Croydon Council is seeking a new independent, non-voting member for its Audit & Governance Committee following the resignation of David Clarke, who notified the Monitoring officer of his intention to not extend his tenure further once his term expires. The recruitment process was discussed at the committee's meeting on Thursday 27 November 2025.

Croydon Council building, the location of the Audit & Governance Committee meeting.
Croydon Council building

The Audit & Governance Committee plays a crucial role in providing independent assurance on the council's risk management and internal control environment. Its purpose is to:

  1. provide independent assurance to the Council of the adequacy of the risk management framework and the internal control environment;
  2. oversee internal and external audit, helping to ensure that efficient and effective assurance arrangements are in place;
  3. provide independent review of the Council's governance, risk management and control frameworks
  4. oversee the financial reporting and annual governance processes and
  5. provide independent scrutiny of the Council's financial and non-financial performance to the extent that it affects the Council's exposure to risk and weakens the control environment.

The independent member brings specialist knowledge and skills to the committee, offering external challenge and support.

The recruitment process will include advertising the role on the council's website, in the 'Your Croydon' e-newsletter, in the local press, and on LinkedIn.

A draft advert for the role, included in the Recruitment and Appointment of Independent non-voting Member to the Audit and Governance Committee report pack, outlines the skills, qualities, and disqualifications for the position.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • A high level of integrity and inspire public confidence.
  • Ability to be objective, independent and impartial.
  • Knowledge and understanding of public sector finances, risk management, corporate governance and the roles of internal and external audit.
  • Good analytical skills and the ability to scrutinise financial information and processes and to challenge appropriately.
  • Good communication skills and ability to contribute to discussions.
  • The ability to work effectively within a team and build good relations with others in a committee setting.
  • A respect for confidentiality.
  • The ability to deal with issues of a sensitive nature in a diplomatic manner.
  • Knowledge/experience of local government or some other aspects of the public sector and/or of large, complex organisations at a senior level.
  • An awareness of the issues currently facing local government and the key priorities for the borough.

The Audit and Governance Committee will establish a panel to shortlist and interview candidates. The panel will consist of the Independent Chair, Vice-Chair, and a female member of the Audit and Governance Committee, with support from the Monitoring Officer.

The outcome of the recruitment process will be reported to the Audit and Governance Committee, which will then make a recommendation to Full Council for the appointment of the successful candidate.