Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee - Members to 12 of 13 Regions
- Body
- UK Vets - MoD
- Appointing Department
- Ministry of Defence
- Sectors
- Communities, Defence, Health and Social Care
- Location
- Various regions as detailed on attachment
- Number of Vacancies
- Number varies according to region
- Remuneration
- These are voluntary posts however reasonable travel and subsitence expenses may be paid.
- Time Requirements
- Expected to attend 2 to 4 Committee meetings per year plus time given for casework according to need.
Campaign Timeline
-
Competition Launched
02/08/2019
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Closed for Applications
13/10/2019
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Panel Sift
Varies according to region
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Final Interview Date
Varies according to region
-
Announcement
15/10/2020 at 12:00
Announcement
An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.
The Minister for Defence People and Veterans appoints 53 members across various regions detailed below:
All new appointees take up a 3 year term from 18 March 2020 to 17 March 2023
East Midlands George Ellison Andrew Holt Thomas Smith Michael Whitehead Samantha Wileman
East Scotland Michael McCourt Donald Prentice
Eastern Ruth Bell Paul Findlay Andrew Stephenson
London Heather Betts Wendy Morris Matthew Seward Matthew Woolgar-Toms
North East Sean Cockburn Sheila Crosby Laurie McLeman Michael Potts Peter Sinclair Mark Steed Mark Thirlwell Alasdair Watson
Northern Ireland Kingsley Donaldson Blair Mayne
South West Anica Alvarez-Nishio Hamilton Elliott Nigel Lewis Vaughan Magor Andrew Ottaway David Wood
Wales Thomas Hall Lisa Rawlings Arfon Williams
West Midlands John Atherton Mary Carter Raymond Griffiths Sylvia Parkin
West Scotland Audrey Cuthbertson William Lindsay Caroline Robertson
Yorks and Humber Duncan Bell Alex Bentley Tim Cole Steven Griffiths Adrian Hunt Terry Reilly Helen Singleton Alan Skidmore John Topping
Interviews for the South East region took place in June 2020 and The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 4 new members to the South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointment will last for 3 years and will take effect from 28 September 2020 until 27 September 2023.
Mr Graham Cable Mr Amran Hussain Ms Kate Steel Mr James Partridge
Date: 15/10/2020
Vacancy Description
The Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans is seeking to make the above voluntary public appointments. The appointments will be for a term of 3 years. Are you the person we need, do you have the skills, and would you like the opportunity to develop them further? If the answer is “Yes”, please apply as below:
Functions
The Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee is a Non-Departmental Public Body divided into 13 regional committees. Each Committee’s main functions are to:
- act as advocates for implementing the Armed Forces Covenant (https://www.gov.uk/the-armed-forces-covenant) and work in partnership with local authorities and other stakeholders to develop and deliver associated measures associated measures within the region
- raise awareness, within their region, of the Armed Forces Covenant and associated issues, the War Pension Scheme, Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, the Veterans Welfare Service and the availability of cross-Government support to the Armed Forces, their families and Veterans
- assist veterans and their families in accessing local support services and to provide assistance and guidance to individuals in accessing the War Pension Scheme and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. To provide an independent element to the Veterans UK complaints process relating to those schemes. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk
- based on their involvement in the wider process and their contact with individuals in the local areas, act as a conduit for local consultation by Ministers, the Ministry of Defence and the Veterans UK on issues affecting recipients of a pension/compensation from the War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Schemes. http://www.veteranstransition.co.uk/vtrreport.pdf
Responsibilities and Skills
The VAPC Chairperson and members play a central role in promoting the interests and welfare of Veterans and their families https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-advisory-and-pensions-committees-x13. The committees meet between 2 and 4 times per year and members are expected to be involved in a wide range of activities, between these relating to the delivery of the functions of the committee set out above.
Person Specification
Candidates will need to demonstrate the following:
Essential
- an ability to contribute to a committee setting;
- good all-round communication skills and be able to consider complex issues.
- an ability to look ahead and work with others to develop practical plans.
- an understanding of the Government’s commitment to veterans as set out in the Armed Forces Covenant.
- a real commitment to supporting Veterans and their Families
Desirable
- some experience or knowledge of service pensions and/or compensation schemes in terms of policy impact.
- a knowledge of service life
A Public Appointment will give you a chance to:
- help make decisions that affect people’s lives
- help make a difference and change things for the better in the public interest
- contribute your skills, expertise and experience for the benefit of society
- develop new skills, learn about new subjects and enhance your confidence
- meet a new range of people in different walks of life
- develop your career, for example, by gaining public sector board experience
- refocus your career, for example, if you have returned from a career break or maternity/paternity leave
- generally, give something back and contribute to the delivery of the highest quality of public services in the public interest
Additional Information
See attachment ‘Annexe A’ for a list of the regions that are currently recruiting for new members. Please note that Members are NOT being sought in North-West Region.
Sift panel members will vary from region to region but the panel will always contain at least:
- A representative of the Ministry of Defence
- An external or Independent Member
Full sift and interview dates will be confirmed in due course.
How to Apply
All candidates should complete the attached Expression of Interest making it clear as to which region(s) they are applying to join. This form should be submitted as an email attachment along with a copy of the attached Diversity Information form and your most recent CV to DBSCivPers-ResNONSTDAPPTS@mod.gov.uk quoting ref: 23858
For full information about the requirements of the posts please read the attached Information Pack as well as the details in Annexe A. Applicants may also wish to submit the Guaranteed Interview Declaration should they wish to be considered under the GIS.