Head of Audit & AssuranceCouncil

Department: Finance 
Terms & Conditions: Permanent, 37 hours per week 
Shortlisting date: 21st September 2026
Interview date: 29th September 2026 

We are seeking an exceptional and experienced professional to join our Finance Directorate as Head of Audit & Assurance. 

This is a critical leadership role within the Council, providing strategic direction across Internal Audit, Counter Fraud, Risk Management and Insurance. As a key member of the Council's leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening governance, supporting effective decision-making, and ensuring the Council continues to deliver excellent services for our communities. 

Working collaboratively with Members, Chief Officers, senior leaders and external partners, you will provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of the Council's governance, risk management and internal control framework, helping to safeguard public resources and support the successful delivery of the Council's priorities. 

We are looking for an accomplished leader with significant experience of operating at a senior level within a large and complex organisation. 

You will be able to demonstrate: 

• Substantial leadership experience at a senior level within a complex organisation, ideally within local government. 

• Significant senior-level experience within Internal Audit. 

• Extensive experience of operating within professional audit standards, legislation and relevant codes of practice. 

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and build credibility with Members, Chief Officers and senior leaders. 

• The ability to provide visible, inspiring and empowering leadership that drives improvement and delivers results. 

• A relevant professional qualification such as CMIIA (Chartered Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors), or a CCAB-recognised accountancy qualification 

Why Join Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council? 

The Government has confirmed plans to reorganise local government across Lancashire. From April 2028, the current 15 councils will be replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire. 

If you're successful in your application, you'll initially join Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. As part of the reorganisation, your employment will transfer to the new East Lancashire council from April 2028. 

We're committed to continuing to deliver excellent services throughout this transition. By joining us now, you'll be part of an important period of change and have the opportunity to help shape the future of local government for local communities. 

We continue to offer: 

• An organisation that is committed to its TRACK values 

• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities. 

• Competitive salary and benefits package. 

• Local Government Pension Scheme. 

• Ongoing professional development and support. 

• The opportunity to make a tangible difference to the services delivered to our communities. 

If you havent already, visit our Senior Leadership page on the Council website to find out more about working for BwD. Hear from our Chief Executive and more specifically about this role from our Director of Finance. 

If you would like an informal discussion about the role you may contact Jody Spencer-Anforth directly via email at [email protected] 

To learn more about Senior Leadership here at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, watch our video from our Director of Finance below!