Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud & Risk

About the role

Tower Hamlets is seeking an exceptional and experienced leader to take on the role of Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud & Risk. This is a critical statutory leadership role at the heart of the Council’s governance, assurance and risk framework.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will lead the Council’s internal audit, anti-fraud and risk management functions, ensuring these services operate effectively, independently and in line with statutory requirements and professional standards. You will play a key role in strengthening organisational governance, safeguarding public resources and supporting the Council to deliver value for money.

This is a high-profile post requiring close engagement with senior leadership, Members and the Audit Committee, acting as the Council’s principal advisor on audit, risk and counter-fraud matters.

Key responsibilities

You will:

Provide strategic leadership of the internal audit, anti-fraud and risk services, ensuring delivery of effective and compliant assurance arrangements across the Council and Tower Hamlets Homes
Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Head of Internal Audit, including development of the audit strategy, annual audit plan and provision of the annual audit opinion
Lead the development and implementation of the Council’s counter-fraud and corruption strategy and oversee complex investigations
Act as the organisation’s lead on risk management, supporting the Corporate Leadership Team in identifying and managing strategic risks
Provide expert advice on governance, internal control and value for money across all services
Maintain strong relationships with key partners, including external auditors, law enforcement and government bodies
Act as the primary contact and senior advisor to the Audit Committee, including oversight of audit committee effectiveness
Lead and develop high-performing professional teams across audit, fraud and risk disciplines

About you

We are looking for a highly credible and strategic leader with significant experience operating at a senior level in a complex organisation, ideally within local government or a similarly regulated environment.

You will bring:

A recognised professional qualification (CCAB, CIMA or IIA) with significant post-qualification experience
Extensive knowledge of internal audit, governance frameworks and strategic risk management
Strong expertise in counter-fraud strategy, investigation and enforcement
A proven track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering organisational change
Experience of advising and influencing senior leadership teams and elected Members
Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and authoritatively
Experience of working collaboratively with external stakeholders and partners to deliver outcomes

Our TOWER values

At Tower Hamlets, our work is guided by the following principles:

We work together with partners to achieve the best outcomes
We are open and transparent in our decision-making
We are willing to challenge and innovate
We empower each other to be excellent
We respect all communities and value diversity

Additional information

Politically restricted post
Enhanced DBS check required
Occasional evening or weekend working may be required to meet business needs

Why join Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets is one of the most dynamic and diverse boroughs in the country. This role offers the opportunity to shape governance and assurance at scale, influence strategic decision-making, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of residents.

Apply

If you are an experienced audit, risk or counter-fraud leader looking to take on a pivotal role in a high-profile London borough, we would welcome your application.

Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.