Head of Assurance

Interim Head of Assurance – York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Head of Assurance Key responsibilities for the duration of the interim Head of Assurance Strategic Leadership on Assurance, Risk, and Compliance Develop and maintain a comprehensive assurance framework aligned with statutory obligations and strategic priorities. Provide expert advice to senior leadership and committees on risk, and assurance matters. Act as the Authority’s Assurance, Risk and Compliance champion in discussions and negotiations with Government around further devolution for the region.

Oversee the internal audit programme and ensure timely implementation of recommendations. Act as the liaison with internal auditors, and in relation to assurance and performance matters with regulators, and funding bodies. Embed assurance processes into major investments, funding streams, and transformation programmes. Deliver appraisals of programme and project business cases and ensure that appropriate due diligence is undertaken in relation to delivery partners funded by the Authority.

Lead the Authority in relation to internal programme assurance, ensuring that performance evidence, delivery milestones, and evaluation outputs are robust, auditable, and aligned with HM Treasury Green Book principles to support future gateway reviews and funding negotiations. Lead the development and implementation of a robust performance management framework aligned to the Combined Authority’s strategic priorities and statutory obligations. Advise senior leadership, elected members, and the Mayor on performance trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

Lead the Authority’s strategic liaison with Government in relation to the Gateway Review process, ensuring timely submission of evidence, coordination of programme evaluations, and alignment with national Head of Assurance

Essential Criteria (include technical and seniority) Head of Assurance Knowledge of effective management of staff, budgets and resources. In depth knowledge of the current UK economic framework with which the Combined Authority operates. Thorough understanding of the Combined Authority’s Growth Plan. Knowledge of investment evaluation tools (e.g. webTAG, cost/benefit) Significant knowledge of assurance frameworks and compliance processes including the full project lifecycle.

An understanding of contract management processes and UK law in relation to contracting. An understanding of State Aid/Subsidy Control principles and requirements. An understanding of commercial financial appraisal e.g. analysis of business case proposal, balance sheet and cashflow appraisal, credit risk knowledge.

Experience of successful management of budgets and target setting. Experience in leading and undertaking project appraisals using HMT Green Book principles to determine the wider economic and social benefits associated with investments and delivering challenging critique.

Experience of presenting detailed information to internal colleagues and external stakeholders/partners at all levels of seniority and Members.

Experience of public sector procurement of services.

Experience of developing and implementing work stream strategies in a large organisation.