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Appointment details

Environmental Sustainability and Net Zero Non-Executive Director

Summary

• Organisation: Defence Safety and Environment Committee
• Sponsor department: Ministry of Defence
• Location: London
• Sectors: Defence
• Skills: Audit and Risk, Business, Change Management, Commercial, Regulation, Transformation
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 20 day(s) per annum
• Remuneration: £15000 per annum
• Length of term: 12-month period with possibility of extension of 24 months
• Application deadline: 11:59pm on 14 August 2023

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   24 July 2023

2. Application deadline

   11:59pm on 14 August 2023

3. Sifting date

   25 August 2023

4. Interviews expected to end on

   25 September 2023

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

The UK is leading in the world's response to climate change. As part of this response the Ministry of Defence has an important contribution to make to the growing national and international effort. To match this ever-growing interest and urgency we have establishing a Climate Change and Sustainability (CCS) Directorate at the heart of Defence, dedicated to responding to climate change and embedding sustainability further and more broadly across the enterprise. The Directorate is responsible for a range of topics from the adaptation of military technologies through to climate security and enhancing defence wide sustainability activities. The climate challenge promises to fundamentally impact the way we live, fight, partner and do business. A strategic approach – setting out the long-term ambition and Defence’s initial action plan – was published in March 2021, where you can find out more: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-defence-climate-change-and-sustainability-strategic-approach.

Appointment description

We are seeking a Non-Executive Director (NED) for Environmental Sustainability and Net Zero to join the Defence Safety and Environment Committee (DSEC) and act as representative for Cabinet Office Net Zero NED. As a Non-Executive Board Member your function will be to provide external advice and expertise on climate change and environmental sustainability issues.  You will be looked to constructively challenge the Department’s approach leveraging your knowledge/experience, help build Defence’s Environmental Operating Model and identify wider organisational risks and opportunities to ensure that Defence is adapted to and resilient to climate change.  As part of this role, there will be opportunity for engagements to build the successful candidate’s knowledge of both Defence and its climate change and environmental sustainability activities. You will meet regularly with the Departmental Climate Change & Sustainability 2-star lead and/or the Second Permanent secretary - to reflect on your role, review the DSEC’s performance and evaluate arrangements in the Ministry of Defence. You will also have a supportive advocacy role across Whitehall and with our Industrial partners.

Organisation description

The Defence Safety and Environment Committee (DSEC) is currently the principal forum within Defence responsible for the governance of Defence for Health, Safety & Environmental Protection (HS&EP) with climate change and sustainable currently being overseen by the Defence Delivery Group.  With the recent transfer of Environmental Protection responsibilities to the Directorate of Levelling Up, the Union, Climate Change and Sustainability the Department’s Environmental Operating Model is currently being refreshed.  

Board composition

The DSEC’s membership is:

Second Permanent secretary (joint chair) VCDS (joint Chair) 1st Sea Lord Chief of the General Staff Chief of the Air Staff Commander UK Strategic Command Director General Nuclear Chief Executive Defence Equipment and Support Chief Executive Defence Infrastructure Organisation Chief Operating Officer Chief Executive Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Chief Executive Submarine Delivery Agency Director Health Safety and Environmental Protection Director Climate Change and Sustainability Two non-executive directors Director General Defence Safety Authority

Person specification

Essential criteria

Candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

•           Providing ongoing leadership and strategic insight and vision across the national security , energy security, net zero and environment  nexus, coordinating and seeking opportunities to collaborate internationally and domestically with industry and wider Whitehall Departments.

•           Strong and proven knowledge and experience of wider environmental and sustainability strategy and cultural transformation, risk and performance, innovation and the implications and opportunities emerging from Net Zero, Energy Security and Transition as well as the UK’s Environmental Improvement plans.

•           Established networks and engagement with a range of organisations across government, industry, academia and ideally internationally to influence policies, practices and process.  With supporting evidence on how this has been used to deliver and represent climate change and environmental sustainability actions and activities.

•           Ability to translate climate and environmental sustainability industry best practice into a Defence and security context to constructively challenge the Department’s approach to maintain momentum, build suitable governance and performance frameworks and ensure the delivery of Defence’s Climate change and environmental sustainability ambition.

•           Strong communication skills with the ability to provide constructive challenge using sound-judgement and be able to clearly explain highly complex Defence climate policies to the public, defending decisions where necessary.

Desirable criteria

It is desirable that the successful candidates bring:

• Evidence of senior achievement in climate and environmental sustainability in the Private sector and/or Defence demonstrating the ability to make a strong personal contribution.
• A high degree of knowledge and expertise on systems thinking and ensuring coherence across an ambiguous and fast developing agenda such as climate change and sustainability.
• An understanding of driving performance and assurance in large and complex organisations.
• An enthusiasm for public engagement, seeking opportunities to discuss the defence and climate agenda with both private and public sector stakeholders.

Application and selection process

How to apply

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

1. https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/create-account 2. https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/auth/sign-in

Once you are logged into your account, click on 'apply for this role' and follow the on-screen instructions. To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

a Supporting Statement

-          This should include details of 2 references; full names and email addresses. By providing your referees details, you are giving us consent to approach them should you be successful at the shortlisting stage.

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.

The Advisory Assessment Panel reserves the right to only consider applications that contain all of the elements listed above, and that arrive before the published deadline for applications.

Overview of the application process

The assessment process

1. The Approving Authority are responsible and accountable to Parliament for the public appointments made within their department. As a result, they must be consulted at every stage of the appointments process.
2. An Advisory Assessment Panel (“Panel”) is appointed by Approving Authority to assist them in their decision making. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role.
3. At the shortlisting meeting the Panel will assess applications against the eligibility criteria and decide which candidates should be recommended for interview. The Approving Authority will then be consulted on the Panel’s recommended shortlist.
4. Once the shortlist has been agreed by Approving Authority, you will be advised (by e-mail) whether you have been shortlisted. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview.
5. The Panel will meet again to interview candidates and determine who is appointable to the role. The names of all appointable candidates are provided to the Approving Authority. It is then for the Approving Authority to determine merit and decide who should be appointed. In some circumstances, the Approving Authority may choose not to appoint any candidates and re-run the competition.
6. The Panel’s recommendations will be provided to the Approving Authority in a report which details the assessment method used and the outcome of each interview. They will then be asked to agree on the candidate(s) who should be appointed.
7.  Once the decision on the appointment has been made, interviewed candidates will be advised of the outcome of their application. Successful candidates will be issued with their Terms and Conditions and a letter of appointment should they agree to take up the position.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

Panel Chair and Representative of the Organisation

James Clare, Director Levelling Up, the Union, Climate Change & Sustainability

Departmental Official

Avril Jolliffe, Director General Industry Trade & Economic Security

Independent Panel Member

Manjeet Gill, Chair and Director of Public Boards

Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by the Approving Authority to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. For competitions recruiting non-executive members of a board (apart from the Chair), the panel will usually include a representative from the public body concerned. AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with the Approving Authority, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to the Approving Authority which candidates they find appointable. It is then for the Approving Authority to decide who to appoint to the role.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for this role, you must be a UK National.

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. 

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you are disqualified from acting as a company director  (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);

• have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;

• your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

• you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this. 

• you are subject to a current police investigation.

You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points. 

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)

If you need further advice, please contact James Clare James.Clare488@mod.gov.uk  

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Additional Security Clearance may also be required for certain roles. This will be specified in the vacancy details. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united- kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting- clearance-levels

The level of clearance required for this role is Developed Vetting (DV).

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

The Ministry of Defence value and welcome diversity. The appointment will be governed by the Principle of Public Appointment based on merit with independent assessment and transparency of process. Successful candidate will need to demonstrate that they meet the criteria for this appointment.

We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and experience across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies/Advisory Committees are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve and this is an important part of the Government’s levelling up agenda. We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, including information about people’s educational and professional backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to these roles and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference.

Disability confident

We are a member of the Government’s Disability Confident scheme. We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. The scheme helps recruit and retain disabled people. 

As part of implementing the scheme, we guarantee an interview for anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role, set out in the advert, and who has asked that their application is considered under the scheme. Indicating that you wish your application to be considered under the scheme will in no way prejudice your application. By ‘minimum criteria,’ we mean that you must provide evidence which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as set out in the job-advert.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme.

Reasonable adjustments

Government departments are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.

Some examples of common changes are:

• ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats;
• making adaptations to interview locations;
• allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way;
• giving additional detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves;
• allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters;
• making provision for support animals to attend.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

Holders of public office are expected to adhere to and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life. These are:

1. Selflessness - Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
2. Integrity - Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
3. Objectivity - Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
4. Accountability - Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
5. Openness - Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.
6. Honesty - Holders of public office should be truthful.
7. Leadership - Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made; 
• and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; 

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 

Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

As this is an office holder appointment, you will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term, at the discretion of the Approving Authority. Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. If re- appointed, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or serve in any one post for more than ten years.

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

Remuneration for this role is treated as employment income and will be subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.

You can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs which are properly and necessarily incurred on official business, in line with the travel and subsistence policy and rates for the organisation to which you are applying. However these payments are taxable as earnings and will be subject to tax and national insurance, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid. 

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.  If you feel that you have a complaint about the way in which your application has been handled, please contact in the first instance Defence Business Service (DBS) Civilian Personnel Public Appointments Team DBSCivPers-ResPublicAppts@mod.gov.uk . If you are not completely satisfied with the response, please contact the MOD Public Appointments Team at DSOP-PublicAppointments@mod.gov.uk . We will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and aim to provide a response within 15 working days.

How to complain to Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA)

If you are not content with the appointing department’s response you may wish to further complain to the Commissioner at publicappointments@csc.gov.uk . Further information on how the Commissioner handles complaints can be found on the Commissioner for Public Appointments' website.

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy.

The Ministry of Defence privacy policy can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-defence-privacy-notice/mod-privacy-notice

Contact details

For additional information about this role please contact James.Clare488@mod.gov.uk