Independent Chair for Audit and Risk Committee 14 views

Independent Chair for Audit and Risk Committee  

Fire Authority  

Monday 09 March 2026 

Closing date: Monday 06 April 2026 

Salary: £8,575 + Reasonable travel expenses* 

Overview 

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km² and a population of more than 2.9 million people. 

Our vision is ‘Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier’.  

This vision and the strategic goals outlined in ‘Our Strategy’ are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities. 

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. 

Applicants must not have been a member or officer of the Fire Authority within the past five years, or be a relative or close friend of a current member or officer of WMFRA, nor have close business or professional links with the Fire Authority. In addition, applicants will be able to demonstrate that they are able to act non-politically and will not be an active member of any political party. 

Benefits 

We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including free, on-site parking. 

We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors. 

In addition, employees have access to: 

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme 

• wellbeing programmes 

• ‘blue light’ discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes 

• Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services. 

Diversity 

We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups. 

WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.  

Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including – where applicable – relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.  

How to apply 

If you feel you have the experience and personal qualities to undertake this role, please submit a covering letter based upon why you would be an ideal candidate and a copy of your CV. 

Interviews will take place two to three weeks after the closing date for applications. Final appointment to the role will be subject to approval by the Fire Authority. 

For more information, please refer to the WMFRA CMIS website which includes the Authority Constitution and details of previous Audit and Risk Committee meetings. Alternatively, please contact the Clerk, Karen Gowreesunker at Karen.Gowreesunker@wmfs.net 

*WMFRA Allowances are subject to review by an Independent Remuneration Panel and this allowance is subject to review before June 2026.