Head of Audit, Risk Assurance and Insurance

I'm pleased to be exclusively supporting Gloucestershire County Council with the appointment of a Head of Audit, Risk Assurance and Insurance Services, a pivotal leadership opportunity for an experienced audit, risk or assurance professional.

This is far more than a traditional Head of Internal Audit role. The successful individual will be a forward-looking assurance leader and will lead the Audit, Risk and Assurance (ARA) Shared Service, which delivers internal audit, risk management, counter fraud and insurance services across three partner councils, alongside schools and external clients.

With local government reorganisation (LGR) set to reshape the local authority landscape, this is an opportunity to influence how assurance, governance and risk management evolve through a period of significant change.

What makes this opportunity stand out?

🔹 Strategic influence – Work closely with Chief Executives, Section 151 Officers, Monitoring Officers, Audit Committees and senior leadership teams.

🔹 Lead through change – Shape the ARA service's response to local government reorganisation, providing independent assurance and risk insight throughout transition and implementation.

🔹 Develop and modernise the service – Strengthen the operating model, develop innovative assurance approaches and position the shared service for the future.

🔹 Make a lasting impact – Help partner councils anticipate emerging risks, strengthen governance and build organisational resilience.

🔹 Lead and develop a professional team – Create a positive, high-performing culture focused on continuous improvement, professional development and service excellence.

Who are they looking for?

An established strategic, forward-looking audit, risk and assurance leader: someone who can influence at the most senior level, anticipate emerging risk and develop a high-performing professional team.

You will bring strong technical knowledge across corporate governance, risk management, internal control and assurance, alongside the credibility to influence at executive and committee level.

Experience of leading through organisational change is important, with local government reorganisation, council transition or integration experience particularly valuable.

Applicants should hold a Chartered Internal Auditor (CMIIA) qualification or be a CCAB-qualified accountant.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to combine strategic leadership, service transformation and public sector impact at a defining moment for local government in Gloucestershire.

If you're an experienced audit, risk or assurance leader and would like to find out more, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.

Equally, if you know someone who could be a strong fit, I'd welcome an introduction.