At the Combined Authority, the Internal Audit team helps make sure things are done properly and decisions are made on solid foundations. Their work keeps the organisation on track, with clear governance, good risk management, and the right checks in place.
Colleagues in the team take on a wide variety of audits, offering both assurance and practical advice that supports improvement across the organisation. On this page, you’ll hear from team members about what their roles involve, and how their work makes a difference for West Yorkshire.
The Combined Authority is one of the most interesting organisations I’ve worked for, given the huge breadth of responsibilities it has for the West Yorkshire region. No two days here are ever the same, which makes for a very stimulating and fascinating working life.
There is a great offer at the Combined Authority in terms of development. The Internal Audit Team has participated in the apprenticeship programmes, and we are keen to grow our team into leadership roles through programmes such as Amplify and Solace. We are very much focused on succession planning for our growing team and responsibilities.
Every bit of work we do as a team is both memorable and enjoyable, because not only is the team lovely, it seems to have a collective sense of humour that makes our collaborations fun and productive.
The team has grown over the last couple of years and between recent new recruits who are starting their careers in audit, to those with significant experience, a good balance has been achieved to allow for succession planning, sharing of knowledge and expertise, and working together to achieve delivery of plans and objective. Hopefully we can further strengthen the team as the organisation continues to grow.
The Combined Authority is committed to developing its people and it is a great place to develop skills and gain exposure to significant programmes of work such as Mass Transit, Bus Reform to name a few.
If you’re passionate about making a difference to people’s lives I would definitely recommend a career in an Authority that is at the forefront of positive change in West Yorkshire.
The office being centrally located in Leeds is great and a ‘hot desk’ setup across the office provides the opportunity to meet and sit next to colleagues from other teams and directorates.
The Combined Authority supports an agile working approach. I’m an ‘early bird’ and working flexibly allows me to work when I am most productive and take downtime. As a non-driver, the annual MCard, which provides free train and bus travel throughout West Yorkshire, is a great benefit too.
I have been able to utilise the Apprenticeship Levy and I'm currently undertaking a Level 7 Internal Audit Professional Apprenticeship to build on my internal audit qualifications.
The thing I enjoy the most about working at the Combined Authority is the people. There is a great culture in the team and across the organisation which makes it a really enjoyable place to work. In addition to the culture, the work is hugely varied. No two days are the same, and likewise, no two audits are the same. Keeping us all on our toes! Being a born and bred Yorkshireman it’s a great honour to play a role in helping to improve the lives of the people and communities in West Yorkshire.
The flexible working arrangements are another big positive. Employees can adapt their working patterns to suit their personal lives. The hybrid working options provided, allows me the flexibility to balance my professional and personal life, and the freedom to choose where and when I work most effectively.
I left early retirement to join the Internal Audit team because of the positive things I had heard. I planned to stay for just six months, however I am still here over two years later. The Combined Authority is a vibrant and diverse organisation which actively promotes Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Working from home became the norm during the pandemic, but the Combined Authority has now embraced this flexibility into its agile working policy. It means most staff can work in a hybrid way, where working from home is coupled with days in the office to suit individual circumstances as agreed with your line manager. Flexi-time is also an option for most staff.
The central Leeds location of the office close to the railway station is a real plus. The MCard giving free rail and bus travel across West Yorkshire gives a real cost saving. There is also the pension scheme and a range of other benefits including discounted gym membership.
Hear from colleagues in other teams across the Combined Authority and find out more about working life by visiting our Life at West Yorkshire Combined Authority page.
