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Appointment details

Independent Non-Executive Board Director - College of Policing

Summary

• Organisation: College of Policing Board of Directors
• Sponsor department: Home Office
• Location: London
• Sectors: Judicial, Prisons & Policing
• Skills: Change Management, Technology / Digital, Transformation
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 2 day(s) per month
• Remuneration: £350 per day
• Length of term: 3 years
• Application deadline: 11:59pm on 10 July 2023

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   15 June 2023

2. Application deadline

   11:59pm on 10 July 2023

3. Sifting date

   18 July 2023

4. Interviews expected to end on

   25 July 2023

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

This is a hugely important time for policing in England and Wales. The principle of policing by consent relies on the trust and confidence that the public has in the police service and the wider law enforcement community. The recent publication of the Casey Review has diminished that trust and confidence.

The College of Policing, as the professional body of the service, has a critical role to play in ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and leadership and in equipping officers and staff with the skills they need. Our work to overhaul leadership must now be implemented in every force. This will standardise the training and development at every rank to embed professionalism, respect and inclusion. 

To help deliver this agenda we are seeking a high calibre individual with experience of operating at senior board level within a major public or private sector organisation, and with particular experience in relation to leadership development, training and continuing professional development.  You will help shape a compelling vision and direction for the College, providing challenge and support to the executive team.

Introduction from the Chair

Foreword from Lord Herbert of South Downs(Chair of the Board)

Thank you for your interest in the appointment of an Independent Non-Executive Director. 

This is a hugely important time for policing in England and Wales.  The principle of policing by consent relies on the trust and confidence that the public has in the police service and the wider law enforcement community.  The recently published Casey Review has drawn attention to issues that have seriously diminished such trust and confidence.

The College of Policing, as the professional body of the service, has a critical role to play in ensuring the highest standards of leadership, professionalism and integrity and in equipping officers and staff with the skills they need.

Our corporate strategy, which was developed in response to the Fundamental Review in 2021, sets out our five key ambitions:

? Building trust and a fair culture

? Transforming police leadership

? Supporting career-long professional development and wellbeing

? Boosting core skills

? Strengthening innovation and implementing what works

Our work to overhaul leadership must now be implemented in every force.  This will standardise the training and development at every rank to embed professionalism, respect and inclusion. 

We are seeking a high calibre individual with experience of operating at senior board level within a major public or private sector organisation, and with particular experience in relation to leadership development, training and continuing professional development.  You will help shape a compelling vision and direction for the College, providing challenge and support to the executive team.

If you are motivated to play a key role in helping the College achieve its mission, then I look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best of luck with your application.

Nick Herbert

Chair  

Appointment description

Job Title: Independent Non-Executive Director

Roles available: One

Appointment: An initial minimum term of three years

Location: London with some UK travel

Reporting to: Chair of the Board

Organisation description

The purpose of the College Board is to hold the Executive to account and to ensure the long-term success of the College of Policing. It sets the strategic direction and the values of the College and ensures that the College meets its obligations to the public, police services in England and Wales, policing partner organisations, the Home Secretary, and Parliament.

The Board ensures that the governance and structure of the College has the right level of accountability and transparency to win the confidence of the public, police services, policing partners and Parliament. Board members will shape the values and culture of the College and guide it through the next phase of its development as the professional body for policing. 

As a holder of a public office in the College of Policing, Board members are expected to follow the College’s Code of Ethics - A Code of Practice for the Principles and Standards of Professional Behaviour for the Policing Profession of England and Wales.  The Code includes the Seven Principles of Public Life, as set out by the Nolan Committee on Standards in Public Life, and members are expected to observe the highest standards of propriety involving impartiality, integrity and objectivity.

As a Non-Executive Director of the College of Policing Limited, you will be a company director, acting in the best interests of the College, promoting its success and sharing your knowledge, skills and experience. 

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

§  Experience of operating at senior board level, either in a public or private sector organisation, working successfully with executives and non-executives to take forward the strategic direction of a complex organisation.

§  Experience in relation to leadership development, training and continuing professional development within a major public or private sector organisation.

§  A professional track record that demonstrates strategic leadership qualities that inspire confidence in your ability to work with others to guide the College in its ambition.

§  Highly effective communication skills.

§  The ability to build strong interpersonal relationships with diverse stakeholders.

§  Understanding and appreciation of diversity, equality and human rights issues.

Desirable criteria

§  An understanding of the issues relating to policing.

§  An understanding of the role and goals of the College of Policing.

§  A strategic understanding of:

o   Inclusion and wellbeing;

o   Digital transformation, the use of big data and the application of technology to achieve business strategy;

o   Human Resources;

o   Strategic financial management;

o   Change management and organisational development;

o   Contribution of applied research and analysis to policing or other professional practice.

Application and selection process

How to apply

Please submit the following 3 documents, clearly labelled. In order to apply, you will need to click on one of the links below, depending on if you have already set up an account on the new Cabinet Office Public Appointment website. 

https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/create-account

https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/auth/sign-in

1.     A comprehensive CV (maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 font) setting out your career history and including details of any professional qualifications.

2.     A statement of suitability (maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 font) giving evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the essential criteria for the role. Please provide specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the experience, qualities and skill areas identified in the person specification.

3.     Please complete and return the form at Annex B, relating to referees, conflicts of interest and nationality.

Please include the heading Non-Executive Board Director in the subject box.

Please submit your application documents as 3 separate attachments. 

Please note the following:

§  We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date.

§  Applications will be assessed on the documentation provided. Please refer to the checklist to ensure you have provided the necessary documentation.  We will assess it based solely on documentation provided.

§  Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt.

§  Feedback will only be given to unsuccessful candidates following interview.

Overview of the application process

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 have best met the criteria, who should be recommended for interview. Ministers will then be consulted on the Panel’s recommended shortlist. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme and you meet all the essential criteria, then you will also be invited for an interview.

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 Panel may invite you to make a brief presentation at the start of the interview and will go on to question you about your skills and experience, including asking specific questions to assess whether you meet the criteria set out for the post. The Panel will also explore with you any potential conflicts of interest or any other issues arising from your personal and professional history which may impact on an appointment decision.

6. Details of the panel’s assessment of interviewed candidates are provided to Ministers, including whether they have judged a candidate to be appointable to the role. 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.

7. Ministers may choose to meet with candidates before deciding the outcome. Candidates should therefore be prepared for a short time gap between interview and a final appointment decision being made. Candidates who have been interviewed will be kept informed of progress.

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

Further information about appointments, including tips on applying, can be found on our guidance pages on gov.uk.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

The recruitment panel will be: 

Chaired by Lord Herbert of South Downs, Chair of the Board,

and consist of 

Rosemary Scully, Chair of the People (Nominations and Remuneration) Committee, 

Peter Spreadbury, Deputy Director of Police Workforce and Professionalism Unit, Home Office

and 

Richard Childs QPM as an independent member.  

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  [ADD CONTACT DETAILS]

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to have or be willing to obtain security clearance to NPPV2 level. Pre-appointment checks will also be undertaken on immigration and criminal convictions. If security clearance is not currently in place, it usually takes between 4-5 weeks to obtain the security clearance. The role will be offered on a conditional basis until the successful candidate have passed all checks.

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

The College of Policing is committed to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation and transgender. 

As part of the application process, we ask candidates to complete equal opportunities monitoring information. This will help us to monitor selection decisions to assess whether equality of opportunity is being achieved. The information in Annex C will be treated as confidential and used for statistical purposes only. The form will not be treated as part of your application

Disability confident

The College is a certified user of the Government’s “Disability Confident” scheme and is committed to ensuring that all recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible.  Applicants who meet the minimum criteria in the job specification are guaranteed an interview. Selection will be on merit. If you wish to apply for consideration under this scheme, please complete the form at Part C in Annex B. 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 arrangements for you when attending an interview. You can also contact us if you want to discuss the criteria for the role or have questions regarding your application.

Reasonable adjustments

We 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 additional 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 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

As this is an office holder 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. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment; each case should be considered on its own merits, taking into account a number of factors including, but not restricted to, the diversity of the current board and its balance of skills and experience. In most cases, 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 which are properly and necessarily incurred on official business, in line with the travel and subsistence policy and rates for the organisation to which you are applying. 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.  [check and confirm the appointing body's travel and subsistence policy]

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 the end of your term of appointment 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 we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

If you are not completely satisfied with the way your application is handled at any stage of the process, please raise any complaint in the first instance with the Recruitment Team at: recruitment@college.pnn.police.uk

We will reply to your complaint within 20 days. 

If, after receiving our response you are still not satisfied, you may contact the Commissioner for Public Appointments:

The Commissioner for Public Appointments Room G/8, Ground Floor 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ. Tel: 0207 271 0849.

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

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

<Department to add details of own privacy notice> 

Contact details

If you have any queries about this role, please contact Kate Fromant, Head of Corporate Governance at kate.fromant@college.police.uk or on 07747 763371. If you have any queries about the recruitment process for this role, please contact re recruitment@college.pnn.police.uk. If you have any specific queries about the public appointments process, please contact the Home Office Public Appointments Team at publicappointments@homeoffice.gov.uk.

Attachments

• Candidate pack

• Supporting Documentation Form Annex B