Head of Audit and Risk Management

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Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council.

West Northamptonshire Council is on an exciting journey as we continue to strengthen our approach to governance, assurance and risk management. We're committed to delivering high‑quality value for money services for our residents and businesses, and strong internal controls, governance arrangements, and insight are central to that ambition.

We 're now looking for an inspiring and forward‑thinking Head of Audit and Risk Management to lead our internal audit, risk management and counter‑fraud functions.

This is a high‑profile role at the heart of the organisation, acting as our 'chief audit executive' and providing independent, trusted assurance to senior officers and elected members.

You’ll report to the Executive Director of Resources (the s151 officer) and will play a key part in the leadership of the Resources Directorate.

The in‑house internal audit service has just undergone its 5 yearly external quality assessment under Global Internal Audit Standards. Having been rated as ‘generally conforming’, you will lead on delivering the improvement actions needed to move towards full conformance.

You will also support the continued development of effective risk management and counter‑fraud arrangements across the Council.

You’ll work closely with the Council’s statutory officers, Executive Leadership Team and the Audit & Governance Committee, offering clear, evidence‑based advice on governance, internal control and risk management issues.

Leading a team of around 15 colleagues, you’ll set direction, nurture talent and help the service continue to grow in confidence, capability and impact.

You’ll also be responsible for providing internal audit services to Northamptonshire Children’s Trust.

You’ll be CCAB / IIA qualified with a strong background in leading or managing an internal audit service, preferably in the public sector, and will have a solid understanding of Global Internal Audit Standards.

You’ll be confident working with senior leaders and elected members, and able to build constructive relationships and influence decision‑making at the highest levels.

As a people‑centred leader, you’ll enjoy developing your team, setting clear expectations and supporting strong performance.

Above all you’ll bring sound judgement, political awareness and the credibility to provide independent assurance that helps the Council continue to thrive.

This is an excellent opportunity to shape and lead a critical service, supporting the Council in delivering ongoing improvements in its governance arrangements.

At West Northants Council, it's about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like‑minded people.

Our vision is 'to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive'. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for:
Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.

We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner.

The following film was created by us to communicate our intentions - watch WNC colleagues explain what DEI means to us.

If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email  for support.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.

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  0099 - Head of Audit Risk JDPS (003).pdf