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The British Tourist Authority and Visit England Advisory Board - x 6 Non-Executive Board Members, including Chair of Audit and Risk Committee

Body
British Tourist Authority & VisitEngland Advisory Board
Appointing Department
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Sectors
Business, Finance & Skills, Culture, Media & Sport
Location
Mainly London, with occasional visits elsewhere in the UK.
Skills required
Accountancy, Audit and Risk, Business / Commercial, IT / Digital
Number of Vacancies
6
Remuneration
BTA members will be remunerated £320 per month (totalling £3,840 per annum). VEAB members will be remunerated £275 per month (totalling £3,300 per annum). Reasonable expenses are paid, aligned with the DCMS policy.
Time Requirements
See full role description for full time commitment for each role.

Campaign Timeline

  1. Competition Launched

    11/06/2019

  2. Closed for Applications

    14/08/2019 at 10:00

  3. Panel Sift

    10/09/2019

  4. Final Interview Date

    Interviews to be held on 1st, 2nd and 14th October

  5. Announcement

    20/01/2020

Announcement

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

The Secretary of State has appointed Carol Hui, Robin Frewer, Peter Gowers, Karin Sheppard as Board Members to the BTA for 5 years from 6th January 2020 to 5th January 2025. The Secretary of State has appointed Sarah Fowler, Nadine Tomson, and Andy Wood as Board Members of VEAB for 5 years from 6th January 2020 to 5th January 2025.

Date: 20/01/2020

View Announcement

Assessment Panel

Panel Member
Giles Smith
Added
11/06/2019
Panel Role
Panel Chair
Positions
Senior Civil Servant Departmental Official
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Political Activity-
Notes-
Panel Member
Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas
Added
11/06/2019
Positions
Independent Panel Member Independent Member
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Political Activity-
Notes-
Panel Member
Steve Ridgway
Added
11/06/2019
Positions
Chair of the British Tourism Authority Representative of Organisation
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Political Activity-
Notes-
Panel Member
Denis Wormwell
Added
11/06/2019
Positions
Chair of the Visit England Advisory Board Representative of Organisation
Show more information
Political Activity-
Notes-

Vacancy Description

The British Tourist Authority is looking to recruit:

  • two Board members; and
  • a further Board member who will also serve as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. 

The Visit England Advisory Board is looking to recruit 3 Board members.

British Tourist Authority (BTA) roles

All Board Members are expected to contribute effectively to the overall work of the Board, currently comprising 7 members. The chief responsibilities of the Board Members will be to:

  • provide effective contribution to the BTA Board and support to the Chair of the Board as necessary
  • support the Chair and the Executive in the role advising Government on the issues and opportunities
  • assist the Chair to ensure that the policies and strategies of both VisitBritain and VisitEngland reflect and drive forward the Government’s strategy for tourism and deliver on the Management Agreement between DCMS and the BTA
  • ensure that the BTA retains an appropriate separation of England only activity and funding, and delivers on the England Action Plan with the advice of the VisitEngland Chair and Advisory Board
  • champion Britain overseas as a visitor destination and support effectiveness of BTA’s network of 21 overseas offices
  • ensure that VisitBritain works transparently and closely with VisitScotland, VisitWales and their counterparts in Northern Ireland and honours the terms of their MoUs, and the agreed targets for delivery for each of the nations
  • act as an ambassador for the BTA and Tourism as appropriate and providing support across the  network of Key Stakeholders, particularly the National Tourist Boards, Destination Management Organisations, Local Government and LEPs, Tourism Industry Leaders and Industry Representative Organisations
  • provide support and expertise to the business on particular projects as required

British Tourist Authority – Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

The role

The Board of the British Tourist Authority (BTA) is seeking a new Non-Executive Director, specifically a person with the capability to chair the Audit and Risk Committee. We are looking for candidates who can provide with a particular focus on monitoring the key risks associated with the Government’s requirements of a publicly funded body while working alongside or directly with a range of private and commercial operators; in order to leverage public funding, support the British Tourism sector and deliver the organisation’s business & statutory objectives.

The Audit and Risk Committee

The Risk and Audit Committee is a sub-Committee of the Board and is responsible for ensuring the maintenance of appropriate and adequate audit processes and the governance of the internal audit and external audit programme. The duties of the Risk and Audit Committee include:

  • advising the Board and Accounting Officer on the processes for overseeing risk management, control and related governance throughout the BTA
  • advising the Board and making recommendations about the accounting policies adopted by the BTA and the content of the draft annual financial accounts
  • working with both Internal and External Auditors and reviewing their effectiveness, independence and objectivity
  • considering any issues arising from the interim and final audits
  • reviewing critical and significant risks in projects and programmes and any significant changes to the organisation’s strategic risks and a copy of the strategic Risk Register
  • recommending to the Board the financial framework and reviewing the appropriateness of the anti-fraud policies, anti-bribery policy and “whistle blowing” processes and arrangements for special investigations maintained by the BTA for internal colleagues and external stakeholders

The Audit & Risk Committee meets at least four times a year.

Visit England Advisory Board roles

The Roles

All Board Members are expected to contribute effectively to the overall work of the VEAB , currently comprising 6 members, in providing expert advice and support to the VEAB Chair and Board of the BTA.  

The chief responsibilities of the Board Members will be to:

  • provide effective contribution to the VisitEngland Advisory Board and to support the Chair of the Board.
  • support the Chair in advising the Board of the BTA on matters relating to English tourism.  This advice will be submitted both routinely through the implementation and monitoring of the England Action Plan, and in reacting to unforeseen events, such as flooding.  
  • to support the Chair in ensuring  that the VEAB membership and governance is constituted in such a way as to provide the most relevant and expert advice and experience on a range of topics, including (but not limited to) the needs of English destinations,  strategic partnerships and digital marketing.
  • the Board Members must provide support and challenge as necessary to the VEAB Chair to ensure that the BTA retains an appropriate separation of England only activity and funding, and delivers on the England Action Plan, and on the MoU between the BTA and VisitEngland
  • champion England domestically as a visitor destination

Person Specification

British Tourist Authority 

Essential Criteria for the all Board Members

Candidates for the British Tourism Authority Board roles must be able to demonstrate:

  • the ability to participate as part of a team of Board Members in a high profile organisation, providing effective challenge and support to the organisation
  • ability to demonstrate senior level experience gained in  digital, technology, product development or marketing for a global organisation
  • strong relationship building skills, with the ability to command respect, and work with and through others to achieve objectives
  • an understanding of the differing opportunities and demands of the public and private sector
  • ability to demonstrate senior level experience in tourism and travel, including domestic or international markets – with a particular focus on the hotel, digital, transport or tour operating sectors
  • the ability to contribute effectively to corporate governance matters including  risk management and strategy development

Desirable Criteria

Demonstrable expertise in one or more of the following areas is desirable:

  • an understanding of Britain’s competitive position internationally and
  • the political context in which tourism operates

Chair of the British Tourist Authority Audit and Risk Committee:

The Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee; ensuring that BTA manages its resources effectively and efficiently within budget, with appropriate financial controls in place, and strategic risks managed accordingly.

The Person

The Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee must be able to demonstrate that you have the qualities, skills and experience to meet all the essential criteria for appointment as follows:

Essential Criteria

  • a career record of achievement, with an ability to operate effectively on the board of a high-profile national organisation
  • a strong understanding of corporate governance and a commitment to the principles of public service, with the highest standards of personal propriety in relation to governance, accountability, risk and financial management
  • ability to guide BTA strategic direction, and use sound judgement, based on the ability to consider and challenge complex issues from an impartial and balanced viewpoint
  • good communication skills, with the ability to work as part of a team, with a positive and constructive style, challenging management recommendations where necessary
  • an understanding of the importance of risk management and audit to good governance, and a record of achievement at a senior level in strategic financial management
  • the ability to act as an inspirational advocate for the BTA with Government, senior policy makers, and industry stakeholders including auditors such as the National Audit Office

Desirable Criteria

  • Knowledge or experience of the Tourism sector, Marketing or digital business operations
  • an understanding of, and commitment to, the vision and values of the BTA and its future development

Visit England Advisory Board roles

Essential Criteria

Candidates must be able to demonstrate:

  • the ability to participate as part of a team of Board Members in a high profile organisation, providing effective support and challenge to the organisation
  • the ability to operate successfully at Board level, managing the interests of a diverse range of partners and the management of change, or equivalent skills and ability
  • an understanding of the differing demands of the public and private sectors
  • an understanding of and insight into, the travel and tourism industry with a clear knowledge of the England national landscape including public and private sector structures and organisations
  • strong relationship building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively, and work with and through others to achieve objectives
  • excellent communication skills including the ability to operate effectively and comfortably as an ambassador for the organisation
  • an understanding of the operating environments in the accommodation/hotel, transportation (including rail) or retail sectors in the context of tourism and travel

Desirable Criteria

Demonstrable expertise in one or more of the following areas is desirable:

  • digital and marketing preferably gained in a national organisation.
  • strong powers of analysis and financial literacy sufficient to enable a real contribution to the Board coupled with a sound working knowledge of corporate governance.
  • a track record of business/commercial success

Additional Information

Tourism is a crucial industry for the UK. The Office for National Statistics estimates that tourism directly contributed over £62 billion to the UK economy in 2014, accounting for over 3% of the UK’s Gross Value Added (GVA). Inbound tourism is one of Britain’s most successful export industries attracting around 40 international visitors a year who spend around £25billion. In recognition of the sector’s importance the Government has announced its intention to negotiate a Tourism Sector Deal as part of its Industrial Strategy to increase the productivity and resilience of British industry.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport wishes to appoint three new Board Members for the national tourist board, the British Tourist Authority (BTA) and three new Board members for the Visit England Advisory Board. The successful candidates will assist the Chairs on the governance of these public bodies and the delivery of its objectives.

About the British Tourist Authority (BTA)

The BTA is an Arm’s Length Body which has been in existence since the 1969 Development of Tourism Act. Trading as both VisitBritain and VisitEngland, it aims to grow the value of tourism to Britain, working in partnership with the industry, nations and regions, and reports to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport through one Chief Executive and one Board. Tourism in Britain is a devolved matter, Scotland has an independent tourist board (VisitScotland) and Visit Wales is the Welsh Government’s tourism team within the Department for Heritage. The Mayor of London also has a promotional agency – London & Partners. We work closely with all of these organisations.

The BTA Board has responsibility for both Visit Britain and Visit England, with key strategic and governance decisions taken in this forum. The Visit England Advisory Board has oversight across the Visit England activities and provides advice to the BTA Board on England matters. The Chair of the Visit England Advisory Board also sits on the BTA Board.

The Secretary of State’s priorities for the BTA are:

  • The marketing of Britain overseas to drive growth in international leisure and business tourism – undertaken by Visit Britain in 21 global offices
  • The maintenance of distinct activities to develop and market English tourism, focussed largely through product development and the implementation of the Discover England fund, but also for activity to support Business Visits and Events for English destinations. This has been undertaken by Visit England.
  • Support for the delivery of the Prime Minister’s Tourism Action Plan, published in August 2016.

The BTA has undergone a recent strategy review to 2023 and the key themes for this period include:

  1. To build the international demand to:
    1. grow the value of Tourism for the UK economy
    2. To grow the regional dispersal of Tourism across the nations and regions
  2. To add value to the supply side to
    1. increase the profit and productivity of the Tourism sector
    2. deliver a clear focus and voice for England activities
  3. To be the expert advisor to Government on all Tourism matters

Visit Britain is focussed on the demand side and Visit England on the supply sign but the alignment of the two allows for properly seamless end to end activity; which permits for example the international customer demand understood and collated by Visit Britain to feed into the development of new Tourism product being developed by Visit England. New products can be created but also distributed into the right markets and targeting the appropriate customer.

The BTA provides expert advice to Government across all areas of tourism and have again recently been actively providing support on the development of a Tourism Sector bid as part of the Industrial Strategy.

The BTA operates with separate Grant in Aid funding for both Visit Britain and Visit England. Additionally both brands partner with the GREAT fund being allocated monies for the fund for promotional activity and Visit England also manage the Discover England Fund.

About the VisitEngland Advisory Board (VEAB)

The VEAB is responsible for advising the executive and board of the British Tourist Authority, which trades as VisitBritain and VisitEngland, on matters relating to tourism in England, and thereby helping to drive economic growth and excellence in English tourism.  This takes the form primarily of the development and implementation of an England Action Plan but has also included significant support of the Discover England Fund which has run for the last three years and will extend on during the 18/19 year.

The Secretary of State’s priorities for English tourism are:

  • Implementation of the £40m Discover England fund.  This fund will incentivise collaboration between destinations and public and private sector partners to improve the English tourism offer and encourage more tourists to visit English regions beyond London.  
  • Activity to support and grow Business Visits and Events for English destinations
  • The maintenance of distinct activities and ring-fenced budgets to develop and market English tourism

How to Apply

All candidates will be considered for both the BTA and Visit England Board positions unless indicated otherwise; the exception is the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee where we would ask you to apply specifically for this position.

To apply, please send:

  • a CV of no more than three sides of A4;
  • a supporting statement of not more than two sides of A4, setting out how you meet the person specification for the role you are interested in (please reference the details in this document); and
  • two monitoring forms regarding your personal information and political activity.

Completed applications should preferably be emailed to: publicappointments@culture.gov.uk. Please put ‘BTA & VEAB’ in the Subject line.

If you are unable to email your application please, post a hard copy, to:

Public Appointments, Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport, 100 Parliament Street, London, SW1A 2BQ

DCMS does not reimburse travel expenses for attendance at interview. 

DCMS promotes equal opportunities. Appointments are made on merit, following a fair and transparent process, and these appointments are regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Each application will be assessed against the criteria for the role, as published in this document. Applications are welcomed regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation, or whether or not you have dependants.

This process is regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ (OCPA‘s) Code of Practice. All applicants are expected to have adhered to the Seven Principles of Public Life.  

If you have any questions about the appointment process please contact Christabel Austen in the DCMS Public Appointments Unit at Christabel.Austen@culture.gov.uk

If you have any questions about the roles and the work of the BTA of VEAB please contact Lola Moses at Lola.Moses@visitbritain.org