Head of Assurance

Full time Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom

Posted On 03/03/2026

Job Information

City Northallerton

Province North Yorkshire

Postal Code DL6

Job Description 3 months contract with local authority

This interim role focuses on providing strategic leadership in Assurance, Risk, and Compliance. The position is crucial for developing a comprehensive assurance framework that aligns with statutory obligations and strategic priorities. The role involves advising senior leadership, overseeing internal audits, and acting as a liaison with government bodies. It also includes embedding assurance processes into major investments and ensuring robust performance management aligned with strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on assurance, risk, and compliance.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive assurance framework.
• Advise senior leadership and committees on risk and assurance matters.
• Represent the Authority in discussions with the Government regarding regional devolution.
• Oversee the internal audit program and ensure timely implementation of recommendations.
• Act as a liaison with internal auditors, regulators, and funding bodies.
• Integrate assurance processes into major investments and funding streams.
• Deliver appraisals of program and project business cases, ensuring due diligence.
• Lead internal program assurance, ensuring alignment with HM Treasury Green Book principles.
• Develop and implement a performance management framework aligned with strategic priorities.
• Advise senior leadership, elected members, and the Mayor on performance trends and risks.
• Lead strategic liaison with the Government for the Gateway Review process.

Requirements

Requirements:

• Knowledge of effective management of staff, budgets, and resources.
• In-depth knowledge of the UK economic framework relevant to the Combined Authority.
• Thorough understanding of the Combined Authority's Growth Plan.
• Familiarity with investment evaluation tools (e.g., webTAG, cost/benefit).
• Significant knowledge of assurance frameworks and compliance processes.
• Understanding of contract management processes and UK contracting law.
• Understanding of State Aid/Subsidy Control principles.
• Understanding of commercial financial appraisal, including business case analysis.
• Experience in managing budgets and setting targets.
• Experience in leading project appraisals using HMT Green Book principles.
• Experience presenting detailed information to stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in public sector procurement of services.
• Experience developing and implementing strategies in large organizations.