Devon Audit Partnership (DAP) provides comprehensive Internal Audit, Risk Management and Counter Fraud services to the partners councils of DAP including Devon, Torbay, Plymouth Torridge, North Devon, Mid Devon South Hams and West Devon Councils and external clients including Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and the majority of schools within the Devon area.

The post supports the Head and Deputy Head of Partnership in setting the direction and strategy for Internal Audit, Risk Management & Counter Fraud in a public sector context and the delivery of an effective and pro-active wider Assurance service for DAP partners (and other clients).

The post holder will provide an advisory and consultancy service to all DAP partners and clients encompassing internal control, risk management, governance, fraud and irregularities, public accountability and the probity in the use of public funds.

Larkbeare is the office base but flexible working arrangements are in place which include remote working.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Assist the Deputy Head of DAP in the creation and setting of a vision and strategy for Assurance Services which are expected to include Internal Audit, Risk Management and Counter Fraud for key public sector organisations, which include DAP partners and clients
• Presenting and explaining the strategy and vision to members and senior executive officers, and creating the necessary understanding and “buy-in”
• Apply strategic direction to the delivery of an effective and challenging Assurance function, capturing the key risks (and resulting mitigating controls) for our partners and clients.
• Leading on the development of the Assurance advisory service for DAP, on behalf of other partners and clients 
• The leadership, management, supervision, recruitment, training and development of staff to assist in the delivery of Assurance services, providing a highly skilled, motivated and high performing service to all partners and clients
• Assist the Deputy Head of Audit Partnership in the preparation and delivery of the Internal Audit Strategy and risk-based internal audit plans covering all clients to provide an independent opinion on the effectiveness of internal control and corporate governance environment as required by the Accounts and Audit Regulations.
• Ensure that all work is carried out efficiently and with proper professional care as defined by the CIPFA Code of Practice for Internal Audit in Local Government, Risk Management Standards as published by the Institute of Risk Management, Counter Fraud standards, (such as the Code for Crown Prosecutors, Criminal Procedure and Investigation Act 1996 (CPIA) and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)).
• Produce reports with opinions, findings and recommendations for Audit Committee (or equivalent), Members, senior management and partners in assisting them to achieve their strategic and service objectives.
• Ensuring that all work is subject to robust quality assurance review.
• Discuss, negotiate and agree with all levels of management how recommendations for improvement will be implemented.
• Develop and manage effective systems to monitor the completion of agreed recommendations and to act as necessary where key recommendations have not been implemented.
• Develop and foster partnership working with other bodies (e.g. Police, External Audit, external contractors, and consultants, health, voluntary and community sector, business sector, etc).
• Provide an effective advice and consultancy service across all partners and clients including advice and support on many diverse and major strategic and operational projects and initiatives to e.g. improve performance, meet objectives, statutory obligations etc.
• Planning, managing and organising resources available and required in order to ensure that there is effective delivery of Assurance services including regular liaison with other managers within the team.
• Playing a lead role in developing new initiatives. Attending conferences / training as required to obtain and disseminate relevant guidance in their areas of responsibility.
• To be an active member of the DAP Leadership Team
• To represent the Partnership at senior management and Board of Governor meetings. Expected to represent at Audit Committee and other meetings as required. Act as expert witness in the event of formal legal proceedings.
• To deputise for the Deputy Head of Audit Partnership as required. Including deciding on appropriate channels of communication for significant audit issues to the relevant Council’s Section 151 Officer, Monitoring Officer and/or Police.

To have an informal chat about the post please do not hesitate to contact Jo McCormick, Deputy Head of Devon Audit Partnership on 07961 650617. 

Interview Date: To be held 8th/9th November  

• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 
• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.  
• The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc. 
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. 
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice. 
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working. 
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page. 

For further information and to apply, please click the 'Apply' button.

Closing Date: 29 October 2022