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Appointment details

Infrastructure Exports: UK Industry Co-chair 

Summary

• Organisation: Infrastructure Exports: UK (IE:UK)
• Sponsor department: Department for Business and Trade
• Location: London
• Sectors: Construction and Infrastructure
• Skills: Business, International Experience
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 90 hour(s) per annum
• Length of term: Up to 3 years
• Application deadline: 11:55pm on 14 August 2023

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   11 July 2023

2. Application deadline

   11:55pm on 14 August 2023

3. Sifting date

   15 August 2023

4. Interviews expected to end on

   18 September 2023

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

This is an exciting time to be involved in the work of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). We are the department for economic growth. We support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.

Infrastructure Exports: UK (IE:UK) is a partnership between industry and government to boost collaboration and increase exports through a Team UK approach. The IE:UK board meets bi-monthly with ministerial attendance every other board meeting. IE:UK is co-chaired by the Minister for Exports and the industry co-chair.

The IE:UK board was set up in 2017 and brings together individuals with significant experience representing the ‘Best of British’ in consulting, finance, professional services, construction, and operational excellence. This allows UK capability to unite through a consortium offer to bring high-quality sustainable solutions to overseas clients.

The vision for IE:UK is to position Team UK as partner of choice for the development and delivery of major international sustainable infrastructure programmes. Strategic priorities are to:

• market UK’s world leading capabilities in Net Zero, adaptation and the provision of sustainable infrastructure to help address climate change
• leave a legacy that focuses on social infrastructure, resilient systems, local employment, skills training and wider community benefits
• promote digital solutions that deliver benefit across the whole project life cycle
• assemble the best that the UK has to offer through a Team UK approach
• work collaboratively with UK Export Finance and private finance to develop pipelines and finance bankable projects that will benefit the consortia approach

Regional groups have been established in Latin America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa which are intended to drive delivery. These groups identify and prioritise opportunities that suit an IE:UK approach and establish campaigns to win business. These regional groups include companies that are strong in their region and not be limited to the companies on the main IE:UK board.

IE:UK is supported by a project management office within the Department for Business and Trade. Activities are co-resourced between industry and government. 

Appointment description

The key responsibilities of the Industry Co-Chair of IE:UK are to:   

1. Provide leadership and strategic direction to the IE:UK work
2. Co-chair IE:UK board meetings with the Minister for Exports
3. Work with industry leaders and the IE:UK regional groups to win business for the UK
4. Inform decisions about the future strategy for the IE:UK work
5. Lead discussions to select and target priority markets 
6. Participate in, and help form UK partnership models, such as consortia, third country partnerships and G2G, to deliver identified projects
7. Bring additional UK companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the infrastructure export supply chain
8. Offer ad-hoc advice to HMG on supporting to UK exporters in the Infrastructure sector

It is proposed that the successful applicant will work as a deputy to the current industry co-chair, Mark Holmes, until end April 2024 at which point, they will take over the industry co-chair role.

During this time there is expected to be joint working to set the strategy for the IE:UK board and to transition the board membership.  

Please contact IEUK@trade.gov.uk if you would like to discuss the role in more detail with the current industry co-chair, Mark Holmes.

Organisation description

Further details about the Infrastructure Exports: UK, its Terms of Reference and its remit and latest news about its work an independent expert committee can be found here.  

Board composition

Current board members are:

• Minister for Exports at the Department for Business and Trade (Co-chair)
• Mark Holmes, Deputy Chairman at Mace Group (Co-chair)
• Philip Bouverat, Director, JCB
• Davendra Dabasia, Chief Operating Officer Mace Consult, Mace Group
• Paul Dyson, Managing Director, Crossrail International Ltd
• Clare Francis, Independent
• Philip Hoare, Chief Executive Officer, UK and Europe, Atkins
• Freddie Patterson, Business Development Director, Lagan Construction Group
• Dan Saville, Director, Region Board Member; UK, India, Middle East and Africa (UKIMEA) Region, Arup
• Stuart Senior, Supervisory Board, Gleeds
• Gordon Turley, Major Projects Director, Mott MacDonald
• Tom Smith, Global Director, Property and Buildings, WSP
• Amy Hochadel, Director of Global Business Growth, Connected Places Catapult
• Adam Harris, Head of Civil, Infrastructure and Energy Activity, UK Export Finance
• Sacira Coric, Director, Infrastructure Strategy, Business Case and Project Finance, Turner and Townsend
• Doretta Gilkes, Partner, Foster and Partners 

Person specification

Essential criteria

Essential experience and attributes for the role are:

• have stature and respect within the infrastructure sector and be in a senior position in a large UK infrastructure company (greater than 250 employees and turnover greater than €50M)
• experience of exporting infrastructure related services
• experience and understanding of the UK’s capability in the infrastructure sector
• experience and knowledge of international markets
• experience in the delivery of major infrastructure projects
• the ability to contribute, inspire confidence and bring together a wide range of stakeholders, with diverse commercial and political agendas  

Desirable criteria

Desirable experience and attributes for the role are:

• experience of working in a government-industry board
• an understanding of how the Government supports UK exporters
• an understanding of the key challenges faced by the public sector and the ability to develop solutions with government  
• experience of managing change  

Application and selection process

How to apply

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

Once you are logged into your account, click on 'apply for this role' and follow the on-screen instructions. To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

• a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• a supporting statement
• equality information
• information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the Disability Confident scheme before you submit your application. 

Your CV should set out your career history, dates you occupied these roles and include details of any professional qualifications required for this role. This should be a maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 Arial black font.

In the supporting statement, please outline how you meet the essential and desirable requirements outlined in the person specification, the key challenges for the work of IE:UK and how you would address these challenges. This document should be maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 Arial black font.

Please note the following:

• we cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date. 
• applications will be assessed on the documentation you have provided in your CV and supporting statement. 
• applications will be acknowledged upon receipt. 

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.

Overview of the application process

This role is not regulated by the Office for the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Candidates will be assessed on their written applications by an independent DBT panel.

Expenses incurred by candidates during the recruitment process will not be reimbursed, except for exceptional circumstances. We are inclusive and welcome and value applicants from all backgrounds.

Panellists will conduct a written sift of applications independently, assessing each application against the essential criteria. A meeting will then take place, where panellists will discuss their independent assessments before reaching a consensus-based decision on a shortlist for interview. Panel interviews will take place with applicants that have been shortlisted. After all the interviews have been completed, the panellists will meet to discuss their assessments before making recommendations to the DBT Minister for Exports. 

The final decision to appoint to this role rests with the DBT Minister for Exports. Appointable candidates may be invited to meet ministers before a final decision is made. As a result, there may be a delay in informing candidates of the outcome of the competition. Our intention is to conclude the process by the end of September.   

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

The Assessment Panel is as follows:

• David Bickerton, Director General for Business Group, DBT
• Rodney Berkley, Director for Sustainability and Infrastructure, DBT
• Independent Panel Member (to be confirmed)

Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by ministers to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. 

AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with ministers, undertaking sifting 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.

Appointees may be of any nationality but must have a demonstrated ability to operate professionally in English. 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 DBT 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 for Board Members of Public Bodies (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)

If you need further advice, please contact the IE:UK Hub. 

Security clearance

Since this is an unpaid advisory position, there is no requirement for the successful candidate to undertake security clearance checks.

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 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.

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 essential criteria for the role, set out in the advert, 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

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. These are:

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.

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 IE:UK members 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

You 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 an IE:UK member, 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

This appointment is for 3 years.

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.

Time requirements

Approximately 90 hours per year comprising IE:UK board meetings (6 meetings per year; 24 hours), Regional Group meetings (18 hours), and coordination (50 hours).

Location of role

Much of the work will be done remotely; meetings in person are likely to be in London. 

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

No renumeration will be 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 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 unable to offer detailed feedback to applicants.  

How to complain

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

Please contact IEUK@trade.gov.uk in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application. 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.

You can also access the Department for Business and Trade's own Privacy Notice. 

Contact details

If you have any queries about this role or the recruitment process, please contact IEUK@trade.gov.uk