The current Joint Audit Committee members are as follows:
Jake Cornthwaite - Jake joined the committee in August 2022 and took over as chair of the committee in August 2026
Jake has held a number of commercial roles nationally and internationally at BAE Systems. In these roles, Jake has developed and administered systems of good governance, gained considerable experience in negotiating and managing complex, high value contracts, and been appointed to a programme board for a multi-billion-pound programme. Prior to commencing his career, Jake studied law at Oxford University.
Michael Roper - Michael joined the committee in December 2022.
Michael is an experienced Local Government Internal Auditor, having held numerous roles across Cumbria over the last 15 years. Michael is currently managing Internal Audit services for Carlisle City, Copeland and Allerdale Borough Council, prior to the intended Local Government Reorganisation in April 2023, which will see the three services merge with part of Cumbria County Council to form a new Cumberland Council. Michael obtained a degree in Accountancy & Finance and has also had experience of complex legal disputes and delivery of accountancy services as part of his career.
Susan Giles - Susan joined the Committee in March 2025.
Susan is an experienced governance professional and company secretary. With over 20 years' experience in the NHS she is currently supporting a large NHS Trust as Interim Director of Governance. She also Chairs South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services, is a Trustee of North West Cancer Research and is a Non-Executive Director at the Immigration Advice Authority. Susan also sits as a Lay Member for Social Care Wales and Independent Person for York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Susan gained a distinction in Healthcare Governance from the Chartered Governance Institute of UK & Ireland and was recognised in their annual Excellence in Governance awards for her work improving Board governance in a challenged NHS Trust.
Sharon Gernon-Booth - Sharon joined the Committee in June 2026.
Sharon has held a variety of audit, inspection and continuous improvement roles relating to policing, probation and fire and rescue services for around thirty years. This has included Lancashire Constabulary, the Audit Commission and as the College of Policing Improvement Capabilities Lead providing direct support to forces. She started her career in the nuclear industry and has also worked on mergers in the financial sector. Sharon is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and Master of Business Administration.
Lindsay - Anne Straughton - Lindsay joined the Committee in June 2026.
Lindsay is an Audit, Risk and Assurance professional with over 25 years’ experience in UK public sector and regulated industries.
She is currently Head of Enterprise Risk and Assurance at Nuclear Waste Services, supporting the Board and Executive by advising them on the effectiveness of governance, internal control, fraud and risk management arrangements.
Lindsay specialises in designing and embedding enterprise risk management and assurance frameworks, and leading organisational change and improvements.
She is an ACA qualified accountant and has previously held leadership roles with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, CCL Secure and RSM UK.
Samantha Simpson - Samantha joined the Committee in June 2026.
Sam has recently retired following a career in the NHS spanning 30 years. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy and Honorary Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, Sam has extensive experience at Executive level, as a Chief Finance Officer, in a variety of NHS organisations across the North West. Sam has also worked for Greater Manchester Police and has experience in local authorities and the education sector.