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Appointment details

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority - Non Executive Board Member & Chair of P&PCo

Summary

• Organisation: Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
• Sponsor department: Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
• Location: Various
• Sectors: Energy
• Skills: Business
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 3 day(s) per month
• Remuneration: £40000 per annum
• Length of term: 3 Years
• Application deadline: 5pm on 18 November 2024

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   8 October 2024

2. Application deadline

   5pm on 18 November 2024

3. Sifting date

   9 December 2024

4. Interviews expected to end on

   27 January 2025

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is charged, on behalf of government, with the mission to clean-up the UK’s earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and cost effectively, one of the most important environmental programmes in the world. It is committed to overcoming the challenges of nuclear clean-up and decommissioning leaving the 17 nuclear sites ready for their next use. It does this work with care for its people, communities, and the environment, with safety its number one priority.

What the NDA does

As owner of one of the largest nuclear decommissioning and remediation programmes in Europe, the NDA’s main priority is to lead the work across the NDA group and develop the strategy for how it should be carried out. It also plays an important role in supporting the government’s aspiration for the UK to be a global leader in the civil nuclear sector.

How the NDA is set up

The NDA is a non-departmental public body created by the Energy Act 2004 to lead the clean-up and decommissioning work at its 17 sites on behalf of government. It is sponsored and funded by the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Its plans for cleaning up the sites are approved by DESNZ and Scottish ministers, who provide a framework for the NDA. The NDA has offices across the UK, in Cumbria, Warrington, Dounreay, Harwell and London.

The NDA’s sites

The UK’s nuclear landscape began to take shape in the post-war period and has evolved over many decades. The focus during the Cold War arms race was on producing material for Britain’s nuclear deterrent. When the nation’s priorities shifted, facilities were turned into nuclear power stations, and, from 1956 onwards, the UK’s first nuclear power stations began generating electricity for homes and businesses. Fuel fabrication and reprocessing plants were built from the 1970s to 1990s.

The NDA’s 17 sites reflect this legacy and include the first fleet of nuclear power stations, research centres, fuel-related facilities, and Sellafield, which has the largest radioactive inventory and the most complex facilities to decommission. Current plans indicate it will take more than 100 years to complete the NDA’s core mission of nuclear clean-up and waste management. The goal is to achieve the end state at all sites by 2333.

The NDA group

Decommissioning the UK’s nuclear legacy is a complex undertaking and relies on the full range of expertise and skills within the NDA group. Over the last few years, the NDA has brought together the organisations involved in delivering its mission to decommission the UK’s legacy sites and facilities into one group, as NDA subsidiary operating companies. It has also taken steps to join some of its subsidiary operating companies, reducing the number of organisations and boards. The NDA group is now made up of the NDA and its four key component parts:

• Sellafield

• Nuclear Restoration Services

• Nuclear Waste Services

• Nuclear Transport Solutions

The NDA’s other subsidiaries include Rutherford Indemnity, NDA Archives, NDA Properties and Energus. The NDA group had an annual budget in 2022/23 of £3.8 billion and a workforce of 17,000 highly skilled people.

The scope of the NDA group is set to grow, following arrangements agreed by the UK Government and EDF for decommissioning Britain’s seven advanced gas-cooled reactors (AGRs). The AGRs will reach the end of their operational lives over the next 10 years and as they come offline their ownership will transfer to the NDA for decommissioning, utilising the expertise of the group and significantly Nuclear Restoration Services’ (NRS’s) experience in decommissioning the older Magnox stations.

Appointment description

NDA Board members play a critical role of national importance. The Board provides leadership and direction to the NDA, offering appropriate and robust challenge in shaping the organisation’s strategy. Appointed by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero in consultation with Scottish Ministers, the Board will lead the NDA through the next stage of delivering its mission. Led by the Chair, the Board will maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and represent the NDA externally.

Key Responsibilities of the Board

The Board has a collective responsibility for setting the strategic direction and effective management of the NDA’s affairs and ensures that it complies with the requirements of the Energy Act 2004, the Framework Document, Cabinet Office guidelines for non-departmental public bodies and other statutory and contractual obligations.

The Board provides effective and proactive leadership within a robust governance framework of clearly defined internal controls and risk management processes.

In addition to proposing and monitoring performance against the NDA's strategy, the Board is accountable for the NDA's culture (including the range of ESG expectations), governance, risk appetite (working with HMG and regulators), oversight of internal control and risk management processes, ensuring effective arrangements are in place to provide assurance on operations, programmes and projects, stakeholder relationships, and succession planning for the Executive Leadership Team. The Board sets the NDA’s vision, values and standards of conduct and behaviour. It is also responsible for ensuring that these and its culture are aligned, regularly assessed and monitored.

The unitary nature of the Board means that nonexecutive members and executive members share the same collective responsibility for decisions taken by the Board, holding the Executive Leadership Team to account and for the development of the NDA’s strategy and operations.

Information and biographies of current NDA Board members can be found on the NDA website.

The Programmes and Projects Committee (P&PCo)

The Board has established the Committee to provide additional oversight and scrutiny of major Programmes and Projects within the NDA estate including, but not limited to, programmes and projects valued beyond the delegated authority of the CEO / Accounting Officer relating to engineering, procurement and construction, information technology, telecommunications, security and real estate development (Major Programmes and Projects).

The primary purpose of the Committee is oversee and ensure delivery of any Major Programmes and Projects. Progress on other programmes and projects may be reviewed by exception to provide additional assurance.

The Committee is responsible for advising the Board on the following primarily in relation to the NDA, but also covering as far as possible and as appropriate, operations across the wider NDA Group including the Operating Companies and other Subsidiaries.

Regulation of appointment

This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website 

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Large scale programme / project management and assurance with capital intensive industries
• Experience of major infrastructure project procurement, contract management and contract execution
• Experience working at Board level in an Executive and/or Non-Executive capacity
• Experience chairing a Board or Board committees as a Non-Executive.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the proven ability to challenge and mentor senior executives and contribute effectively as part of a Board
• An ability to obtain SC security clearance

Desirable criteria

• Board or senior executive experience at an organisation of comparable scale and complexity as the NDA Familiarity with a similarly complex and/or regulated sector
• Experience of government context

Application and selection process

How to apply

To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process by no later than 5pm on Friday 8 November 2024. All applications must be submitted using the link http://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe114333 

 You are asked to submit the following: 1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years 2. A Statement of Suitability (no longer than three pages) explaining: a. Your motivation for applying for this role b. How you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the criteria in the person specification Failure to submit both documents will mean the Panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification. 

Please ensure that both documents contain your full name. In addition, to be considered for the role, you must complete a Diversity Monitoring Form and a Declaration of Conflicts of Interest/ Political Activity form. You will receive an acknowledgment of your application through the online process from GatenbySanderson Should you encounter any issues with your online application or are unable to apply online please contact devon.coates@gatenbysanderson.com 

Note: The successful candidate will be required to obtain the relevant security clearance (SC level clearance for these roles). We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, included, and able to perform at their best. At the NDA we are committed to creating a workplace that is diverse and inclusive, and we therefore particularly welcome applications from women, ethnic minority, LGBT+ and disabled candidates

Overview of the application process

This competition is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) the independent regulator of public appointments. This appointment follows OCPA’s recruitment process and is based on a written application, followed by interviews (if candidates are successful at sift stage). 

Those interested in this appointment are asked to submit a CV and Supporting Statement before the closing date. Approximately one-two weeks after the competition closes, the Panel will assess your application to select those demonstrating the best fit with the role by considering the evidence you have provided against the ‘Essential’ criteria set out in the ‘Person Specification’ section.

 Candidates selected for longlisting will be invited for a preliminary discussion with GatenbySanderson to further explore their skills and experience with reference to all the criteria in the person specification. The Panel will then have a further meeting to review interview reports on these candidates alongside CVs and statements of suitability in order to select the shortlist. At this stage they may choose to take into account the desirable criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be advised on the outcome as soon as possible thereafter. 

If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to attend a Panel interview in order to have a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence. This could be in relation to any of the criteria set out in the vacancy description, key responsibilities and accountabilities and person specification. 

The Panel will identify which candidates are appointable before a final decision on who to appoint is made by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Scottish Government.

 Prior to interview, you may have the opportunity for informal conversations with key personnel in order to improve your understanding of the organisation. Full details of the assessment process will be made available to shortlisted candidates. 

The timeline, outlined later in this pack, indicates the date by which decisions are expected to be made, and all candidates will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter. 

 Please note: Due Diligence searches will be undertaken on shortlisted candidates and references may be taken up prior to interview or prior to any advice being put to Ministers.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

Chris Heffer - Director for Nuclear Power and Decommissioning, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Peter Hill - Chair, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Alex Reeves - Director, UK Government Investments (UKGI); NDA Shareholder Representative Board Member

Anne Baldock - Independent Panel Member

Chris Heffer - Director for Nuclear Power and Decommissioning, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Peter Hill - Chair, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Alex Reeves - Director, UK Government Investments (UKGI); NDA Shareholder Representative Board Member

Anne Baldock - Independent Panel Member

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Additional Security Clearance may also be required for certain roles. However, where this applies, candidates will be notified during the appointment process. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve and this is an important part of the Government’s levelling up agenda.

We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, including information about people’s educational and professional backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to these roles and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference.

When you submit your application, your responses are collected by the Cabinet Office and the government department(s) managing your application. The data is used to produce management information about the diversity of applicants. You can select “prefer not to say” to any question you do not wish to answer. The information you provide will not be seen by the Advisory Assessment Panel who review applications against the advertised criteria and conduct interviews.

Disability confident

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is an accredited user of the Disability Confident symbol, which signifies organisations which have a positive attitude towards disabled applicants. All Disability Confident Employers will offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum requirements for a job or role. If you wish to apply for consideration under this scheme, please complete the declaration in the Diversity Monitoring Form provided. It is not necessary to state the nature of your disability. Whether you choose to apply under the Disability Confident scheme or not, you can still ask us to make particular adjustments for you when attending an interview.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments in order to support disabled job applicants and ensure that you are not disadvantaged in the recruitment and assessment process. Reasonable adjustments could include; allowing extra time during selection tests or ensuring that information is provided in an accessible format. If you feel that you may need a reasonable adjustment to be made, or you would like to discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact devon.coates@gatenbysanderson.com at GatenbySanderson in the first instance.

Principles of public life

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder.

1. Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2. Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3. Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4. Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5. Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Public Appointments require the highest standards of propriety, involving impartiality, integrity, and objectivity, in relation to stewardship of public funds and the oversight and management of all related activities. This means that any private, voluntary, charitable, or political interest that might be material and relevant to the work of the body concerned should be declared. It is important that those appointed as members of public bodies maintain the confidence of Parliament and the public. If there are any issues in your personal or professional history that could, if you were appointed, be misconstrued, cause embarrassment, or cause public confidence in the appointment to be jeopardised, it is important that you bring them to the attention of the Panel and provide details of the issue(s) in your application. In considering whether you wish to declare any issues, you should also reflect on any public statements you have made, including through social media. The Panel may explore issues with you before they make a recommendation on the appointment. 

Application feedback

Gatenby Sanderson will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

 If you feel your application has not been treated fairly and you wish to make a complaint, you should initially send an email to devon.coates@gatenbysanderson.com. If you are not content with our response, you can contact the Commissioner by email at publicappointments@csc.gov.uk. Further information on the role of the Commissioner or the appointments process is available at: https://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/ s.

How to complain to Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA)

If you are not content with the appointing department’s response you may wish to further complain to the Commissioner at publicappointments@csc.gov.uk.Further information on how the Commissioner handles complaints can be found on the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ website https://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/regulating-appointments/investigating-complaints/

Data protection

Please refer to the UKGI Public Appointments Privacy Notice which can be found in the candidate information pack. 

Contact details

Should you encounter any issues with your online application or are unable to apply online please contact devon.coates@gatenbysanderson.com

Attachments

• Candidate Information Pack NDA NED PPCo