How to Solve the Audit & Risk Hiring Crisis in the Public Sector

If you’re leading an internal audit or risk function in the public sector, you already know the reality:

• Scrutiny is rising
• Budgets are tighter than ever
• Regulations keep evolving

And yet, despite shrinking resources, you’re expected to deliver, at least, the same level of assurance, governance, and protection – even with understaffed or overstretched teams.

At Broster Buchanan, we continue to work with local authorities, NHS Trusts, education bodies, and housing associations to solve one of the most urgent public sector challenges: how to hire skilled audit and risk professionals quickly, affordably, and with minimal disruption.

If you’re leading internal audit or risk functions in the public sector right now, you don’t need another reminder of the pressure you’re under. But, we can help you navigate the audit and risk hiring crisis, even against the rising scrutiny and budget tightening that is occurring across the board, in light of shifting regulations and the ever greater need for watertight governance. You’re not alone with this, we see it every day, it’s one of the most pressing challenges facing the sector.

Why Public Sector Audit & Risk Hiring Is Under Pressure

If you’re leading internal audit or risk functions in the public sector right now, you don’t need another reminder of the pressure you’re under. But, we can help you navigate the audit and risk hiring crisis, even against the rising scrutiny and budget tightening that is occurring across the board, in light of shifting regulations and the ever greater need for watertight governance. You’re not alone with this, we see it every day, it’s one of the most pressing challenges facing the sector.

Budget Constraints
Tighter funding means there’s really no margin for error. The wrong hire doesn’t just cause inconvenience – it’s costly in both time and money. It’s essential to find the right person for the role, the first time

Talent Competition
The private sector is attracting experienced professionals with higher pay and quicker recruitment processes, which means public sector organisations often struggle to compete on speed and salary

Regulatory Complexity
From ESG to data privacy to fraud prevention, the risk landscape is increasingly complex. Internal teams must stay ahead but, in this rapidly changing landscape, often lack the time or headcount to do so

Our Solution to the Public Sector Audit & Risk Hiring Crisis

We’ve placed countless audit and risk professionals into a variety of businesses, both permanent and interim, covering such roles as:

• Principal Auditor
• Senior Auditor
• Audit Managers

These positions are filled by candidates who can bring sector-specific insight and impact from day one. How do we do this:

Speed
We connect you with pre-vetted professionals who can step in quickly — often with prior experience in similar public bodies.

Accuracy
We know how to assess candidates for technical ability and cultural alignment, reducing the risk of mismatched hires.

Sector Understanding
Our team works exclusively with public sector organisations, meaning we understand your funding, governance, and compliance frameworks.

Through this, we’ve delivered successful placements across:

• Local government audit teams
• Housing and social care regulators
• Academies and education bodies
• NHS trusts and healthcare commissioners
• Charities and not-for-profits

Whether it’s an internal audit you’re managing, navigating legislative changes, or launching new risk frameworks, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you build a team that’s fit for this challenge, and those yet to come.

Need Interim or Permanent Audit & Risk Support?

Whether you’re looking for:

• Interim cover to support year-end reporting or a specific audit cycle
• Permanent hires to strengthen your internal team
• A consultative partner to advise on market availability and talent strategy

Broster Buchanan is here to help you succeed.

Contact Us Today