The current Joint Audit Committee members are as follows:
Malcolm Iredale – Malcolm joined the committee in September 2016 and took over as chair of the committee in April 2025.
Malcolm trained and worked in an English Local Authority before moving to Scotland to work as a Local Government Auditor - both external and internal, including Police Authorities. He then spent over 20 years in the Highlands as a Director of Finance in both Local Government and the NHS, with a particular interest in the delivery of public services in remote and rural areas. He has subsequently undertaken procurement roles at both local and national level, and now serves as a Trustee of a local charity.
Jake Cornthwaite - Jake joined the committee in August 2022.
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.