BIOMETRICS AND FORENSIC ETHICS GROUP MEMBERS
- Body
- Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group
- Appointing Department
- Home Office
- Sectors
- Education, Prison & Policing, Regulation, Science & Technology
- Location
- Central London
- Skills required
- Change Management, Legal / Judicial, Regulation
- Number of Vacancies
- 9
- Remuneration
- The role is unremunerated, but members will be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred whilst carrying out business on behalf of the BFEG.
- Time Requirements
- 10 - 15 days per year
Campaign Timeline
-
Competition Launched
24/07/2017
-
Closed for Applications
20/08/2017
-
Panel Sift
11/09/2017
-
Final Interview Date
11th, 12th, and 16th October 2017
-
Announcement
27/03/2018
Announcement
An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.
Seven new members have today (19 March) taken up positions as members of the Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group (BFEG).
The new members come from a diverse background, with expertise across genetics, forensic science, biometric data, data protection and the ethics of consent.
Chris Hughes OBE, Chair of the BFEG, said:
I’m delighted to be welcoming this group of outstanding applicants to be part of the Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group.
They bring a wealth of experience and will help us to provide independent advice on the ethical impacts of all aspects of biometrics and forensics within the Home Offices remit.
The 8 new members are:
Professor Thomas Edward Sorell – professor of politics and philosophy at the University of Warwick Dr Peter Waggett – Director of Research at IBM Professor Liz Campbell – Director of the Centre for Criminal Law and Criminal Justice and the Director of Research Funding at Durham Law School Professor Dame Sue Black – Director of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee Professor Simon Caney – professor in political theory at the University of Warwick Professor Mark Jobling – professor of genetics at the University of Leicester Professor Denise Syndercombe-Court – professor of forensic science at Kings College London An additional member was also appointed on 26 March – Professor Louise Amoore, professor of human geography at Durham University.
Date: 27/03/2018
Assessment Panel
- Panel Member
- Mr Chris Hughes OBE
- Panel Role
- Panel Chair
- Positions
- Home Office Science Secretariat Departmental Official
Show more information
| Political Activity | No Political Activity |
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| Notes | - |
- Panel Member
- Dr Mark Bale
- Positions
- Director, Department of Health Independent Member
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| Political Activity | No Political Activity |
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| Notes | - |
- Panel Member
- Dr Joanne Wallace
- Positions
- Head of the Science and Regulatory Secretariats Other Panel Member
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| Political Activity | No Political Activity |
|---|---|
| Notes | - |
Vacancy Description
Following a Triennial Review of the National DNA Database Ethics Group, the remit of the group was expanded to provide ethical advice on all aspects of biometrics and forensics which fall within the purview of the Home Office. This led to the establishment of the BFEG.
Committee members are expected to:
- Attend and contribute to quarterly BFEG meetings, and other additional subgroup meetings arranged as necessary;
- Act corporately with other members to ensure that the BFEG fulfils its responsibilities by providing Ministers and the Department with impartial, independent, balanced and objective ethical advice on issues within the group’s remit.
Members also have responsibility for:
- Developing the evidence base of topics under consideration to formulate advice;
- Examining and challenging, if necessary, the assumptions on which advice is formulated;
- Ensuring that the BFEG has the opportunity to consider the available evidence on a given issue, contrary views, and, where appropriate the concerns and values of stakeholders before a decision is taken; and
- Ensuring the BFEG acts in accordance with the Code of Practice for members, which incorporates the Seven Principles of Public Life and Code of Practice for Science Advisory Committees.
Person Specification
The BFEG is seeking up to nine new members. You should have demonstrable expertise in either:
- genetics, forensic science, biometric data, data protection and the ethics of consent including working with large data sets, experimental design, police service, social science, political science/political scientist, medical science or the law and be able to develop their ethical knowledge and expertise;
or
- in ethics and demonstrable experience of applying this to issues across the biometric, forensic and criminal justice arena and one or more of the specialisms that underpin them.
In addition to the above your supporting statement should provide evidence of your skills and experience against the essential and desirable selection criteria set out below. Please be clear about the scale and significance of your role/achievement. The evidence you provide against the selection criteria will be used by the selection panel to determine your suitability for the role.
Essential Skills and Experience
- An understanding of the breadth and depth of ethical issues related to the collection, storage and use of biometric and forensic information and data.
- The ability to think logically and objectively to analyse complex information from diverse sources, identify key issues and make effective impartial and balanced decisions.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with committee members and stakeholders and to actively and constructively contribute to discussions, negotiating between conflicting opinions and values and generating options to reach consensus.
- The confidence to deal with difficult situations sensitively, and to take and be accountable for decisions.
- An appreciation of equality and diversity and a willingness to champion difference.
- An awareness of how the views of the scientific community and the public are changing politically and socially.
Desirable
Evidence of working successfully in a professional, community or voluntary capacity on committees or other decision-making groups, and reaching impactful and timely conclusions.
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have or to obtain security clearance to Security Check (SC) level.
If you have any queries about this role, please contact Emma Burton-Graham on 020 7035 6858 or email Emma.Burton-Graham@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.
The Home Office is committed to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation and transgender.
How to Apply
For further information and details of how to apply, please see the attached candidate pack.
Completed applications should be emailed to publicappointments@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.
If you can not apply online, please post applications to:
Public Appointments Team
Home Office
2 Marsham Street
Ground Floor
Seacole Building
London SW1P 4DF