Appointment details

Local Audit Office - Chair

Summary

• Organisation: Local Audit Office
• Sponsor department: Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
• Location: Various
• Sectors: Finance and Audit
• Skills: Audit and Risk, Regulation
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 3 day(s) per week
• Remuneration: £765 per day
• Length of term: 5 years
• Application deadline: 5pm on 18 February 2026

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   21 January 2026

2. Application deadline

   5pm on 18 February 2026

3. Sifting date

   31 March 2026

4. Interviews expected to end on

   31 May 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction from the Minister

I am seeking to appoint an outstanding individual as the new Chair for the Local Audit Office. 

Local public bodies are at the heart of our communities. They support democracy and help deliver vital public services. The local audit system covers a wide range of public sector bodies (including local authorities, police, fire and NHS bodies). An effective and efficient external audit system is vital to ensure transparency and accountability for billions of pounds of public funds.  

This government is driving a major overhaul of the local audit system by leading one of the most ambitious and wide-reaching reform programmes in over a decade. These efforts mark a decisive shift toward modernising a broken system that has struggled with complexity, fragmentation and capacity challenges. The scale of the problem has been epitomised by the backlog of outstanding unaudited accounts, which led to a paralysis of local audit prior to this government’s decision action to tackle it. The problems in local government financial reporting and the backlog in unaudited accounts has regrettably led to the disclaimer on the Whole of Government Accounts for both 2022/23 and 2023/24, and a general loss of public accountability and trust in the system.  

As part of our overhaul of the local audit system, we are launching the new Local Audit Office (LAO). The LAO will play a critical role in ensuring the effective delivery of reforms, strengthening accountability, securing better value for money for taxpayers, and supporting long-term economic growth. The LAO will reduce the complexity of the current arrangements; improve coordination across the system; and improve capacity and capability. The vision for the LAO is to oversee and coordinate the auditing of local public bodies to promote effective, value for money and timely local audit, and to put the system back onto a secure and reliable footing. The LAO will be pivotal to rebuilding transparency, accountability and public trust. It will restore a crucial part of the early warning system for authorities facing potential failure and challenge. The LAO’s development will be an iterative process, and its functions will develop over time to fulfil its long-term vision. 

We are looking for a charismatic and influential leader with strong strategic leadership experience to oversee the establishment of the LAO. You will lead on the establishment and strategic development of the organisation following launch, while ensuring the broader programme of audit reform for local bodies (including rebuilding assurance following the backlog) is delivered successfully to restore accountability, transparency, and public trust. You will provide visible, public facing leadership for the LAO, and play a crucial role in the development and growth of the LAO through support, challenge and advice on both the immediate delivery milestones and the strategic and longer-term direction of the organisation. You will influence a wide range of government and sector stakeholders, build consensus and navigate complex challenges. Through collaborative leadership across organisational boundaries, you will play a key role in driving forward these critical reforms. 

You will be at the heart of a bold and ambitious mission to transform the local audit system. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact for communities and taxpayers across the country. If you believe you have the experience and skills we are seeking, I would like to encourage you to consider applying to help the government tackle the challenges and rebuild the system. Full details of the role, responsibilities and commitments are set out in this document, and I hope you will decide to apply. We want to receive applications from a wide range of individuals; we welcome candidates from traditionally under-represented groups, including those from an ethnic minority background.  

If you have further questions about any aspect of the role or the application process, please contact PublicAppointments@communities.gov.uk. 

Appointment description

Key Responsibilities   

Leadership and Governance

• As Chair you will operate in a governance and strategic capacity providing independent advice and leadership to the Local Audit Office. The Controller of Local Audit and the Local Audit Office’s executive management will operate in an executive and operational capacity. As Chair you will ensure the board is effective and aligned with the Local Audit Office’s long-term goals, whereas the Controller will ensure these goals are delivered and execute the strategy set by the board. The Controller will be accountable to the Chair/board for performance and delivery. 
• Provide visible, authoritative public facing leadership, support, constructive challenge and advice on the establishment of the Local Audit Office, delivery milestones, and strategic long-term direction of the organisation. 
• Promote the highest standards of governance (consistent with statutory requirements and best practice) to ensure the Local Audit Office can act with independence, credibility and objectivity in a complex environment demonstrating complete integrity and commitment to transparency in decision making and operations.
• Cultivate a positive organisational culture and ethos, bringing together a diversity of working cultures and staff from a range of backgrounds and experience, including people transferring from existing system partners, and consciously shape values, beliefs, and behaviours to define the Local Audit Office’s environment. Foster a culture of engagement, inclusivity, and growth, to create a thriving workplace to attract and retain talent, boost productivity, and drive success. 

Operational Delivery

• Support the recruitment of the Controller of Local Audit whilst working with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to establish the Local Audit Office’s key functions. 
• Lead the Local Audit Office Board in establishing and maintaining the operational independence of the Local Audit Office and build collective impact, ensuring the Local Audit Office operates within and delivers the scope of its statutory remit. 
• Hold the Controller of Local Audit and executive team accountable and oversee their performance – including through leadership of non-executive members. You will ensure effective management of the Local Audit Office and delivery of its strategy, vision and priorities, while also maintaining the confidence of Ministers that the Local Audit Office is delivering its statutory functions effectively and efficiently, and in line with overarching government policy. 
• Provide oversight of the Local Audit Office’s use of resources, including how public funds are spent. 
• Support the recruitment of externally facing leadership roles which will provide expert support, guidance, and external views on the Local Audit Office. This includes recruiting non-executive directors, diversity of Board members, addressing skills gaps, focus of the Board and related sub-committees.
• You will oversee timely performance reporting of the Local Audit Office’s operations and functions to the Secretary of State/Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and escalate any concerns to ensure the maintenance of the health of the local audit system.

Strategy and Vision

• Provide independent support and constructive challenge to the Controller regarding the long-term development of the Local Audit Office as an independent body, its functions, delivery, impact and strategy, to ensure it evolves in line with its statutory objectives and the government’s overarching policy priorities. 
• Establish a strong working relationship with the Controller, providing support and advice as appropriate, and ensuring that the Local Audit Office functions effectively to cultivate an environment in which the Controller can discharge their responsibilities effectively. You will need to have a good understanding of the Controller’s responsibilities, in addition to the Controller’s responsibilities as Accounting Officer for the Local Audit Office.

Engagement 

• Act as an advocate to champion the profile of local audit across the broader corporate audit and regulatory landscape, both in the UK and internationally. As ambassador for the Local Audit Office, you will act as a figurehead and spokesperson for the organisation, ensuring it is outwardly focused, credible and aligned with its service users across local bodies, central government, the wider local audit sector, and the public. 
• Support engagement focused activities, including leading a comprehensive programme of engagement with the local audit system and sector, cross-government stakeholders, and members of the public. You will use your credibility, experience and public profile to build consensus around the role of the Local Audit Office across stakeholders, including consideration of what is working well and what needs to change. 
• This will be a demanding role in a complex system, working across boundaries and navigating difficult challenges. You will need to influence and bring key decision makers with you, whilst presenting an inspiring and motivating vision for the future of the local audit system. You will be responsible for managing a broad range of stakeholder interests, fostering trust and building consensus, particularly with local audit bodies whose confidence in the Local Audit Office will be critical to its success. The role requires the ability to constructively challenge and hold stakeholders to account, navigate conflicts of interest, and lead resolution efforts that support reform and strengthen the local audit system.

Person specification

Essential criteria

Local Audit - A strong interest in advancing the importance of local audit in underpinning public sector accountability, with an excellent understanding of public finances, and the role of public audit.  

Political astuteness and wider public sector insight – Proven experience of strategic leadership within complex and public-facing organisations, with strong political awareness and understanding of both local and national government, Parliament, and the wider public sector. Familiarity with public sector structures including governance, and accountability frameworks, and operational environments. Able to demonstrate public service values such as transparency and efficiency.  

Leadership - Strong leadership skills, with experience of operating at board level within large and/or complex organisations in the public or private sector; this could include arm’s-length bodies in the public sector or third sectors, either in the UK or overseas, or both. Proven record of exercising strong intellect, sound judgement and diplomacy. A supportive team player, able to build consensus, navigate complexity and ambiguity, and work effectively with UK Government colleagues. 

Organisational development -Track record of building up an organisation, operational capability and culture, bringing together a diverse staff from a range of backgrounds and organisations to develop an inclusive workplace which can attract and retain talent and create a strong reputation. 

Communication skills - Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with a proven ability to build trust and rapport across diverse audiences. Ability to command credibility and influence at senior levels, unite key stakeholders across the local audit system to drive collaboration and shared solutions to difficult challenges, working across institutional divides to deliver meaningful reform within the local audit system. 

Desirable criteria

• Experience of setting up and/or working with/within arm’s-length bodies.
• Leadership experience in one or more of local audit bodies, audit suppliers or regulatory bodies in the system or wider UK local public audit bodies would be an advantage.
• A strong understanding of the policy and regulatory framework for local financial reporting and local audit.
• Experience of working in, transforming and/or overseeing a highly complex regulatory system with notable achievements in tackling difficult problems and holding the executive team to account on delivering sustainable long-term reforms that are in the public interest.
• Understanding of business market management, contract management and commercial procurement.
• Experience and knowledge of managing public money.  

Application and selection process

How to apply

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

Once you are logged into your account, click on 'apply for this role' and follow the on-screen instructions. To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

• equality information
• information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues
• a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• a supporting statement
• a short professional biography (150 words)

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.

We are unable to accept late applications.

Overview of the application process

Public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition process which is conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. We will deal with your application as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages. We aim to conclude the appointment process within three months of the deadline for applications – this is in accordance with the Governance Code.

The assessment process

1. Ministers are responsible and accountable to Parliament for the public appointments made within their department. As a result, they must be consulted at every stage of the appointments process.

2. An Advisory Assessment Panel (“Panel”) is appointed by Ministers to assist them in their decision making. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role.

3. At the shortlisting meeting the Panel will assess applications against the eligibility criteria and decide which candidates have best met the criteria, who should be recommended for interview. Ministers will then be consulted on the Panel’s recommended shortlist. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme and you meet all the essential criteria, then you will also be invited for an interview.

4. Once the shortlist has been agreed by Ministers, you will be advised (by e-mail) whether you have been shortlisted. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview.

5. The Panel will meet again to interview candidates and determine who is appointable to the role. The Panel may invite you to make a brief presentation at the start of the interview and will go on to question you about your skills and experience, including asking specific questions to assess whether you meet the criteria set out for the post. The Panel will also explore with you any potential conflicts of interest or any other issues arising from your personal and professional history which may impact on an appointment decision.

6. Details of the panel’s assessment of interviewed candidates are provided to Ministers, including whether they have judged a candidate to be appointable to the role. It is then for Ministers to determine merit and decide who should be appointed. In some circumstances, Ministers may choose not to appoint any candidates and re-run the competition.

7. Ministers may choose to meet with candidates before deciding the outcome. Candidates should therefore be prepared for a short time gap between interview and a final appointment decision being made. Candidates who have been interviewed will be kept informed of progress.

8. Once the decision on the appointment has been made, interviewed candidates will be advised of the outcome of their application, including whom they may approach for feedback. Successful candidates will be issued with their Terms & Conditions and a letter of appointment should they agree to take up the position.

Further information about appointments, including tips on applying, can be found on our guidance pages on gov.uk.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

• Will Garton – Panel Chair and Director General of Local Government, Growth and Communities for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
• Rosie Seymour – Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Representative and Deputy Director of Local Government Oversight and Accountability
• Nick Scarles - Independent Panel Member
• Annell Smith – External Panel Member

Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by ministers to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. For competitions recruiting non-executive members of a board (apart from the Chair), the panel will usually include a representative from the public body concerned.

AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with ministers, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to ministers which candidates they find appointable. It is then for the minister to decide who to appoint to the role.

Pre-appointment scrutiny

Pre-appointment scrutiny by select committees is an important part of the process for some of the most significant public appointments made by Ministers. It is designed to provide an added level of scrutiny to verify that the recruitment meets the principles set out in the Governance Code on Public Appointments. This scrutiny may involve the relevant select committee requesting and reviewing information from the Department and the Minister’s preferred candidate. The select committee may also choose to hold a pre-appointment hearing.

If you are confirmed as the government’s preferred candidate for this role, the department will be in touch to confirm next steps. In most cases your name and CV will be provided to the relevant select committee in advance of the hearing.  Following a date being agreed for a pre-appointment hearing with the committee you will be asked to complete a questionnaire in advance of that. Following the hearing, the government will review and respond to the Committee’s report before confirming the appointment. 

Full information can be found in the Cabinet Office’s guidance here. 

Eligibility criteria

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. 

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you are disqualified from acting as a company director  (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);

• have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;

• your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

• you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this. 

• you are subject to a current police investigation.

You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points. 

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)

If you need further advice, please contact PublicAppointments@communities.gov.uk.

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Additional Security Clearance may also be required for certain roles. However, where this applies, candidates will be notified during the appointment process. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.

We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, including information about people’s educational and professional backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to these roles and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference.

When you submit your application, your responses are collected by the Cabinet Office and the government department(s) managing your application. The data is used to produce management information about the diversity of applicants. You can select “prefer not to say” to any question you do not wish to answer. The information you provide will not be seen by the Advisory Assessment Panel who review applications against the advertised criteria and conduct interviews.

Disability confident

We are a member of the Government’s Disability Confident scheme. We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. The scheme helps recruit and retain disabled people. As part of implementing the scheme, we guarantee an interview for anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role, set out in the advert, and who has asked that their application is considered under the scheme. Indicating that you wish your application to be considered under the scheme will in no way prejudice your application. By ‘essential criteria', we mean that you must provide evidence which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as set out in the job-advert. When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.

Some examples of common changes are:

• ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats;
• making adaptations to interview locations;
• allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way;
• giving additional detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves;
• allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters;
• making provision for support animals to attend.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder.

1. Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2. Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3. Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4. Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5. Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made; 
• and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; 

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 

Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

As this is an office holder appointment, you will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term, at the discretion of Ministers.  Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment; each case should be considered on its own merits, taking into account a number of factors including, but not restricted to, the diversity of the current board and its balance of skills and experience. In most cases, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or ten years in any one post. 

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

Remuneration for this role is treated as employment income and will be subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.

You can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs which are properly and necessarily incurred on official business, in line with the travel and subsistence policy and rates for the organisation to which you are applying. However these payments are taxable as earnings and will be subject to tax and national insurance, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.

Please contact the MHCLG public appointments team in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at PublicAppointments@communities.gov.uk. They will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy.

The MHCLG privacy notice is attached to this advert.

Contact details

PublicAppointments@communities.gov.uk

Attachments

• MHCLG Privacy Notice

• LAO Chair Candidate Pack