Announcements (Archive)

Defence Nuclear Safety Committee – Member – Nuclear Weapons Technology

Body
Defence Nuclear Safety Committee (DNSC)
Appointing Department
Ministry of Defence
Sectors
Defence, Energy, Regulation, Science & Technology
Location
Formal meetings of the DNSC are usually held in London or Bristol, supported by specific meetings held at other locations and a visit programme to defence sites (Travel and other reasonable expenses will be paid in line with MOD policy). The DNSC has adapted the way it is working, as a result of Covid-19, and is holding many of its meetings virtually/online while restrictions apply, primarily using MS Teams. It plans to undertake visits in accordance with any restrictions in place at the time. Applicants from all UK regions are encouraged to apply, provided you are willing to travel, as indicated above.
Skills required
Audit and Risk, Change Management, Major Projects, Procurement, Regulation
Number of Vacancies
1
Remuneration
This is a remunerated Non-Departmental Public Body position, for which the daily fee is £380. The post requires a time commitment of approximately 20 days a year. We expect the successful candidate(s) to spend typically one to two days per month on Committee business, attend 6-10 full DNSC briefing sessions per year and participate fully in any sub-group activities. The appointment is not pensionable.
Time Requirements
Approximately 20 days per year

Campaign Timeline

  1. Competition Launched

    17/11/2020

  2. Closed for Applications

    08/01/2021

  3. Panel Sift

    TBC

  4. Final Interview Date

    2nd & 4th March 2021

  5. Announcement

    21/05/2021 at 08:00

Announcement

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has appointed two new Members to the Defence Nuclear Safety Committee, for the Member roles relating to High Hazard Industry, and Nuclear Weapons Technology. All new members take up the role for an initial term of five years, beginning on 31st May 2021

Date: 21/05/2021

Vacancy Description

Role of Members

Members of the DNSC have a collective responsibility for the operation of the Committee. They must:

  • engage fully in collective consideration of the issues, through participation in meetings and visits, taking account of the full range of relevant factors, including any guidance issued by the sponsor department or the responsible minister;
  • ensure that the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information (including prompt responses to public requests for information) is adhered to;
  • produce an Annual Report;
  • respond appropriately to complaints, if necessary with reference to the sponsor department; and
  • ensure that the Committee does not exceed its powers or functions.

Communications between the Committee and Secretary of State (SofS) will be through the Chair, except where the Committee has agreed that an individual member should act on its behalf. Nevertheless, any Committee member has the right of access to SofS on any matter which he or she believes raises important issues relating to his or her duties as a Committee member. In such cases the agreement of the rest of the Committee should normally be sought.

The Committee are assisted by MOD officials, including the Defence Nuclear Organisation, which will provide the secretariat function.

We are looking to appoint a member with expertise in Nuclear Weapons Technology. You will be independent of the Ministry of Defence operational activities and have the ability to apply intellectual rigour

The DNSC has adapted the way it is working, as a result of Covid-19, and is holding many of its meetings virtually/online while restrictions apply.  It plans to undertake visits in accordance with any restrictions in place at the time.

Person Specification

The candidate will be an eminent scientist or engineer in the field of nuclear weapons technology

Essential Criteria:

  • Expert knowledge in the field of nuclear weapons technology, with an understanding of design through manufacture to disposal
  • Experienced in nuclear weapons science and technology
  • Experience and knowledge of the safety of nuclear weapons
  • Knowledge of the lifecycle of nuclear weapons safety arrangements

Desirable Criteria:

  • Extensive experience in risk management and safety management

•       Fellow of an appropriate professional institute

How to Apply

Please see details in the Information Pack

Please note: Defence Business Services is currently operating with minimal staff in their offices, if you unable to apply online please contact Defence Business Services (DBSCivPers-ResNONSTDAPPTS@mod.gov.uk or telephone 0300 1566377)

Attachments