Independent Chair for Audit and Risk Committee – West Midlands Fire Service

Could you help West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority to understand corporate risk, improve our governance and scrutinise our finances as the Independent Chair of our Audit and Risk Committee?

West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority is looking to appoint an Independent Chair with significant public sector, governance, audit and finance experience to provide an open and independent leadership of our Audit and Risk Committee, starting in June 2026. The work will be challenging and provides a real opportunity for you to make an active contribution to the effective governance of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority.

Responsibilities

Role of Audit and Risk Committee

The core function of the audit and risk committee is to provide oversight of a range of core governance and accountability arrangements, responses to the auditor recommendations and helping to ensure robust arrangements for managing corporate risks. The Chair will lead on the work of the committee on behalf of the Authority, providing challenge to our members and officers, and working closely with internal and external auditors.

The Committee currently meets at least five times per year, and the Independent Chair would also be expected to provide reports to full Fire Authority at its meetings, also five times per year. There will also be the opportunity to attend other meetings of the authority, such as the informal Members Engagement Forum.

Pension Board

It is also intended that the Independent Chair will Chair our Pension Board, which meets quarterly. In this role they will support the Board in its role advising and supporting the Firefighter Pension Scheme Manager, a role currently delegated to the Chief Fire Officer.

Experience and skills

The role of Independent Chair would particularly suit individuals with a background in public sector or corporate governance, financial control and risk management, but training will be provided to support you to understand the Fire and Rescue context.