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Appointment details

Defence Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (DARAC) – Non Executive Director

Summary

• Sponsor department: Ministry of Defence
• Location: London
• Sectors: Defence
• Skills: Accountancy, Audit and Risk, Business, Technology / Digital
• Number of vacancies: 2
• Time commitment: 7 day(s) per annum
• Remuneration: £750 per day
• Length of term: 3 years
• Application deadline: 11pm on 11 July 2022

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   16 June 2022

2. Application deadline

   11pm on 11 July 2022

3. Sifting date

   12 September 2022

4. Interviews expected to end on

   28 September 2022

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

This is an exciting time to join the Ministry of Defence. We are looking to appoint two individuals with commitment and expertise to become Non-Executive Directors on the Defence Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

The Defence Audit & Risk Assurance Committee (DARAC) is a sub-committee of the Defence Board. It supports the Board and the Permanent Secretary as the Accounting Officer, in their responsibilities for risk control and governance by reviewing the comprehensiveness, reliability and integrity of the MOD’s risk and assurance framework.

Its responsibilities are to advise the Defence Board and Accounting Officer on:

• the integrity and reliability of the risk and assurance frameworks;
• issues raised by assurance providers, including Defence Internal Audit (DIA), National Audit Office (NAO) and TLB audit committees;
• the effectiveness of TLB audit committees;
• the content of the Governance Statement, including recommendations on individual control issues to highlight;
• the accounting policies, the accounts and the annual report of the Department, including the process for the review of the accounts prior to submission for audit, levels of error identified, and management’s letter of representation to the external auditors;
• planned activity and results of DIA, and adequacy of management response to issue raised by both DIA and NAO; and
• effectiveness on anti-fraud policies, whistle-blowing processes and arrangements for special investigations.

As a DARAC NED, you will form part of a team of four providing independent scrutiny for the department, supporting the MOD in maintaining good governance and advise on policy matters and cross-government initiatives.

The DARAC will meet up to seven times per year and with a stimulating schedule of objectives going forward we are looking for a subject matter expert to provide equitable scrutiny and challenge. Your input will influence the way we do business and help the MOD achieve its organisational aims. See Annex C for full Terms of Reference for the DARAC.

Introduction from the Minister

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity to join the Defence Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (DARAC).

You may already have some idea about the important work of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the following pages will tell you more about its purpose, the nature of the Board and this role, as well as the application process.

We are looking for two insightful, purposeful, and independent Non-Executive Directors (NED) to join the DARAC and help drive forward a robust corporate governance plan, internal control and risk assurance processes.

If you have the experience and qualities we are seeking, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

Additional introductions

Background to the organisation

‘Defence’ describes the various activities and organisations in the Ministry of Defence that deliver the department’s three outputs:

• Defence Policy
• Military Capability – the ability to conduct military operations
• Military Operations

It comprises eighteen organisations, including Head Office (based in London), the three service Commands and Strategic Command, and a variety of other organisations that either deliver or support military capability in one form or another, or direct its use on operations. 

The MOD is a government department led by the Secretary of State for Defence, supported by the Permanent Secretary, as the principal policy adviser and principal departmental Accounting Officer; the Second Permanent Secretary, who oversees delivery of the Integrated Review and the Defence Command Paper; the Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of the Armed Forces and the Secretary of State's principal military adviser; and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff who runs the armed forces aspects of Defence business.

MOD is both a Department of State and a Strategic Military Headquarters that directs Military Operations on behalf of the government.

Defence business is managed through the Defence Board which is chaired by the Secretary of State. It is responsible for the top-level leadership and management of Defence and the main focus is the strategy and plans for generating military forces.

The Defence Board exists to advise and assist Secretary of State and Permanent Secretary and ensure alignment of resources and objectives. It also aims to assure itself of the effectiveness of the Department's risk management system and its internal controls and give a clear steer on the desired risk appetite for the Department

Appointment description

This is an exciting time to join the Ministry of Defence. We are looking to appoint two individuals with commitment and expertise to become Non-Executive Directors on the Defence Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

The Defence Audit & Risk Assurance Committee (DARAC) is a sub-committee of the Defence Board. It supports the Board and the Permanent Secretary as the Accounting Officer, in their responsibilities for risk control and governance by reviewing the comprehensiveness, reliability and integrity of the MOD’s risk and assurance framework.

Its responsibilities are to advise the Defence Board and Accounting Officer on:

• the integrity and reliability of the risk and assurance frameworks;
• issues raised by assurance providers, including Defence Internal Audit (DIA), National Audit Office (NAO) and TLB audit committees;
• the effectiveness of TLB audit committees;
• the content of the Governance Statement, including recommendations on individual control issues to highlight;
• the accounting policies, the accounts and the annual report of the Department, including the process for the review of the accounts prior to submission for audit, levels of error identified, and management’s letter of representation to the external auditors;
• planned activity and results of DIA, and adequacy of management response to issue raised by both DIA and NAO; and
• effectiveness on anti-fraud policies, whistle-blowing processes and arrangements for special investigations.

As a DARAC NED, you will form part of a team of four providing independent scrutiny for the department, supporting the MOD in maintaining good governance and advise on policy matters and cross-government initiatives.

The DARAC will meet up to seven times per year and with a stimulating schedule of objectives going forward we are looking for a subject matter expert to provide equitable scrutiny and challenge. Your input will influence the way we do business and help the MOD achieve its organisational aims. See Annex C for full Terms of Reference for the DARAC.

Person specification

Essential criteria

Candidates must demonstrate the following essential criteria:

• Experience in financial management. A firm understanding of accounting standards and how to apply them in a public or private sector organisation; 
• Risk management experience; 
• Knowledge and experience of delivery of challenging internal control systems and corporate governance processes; 
• experience as Member, of an audit committee for large organisations in either the public or private commercial sector; 
• a relevant professional qualification; (assessed for one of the roles only)
• have relevant and suitable qualifications and/or experience relating to the conduct of audit activity; (assessed for one of the roles only)
• Private sector experience of working on large and complex commercial or digital and technology programmes; 
• outstanding leadership, teamwork, listening and influencing skills; 
• sound judgement and a high level of integrity (including when dealing with classified, confidential, or sensitive issues);  and 
• genuine interest in contributing to the effective running of the Department at the board level, elsewhere in the Department and (as appropriate) across government.

Desirable criteria

The following criteria are also desirable:

• Experience in the digital and technology sector, preferably with experience of delivering large scale transformation initiatives.
• Experience of working in a regulatory environment.

Application and selection process

How to apply

In order to apply you will need to provide:

1. A  Curriculum Vitae which provides details of your education and qualifications, employment history, directorships, membership of professional bodies and details of any publications or awards;

2. A supporting statement setting out how you meet the eligibility criteria;

3. Information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues; https://papt-candidate-packs-live.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/51288_DARAC_NED_Expression+of+Interest+Form.pdf

4. Diversity monitoring information. This allows us to see if there are any unfair barriers to becoming a public appointee and whether there are any changes that we could make to encourage a more diverse field to apply. You can select “prefer not to say” to any question you do not wish to answer. The information you provide will not be used as part of the selection process and will not be seen by the interview panel. https://papt-candidate-packs-live.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/51288_DARAC_NED_NEW+Diversity+Monitoring+Form.pdf

5. Disability Confident – If you want to be considered for the disability confident scheme, please complete this form and return it with your application. https://papt-candidate-packs-live.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/51288_DARAC_NED_Disability+Confident+Scheme+Declaration.pdf

6. Reasonable adjustments - requests for reasonable adjustments that you would like to the application process (if applicable).

Completed applications should be submitted to DBSCivPers-ResPublicAppts@mod.gov.uk for the attention of Jennifer Parsons, quoting reference number 51288_DARAC_NED.

The Advisory Assessment Panel reserves the right to only consider applications that contain all of the elements listed above, and that arrive before the published deadline for applications.

A candidate pack for this role can be found here: https://papt-candidate-packs-live.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/51288_DARAC_NED_Campaign_information_pack-v1.0.pdf

Overview of the application process

[Standard text on a regulated public appointment process will appear as follows; this can be deleted/overwritten for adverts for appointments that are not regulated]

Public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition process which is conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. We will deal with your application as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages. We aim to conclude the appointment process within three months of the deadline for applications – this is in accordance with the Governance Code.

The assessment process

1. Ministers are responsible and accountable to Parliament for the public appointments made within their department. As a result, they must be consulted at every stage of the appointments process.

2. An Advisory Assessment Panel (“Panel”) is appointed by Ministers to assist them in their decision making. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role.

3. At the shortlisting meeting the Panel will assess applications against the eligibility criteria and decide which candidates should be recommended for interview. Ministers will then be consulted on the Panel’s recommended shortlist.

4. Once the shortlist has been agreed by Ministers, you will be advised (by e-mail) whether you have been shortlisted. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview.

5. The Panel will meet again to interview candidates and determine who is appointable to the role. The names of all appointable candidates are provided to Ministers. It is then for Ministers to determine merit and decide who should be appointed. In some circumstances, Ministers may choose not to appoint any candidates and re-run the competition.

6. The Panel’s recommendations will be provided to Ministers in a report which details the assessment method used and the outcome of each interview. They will then be asked to agree on the candidate(s) who should be appointed.

7. Once the decision on the appointment has been made, interviewed candidates will be advised of the outcome of their application. Successful candidates will be issued with their Terms & Conditions and a letter of appointment should they agree to take up the position.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

Panel Chair

Laurence Lee - MOD Second Permanent Secretary

Representatve of Organisation (Organisation Panel Member)

Kate Guthrie - MOD Deparmetnal Non-Executive Director

Senior Independent Panel Members (SIPM) or Independent Panel Members

Pavita Cooper - Lead Agency Non-Executive Director

Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by ministers to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. For competitions recruiting non-executive members of a board (apart from the Chair), the panel will usually include a representative from the public body concerned.

AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with ministers, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to ministers which candidates they find appointable. It is then for the minister to decide who to appoint to the role.

Eligibility criteria

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. 

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you are disqualified from acting as a company director  (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);

• have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;

• your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

• you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this. 

• you are subject to a current police investigation.

You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points. 

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)

If you need further advice, please contact DBSCivPers-ResPublicAppts@mod.gov.uk

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

We are a member of the Government’s Disability Confident scheme. We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. The scheme helps recruit and retain disabled people. 

As part of implementing the scheme, we guarantee an interview for anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role and who has asked that their application is considered under the scheme. Indicating that you wish your application to be considered under the scheme will in no way prejudice your application. By ‘minimum criteria,’ we mean that you must provide evidence which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as set out in the job-advert.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme.

Reasonable adjustments

Government departments are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.

Some examples of common changes are:

• ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats;
• making adaptations to interview locations;
• allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way;
• giving detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves;
• allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters;
• making provision for support animals to attend.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

Holders of public office are expected to adhere to and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-7-principles-of-public-life/the-7-principles-of-public-life--2. These are:

1. SELFLESSNESS - Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends;
2. INTEGRITY - Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties;
3. OBJECTIVITY - In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit;
4. ACCOUNTABILITY - Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office;
5. OPENNESS - Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands;
6. HONESTY - Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest;
7. LEADERSHIP - Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or or public statements that you have made; 
• and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; 

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 

Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

You will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term, at the discretion of Ministers.  Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. If re-appointed, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or serve in any one post for more than ten years

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

Remuneration for this role is treated as employment income and will be subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.

You can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs necessarily incurred on official business however these payments are taxable as earnings and will be subject to tax and national insurance, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon termination because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that due to the volume of applications received, we are only able to offer feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.

Please contact the DBS public appointments team in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at DBSCivPers-ResPublicAppts@mod.gov.uk. They will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy.

Contact details

If you need further advice, please contact DBSCivPers-ResPublicAppts@mod.gov.uk quoting reference number 51288_DARAC_NED