each other and support the corporate organisation by providing assurance that these are integrated within the culture of the council, reporting and decision making processes and commenting on emerging issues and risks. 9. Champion and embed the principles and practices of good governance arrangements that are fit for purpose and add value. 10. Provide an annual internal audit opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council s internal control, risk management and corporate governance arrangements and be responsible for production of the Local Code of Corporate Governance and the Council s Annual Governance Statement 11. Provide professional support and advice to the Audit and Risk Committee and Chairman of the Committee in particular. Building confident professional relationships with these Members. Including preparing and presenting complex, multi-facetted, quality and timely reports. 12. Reviewing and maintaining the Council s Constitution to ensure it accords with legislative requirements and provide advice on its application to the decision making process.

3 13. Provide a major source of assurance to the Council on the overall corporate governance arrangements giving an objective and evidence based opinion on all aspects of governance, risk management and internal control. 14. Responsible for developing and embedding relevant policies, strategies and procedures relating to Counter Fraud and manage, lead and coordinate all fraud related investigations. 15. Ensuring the provision of effective administrative support to the Corporate Support department. 16. Any other duties appropriate to the post: These other duties must be equivalent to or below the salary and status of the role and, where appropriate, under the Equality Act 2010, due consideration must be given to any employees with a protected characteristic. 17. Undertake all the duties within the framework of Equal Opportunities. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Reports to: Group Manager (Corporate Governance and Support) Responsible for: Manager of Programme Management Office Manager of Audit, Manager of Insurance and Risk Management, Manager of Corporate Investigations, Senior Committee / Member and Directorate Support Manager Senior Committee Managers and Committee Manager (These are subject to change as part of further phase of restructuring below this new post) CORPORATE ROLE REQUIREMENTS The primary role of a bronze level manager is to be responsible and accountable for the operational delivery of services; this will be within the resources allocated and in accordance with standards specified in corporate procedures and those specified in statute/binding codes as relevant to the service. This includes decision making relevant to the effective management of all resources, including associated tasks of performance management, staff communication and engagement and corporate governance, with appropriate escalation when necessary. Delivery will be achieved through personal accountability, disciplined execution and a focus on continual improvement. Other aspects of the role include: To support the Silver level strategic leadership for the organisation

4 Ensure that decisions taken by the Gold & Silver level management teams and various corporate boards are delivered and that on-going performance monitoring and feedback is provided; alerting where appropriate performance that is at variance with expectation Display behaviours which will contribute to a confident, cohesive leadership team. Set a clear and unambiguous expectations for the Service area by fully embracing and implementing the Council s standards regarding performance management, customer strategy, VFM, and other corporate programmes as necessary Support Silver level management with development of organisational talent within the service area, ensuring that individuals and teams are trained and developed to carry out their roles, through an appropriate support and coaching style. Support Silver level management with the production of service plans taking account of any agreed improvement plans, budget, service standards and future developments or trends. Engage with the Council s staff at all levels to promote understanding of service objectives, and the challenges and opportunities faced by staff in delivering day to day services. Manage staff and performance issues demonstrating the Council s agreed values and behaviours Ensure professional and appropriate communication with elected members on operational matters as directed. Support Silver level management in the development of strong relationships with partners, governmental bodies and stakeholders to influence and promote better outcomes for Basildon s community. Understand the role in the context of the wider Council, regional, national and political demands and be able to represent the Council and its views to external bodies and other local/central government organisations as required. Deputise for the Group Manager when required

5 Further Dimensions: Role Key Internal Contacts: All Members of the Council, particularly the Audit and Risk Committee and Chairman of that Committee Corporate Governance Group Role Key External Contacts: Development of strong partnering relationships with the External Auditor and major insurance companies and brokers Financial Requirements: To have lead responsibility or direct accountability for managing budget(s), ensuring monitoring and corrective action. The role requires budget/resource management of: - Service Budgets circa 1.5 million Insurance including Pool 6 million. Health & Safety Role Requirements As the manager you will ensure that all hazards are identified and managed to an acceptable level and ensure all relevant documentation is also completed. You will also ensure you demonstrate you are committed to Health and Safety by leading by example.

6 PERSON SPECIFICATION Position Title: Governance Manager Date Prepared: Department: Corporate Governance and Support Band: February 2014 AF = Application Form I = Interview T = Test Person Specification Essential Desirable Method of Assessment EXPERIENCE 1.1 Susbtantial senior management experience in a large public authority or body delivering the range of services defined within this role 1.2 Technical and practical experience of all aspects of corporate governance 1.3 Experience of working closely with Elected Members and in the operation of a local authorities decision making process 1.4 Experience and knowledge of the statutory requirement and operational delivery of an internal audit service to a major public body 1.5 Experience and knowledge of the operational delivery of an insurance service to a major public body SPECIAL ABILITIES/COMPETENCES 2.1 A sound understanding of a local authorities democratic and decision making processes 2.2 Good communications and interpersonal skills together with a flexible but thorough approach /T 2.3 Ability to work well both as an individual and as part of a team /T

7 2.4 Management ability in managing tasks, leading teams and people, motivating staff and achieving deadlines 2.5 Ability to think creatively and flexibly to resolve complex problems and use analytical skills to convert ideas into policy and high quality service delivery 2.6 Ability to successfully manage in a changing environment and deal with conflict 2.7 Highly developed organisational skills in service planning and prioritising work, delivery, evaluation and improvement 2.8 High level of written, oral and presentational communication EDUCATION AND TRAINING /T /T 3.1 Qualified CCAB Accountant and / or IIA with substantial post qualification experience of at least 3 years 3.2 Leadership and management training