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United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority non-executive Chair

Body
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Appointing Department
Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Sectors
Business, Finance & Skills, Energy, International, Science & Technology
Location
Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Skills required
Business / Commercial, Communication / Media / Marketing
Number of Vacancies
1
Remuneration
£25000 per annum
Time Requirements
Minimum 25 days per annum

Campaign Timeline

  1. Competition Launched

    21/11/2017

  2. Closed for Applications

    04/01/2018

  3. Panel Sift

    18/01/2018

  4. Final Interview Date

    21/02/2018

  5. Announcement

    19/07/2018 at 14:00

Announcement

An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.

Government appoints new Chair to the UK Atomic Energy Authority Professor David Gann CBE is appointed as new Chair of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).

View Announcement

Assessment Panel

Panel Member
Jenny Dibden
Added
15/11/2017
Panel Role
Panel Chair
Positions
BEIS Director Science and Research Departmental Official
Show more information
Political ActivityNone
Notes-
Panel Member
Professor Robin Grimes
Added
15/11/2017
Positions
Foreign Office Chief Scientific Adviser Other Panel Member
Show more information
Political ActivityNone
Notes-
Panel Member
Gwen Parry Jones
Added
15/11/2017
Positions
EDF Generation Development Director Independent Member
Show more information
Political ActivityNone
Notes-

Vacancy Description

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is one of the world’s leading research organisations supporting the development of fusion energy. Its primary mission is to lead the commercial development of fusion power and related technology and position the UK as a leader in sustainable nuclear energy.  UKAEA has recently been successful in attracting significant new funding for nuclear-related technological development which will bring the challenge of establishing new facilities and realising their potential.  The new Chair will also need to focus on post-Brexit implications for UKAEA. The UKAEA Board is the organisation’s main decision-making body and provides collective strategic and corporate leadership to the organisation.

The Chair, with the Chief Executive and the non-executive directors is responsible for:

  • Ensuring that future strategies for the UKAEA are in place, moving towards technology development of nuclear fusion and associated technologies.
  • Ensuring that the Executive establishes the programmes and projects to deliver against these strategies.
  • Ensuring that the Board takes appropriate action in supporting the Executive in its activities.
  • Ensuring that the UKAEA’s governance and assurance regimes are fit for purpose, are consistent with ‘Managing Public Money’ and associated government guidance and continue to provide the Board with the assurance it requires.
  • Supporting the Executive Team in securing sustainable funding from UK, European and potentially other overseas sources, to support UKAEA’s work.
  • Being a strong advocate for the UKAEA to key stakeholders, the public and representing it at various events.
  • Supporting the CEO in dealings with Ministers, senior officials, European and UK funders and other stakeholders.
  • Annually reviewing the performance of individual board members and work with BEIS to plan for board vacancies.

The Chair position also carries out specific responsibility to chair the board meetings, strategic planning meetings and other ad hoc preparatory meetings relating to board matters.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone with the ability to lead a substantial and complex organisation with experience of one or more of the following:

  • Technology based commercial business.
  • Universities and other leading scientific research establishments.
  • Scientific/technology research funding organisation.
  • Science/energy policy role in government.
  • Technology commercialisation/transfer role.

In addition, essential requirements will include:

  • Demonstrate the ability to operate at senior management or non-executive director level in a scientific/technology based organisation.
  • Ability to work at senior level with the public-sector, including brokering public-private partnerships in R&D.
  • Ability to exercise judgement across a range of policy areas and strategic management issues.
  • Good network of senior contacts within the technology/research sector.
  • Strong interest in the UKAEA’s areas of research and technology. Detailed knowledge of these is not essential.
  • Credibility with funding providers within UK and internationally.
  • Strong commitment to promoting diversity in the workplace.

Desirable requirements include:

  • Physical Sciences/engineering background.
  • Understanding of financial planning and risk management, particularly relating to programme assurance.
  • Awareness of the public-sector funding environment for science and technology.

Additional Information

This is a part time Non-Executive Chair appointment for which an honorarium is paid through PAYE. The rate for a Non-Executive Chair is £25,000 a year. Travel and other reasonable expenses will be paid in accordance with the UKAEA’s Conditions of Employment. There is no entitlement to pension, holiday, sick pay etc.

The appointment is for a three-year fixed term with the possibility of an extension. There is a degree of flexibility in the role, but typically in the order of 25 days’ of work is required per annum.

BEIS is committed to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, transgender and working patterns and to the principle of public appointments on merit with independent assessments, openness and transparency of process.

BEIS offers professional training courses on public sector finance and governance for those new to the public sector.

SC security clearance will be required.

How to Apply

The closing date for applications is 4 January 2018 at 23:00

Late applications will not be accepted.

Please submit the following documents by email to publicappointments@beis.gov.uk

  • A Covering Letter                              ☐
  • A CV                                                    ☐
  • Candidates Application Form         ☐
  • Diversity Monitoring Form               ☐

Please ensure that you include “UKAEA Chair” in the subject box.

Alternatively, you can send your application in hard copy to:

Public Appointments Team, 7th Floor, 2 Spur, 1 Victoria Street, London, SW1H OET

Applicant packs can be provided in other formats upon request