Audit Committee

About the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee supports our Accounting Officer (the Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission) in carrying out their formal accountability responsibilities. The Committee offers objective advice and ensures that the most efficient, effective and economic risk, control and governance processes are in place. The Audit Committee also acts on behalf of the Commissioners to provide them with assurance on these issues.

The Audit Committee meets quarterly, but with the option to vary frequency to meet need.

Audit Committee members

There are three members of the Audit Committee appointed by the Commission Board from among our Commissioners. In addition, the Electoral Commissioners appoint an Independent Chair of the Audit Committee who has no other connection with the Commission. A representative of the National Audit Office and our Head of Internal Audit have the right to attend any meeting of the Commissioners upon request.

Members of the Audit Committee serve for three years, unless a member ceases to be a Commissioner or asks to stand down. They may be re-appointed for a further period not exceeding three years.

Current members of the Audit Committee

Elizabeth Butler FCA (Independent Chair)
The Rt Hon George Reid (Commissioner)
Ian Kelsall (Commissioner)
Max Caller (Commissioner)

Other attendees

Our Accounting Officer, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, and Head of Finance, together with representatives of the National Audit Office and Internal Audit, will normally attend meetings of the Audit Committee by invitation. The Audit Committee may ask any other member of the Commission's staff to attend its meetings to help with its consideration of any matter.

The Audit Committee may ask any or all of those who are not members to withdraw from meetings, to facilitate open and frank discussion of particular matters.