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Appointment details

Companies House - Digital & Technology NED and Data & AI NED

Summary

• Organisation: Companies House
• Sponsor department: Department for Business and Trade
• Location: Wales
• Sectors: Business and Trade
• Skills: Business, Technology / Digital
• Number of vacancies: 2
• Time commitment: 24 day(s) per annum
• Remuneration: £13000 per annum
• Length of term: 3 years
• Application deadline: 8am on 4 November 2024

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   7 October 2024

2. Application deadline

   8am on 4 November 2024

3. Sifting date

   18 November 2024

4. Interviews expected to end on

   9 December 2024

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

Companies House (CH) is an executive agency of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Headed by the Non-Executive Chair, the Board current comprises a mix of Executive and Non-Executive Directors. The Board is advisory rather than fiduciary and its principal roles are to ensure challenge of the executive team on behalf of ministers and DBT, to set the organisation’s strategic direction and to oversee its operational effectiveness.

All Non-Executive Directors contribute substantially to decisions covering the strategy for the organisation and the overall direction of the business, adding value by offering wise counsel, advice and challenge, based on their own experiences and successful track records of achievement within competitive environments.

Companies House is undergoing an exciting and extensive transformation following the introduction and Royal Assent of The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill. The enhanced powers that this Bill has introduced allow Companies House to play a far greater role in disrupting economic crime and preventing abuse of the register. In tandem with supporting economic growth and business in the UK, Companies House is becoming a key part of the UK’s efforts to combat economic crime and data fraud.

We are seeking two Non-Executive Directors to join Companies House during this exciting period, to provide constructive challenge and strategic leadership that helps ensure the successful implementation of these important reforms.

Appointment description

We are looking to recruit two Non-Executive Directors. The Non-Executive Directors will have the following responsibilities:

• Provide advice, guidance and challenge to the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Directors to support sound strategic and collective decision making at Companies House.
• Support the delivery of the strategic priorities and contribute to developing and deciding long-term strategies, using personal and professional skills, experience and judgment to scrutinise the short and long-term performance of the organisation.

Role 1: Digital and technology

In light of the substantial digital modernisation and reform programme that Companies House is delivering, we are particularly looking to bring in one NED with a background in leading, developing and implementing holistic digital and technology enabled change in an organisation.  

Role 2: Data and AI

In light of the substantial data assets that Companies House manages and the reform programme being delivered, we are looking to bring in one NED with a background in improving data quality and exploiting data assets and infrastructure, including through the use of technologies such as AI.  

Organisation description

Companies House (CH) is an executive agency of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) which plays a critical role in supporting the economy and ensuring that the UK is the best place to start and grow a business. The Companies Register has around 5 million companies incorporated and its data continues to be a rich source to support business decisions – accessed over 14 billion times in 2022-23.

Following the introduction and Royal Assent of The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Companies House is undergoing an exciting and extensive transformation. The enhanced powers that this Act has introduced allow Companies House to play a far greater role in disrupting economic crime and preventing abuse of the register.

The core powers came into force on 4 March 2024, with Companies House putting them into immediate effect to start cleaning up the register. But this is just the first step in a major implementation programme. Over the coming years new capabilities and requirements will be introduced and new partnerships developed, alongside a wholesale transformation of Companies House to address both challenges of infrastructural legacy, as well as exploit the full value of our data, our ability to integrate with other government bodies, and harness technology to better perform core objectives.

With these opportunities in mind we are looking for two new non-executive directors to join the Board and to bring expertise and experience in digital and data-led transformation.

Headed by the Non-Executive Chair, the Board current comprises a mix of Executive and Non-Executive Directors. The Board is advisory rather than fiduciary and its principal roles are to ensure challenge of the executive team on behalf of ministers and DBT, to set the organisation’s strategic direction and to oversee its operational effectiveness. Alongside Board meetings, we have taken steps to encourage engagement between the executives and NED’s in-between board meetings on specific areas of business, to provide more challenge, assurance and support. A move welcomed by the executives.

Board composition

The current main board members of Companies House are as follows:

• John Clarke (Chair)
• Louise Smyth (Chief Executive) 
• Martin Swain
• Sarah Whitehead
• Rohan Gye
• Charlie Boundy
• Aimee Symonds
• Michelle Wall
• Jill Callan
• Martin Spencer (Non-Executive Board Member) 
• Carol Shutkever (Non-Executive Board Member) 
• Emir Feisal (Non-Executive Board Member) 
• Tim Burt (Non-Executive Board Member) 
• Eoin Parker (DBT representative) 

See more information:https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house/about/our-governance#main-board

Person specification

Essential criteria

Role 1: Digital and technology 

• A proven track record in leading and implementing large-scale digitally enabled transformation initiatives within similar complex public or private sector environments, to deliver service improvements and cost savings for customers, including impacts on people, process and technology.
• Proven ability to develop and lead overarching strategy across an organisation, particularly in the context of digital transformation and innovation.
• Independence of judgment, and the capacity to bring a fresh, external view to decision-making through the analysis of complex information to reach practical decisions.

Role 2: Data and AI 

In light of the substantial data assets that Companies House manages and the reform programme being delivered, we are looking to bring in one NED with a background in improving data quality and exploiting data assets and infrastructure, including through the use of technologies such as AI.

Essential Criteria

• Leadership experience of overcoming - at an enterprise level - the technical and delivery challenges in implementing data governance, advanced analytics capabilities and cybersecurity programmes as well as the associated data and security cultural change.
• A track record of strategic leadership within an organisation and an ability to exercise that strategic thinking at Board level. In the context of this role we would particularly be interested to see experience in integrating data quality, data analytics, and cybersecurity target outcomes with wider business goals and innovation.
• Good communication skills and an ability to provide constructive and independent challenge and support working as part of a team on the Board
• Independence of judgment, and the capacity to bring a fresh, external view to decision-making through the analysis of complex information to reach practical decisions.

Desirable criteria

Role 1: Digital and Technology

• Previous experience of delivering regulatory transformation or working in or with any of the following is desirable:
• economic crime, fraud detection or intelligence led businesses
•  small businesses in a regulatory environment
•  Familiarity with the Government Digital Service Standard and/or other examples of benchmarking good practice in digital service delivery.
• Recent familiarity with any of the following robotic process automation (RPA) solutions, complex systems integration programmes, addressing legacy, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Role 2: Data and AI 

• Good understanding of relevant laws, regulations and industry standards relating to data protection, AI and AI ethics, in addition to cybersecurity frameworks, threat landscapes, and risk management practices to ensure robust
• protection of sensitive data and digital assets.
• Previous experience of delivering regulatory transformation or working in or with any of the following is desirable:
• economic crime, fraud detection or intelligence led businesses
• financial services
• Familiarity with the Government Digital Service Standard and/or other examples of benchmarking good practice in digital service delivery.

Application and selection process

How to apply

In order to apply you will need to provide:

1. A Curriculum Vitae which provides your contact details, details of your education and qualifications, employment history, directorships, membership of professional bodies and details of any relevant publications or awards;
2. A supporting statement setting out how you meet the criteria for appointment, as set out in the person specification for the role;
3. Information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues;
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;
5. Disability Confident – please state if you want to be considered for the disability confident scheme;
6. Reasonable adjustments - requests for reasonable adjustments that you would like to the application process (if applicable);

Please provide the information at points 3-6 above on the relevant form, or as part of your supporting statement.

Completed applications should be submitted via the Gatenby Sanderson application portal.

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

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. The assessment process will include a preliminary sift by Gatenby Sanderson taking account of all information provided by candidates in their CVs and supporting statements. The panel will still receive the full details of all candidates on the longlist at a shortlist meeting. 
4. At the shortlisting meeting the Panel will assess all 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP) will consist of the following people:

• Eoin Parker - Panel Chair - DBT SCS (Director for Company Law and Governance) -
• John Clarke (Companies House Chair)
• Sue O'Brien (Independent Panel 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 dbtappointments@businessandtrade.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 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 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. 

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

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

 

Please contact the DBT Public Appointments Team at dbtappointments@businessandtrade.gov.uk in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application. We will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

Data protection

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

The Department for Business and Trade's privacy notice can be found on gov.uk. 

You can also access the Companies House personal information charter and the Gatenby Sanderson privacy statement. 

Contact details

For a confidential discussion about the role, please do contact our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson who will be delighted to speak with you:

Martyn Brereton on 07586 715531 / martyn.brereton@gatenbysanderson.com or

Sarah Luxford on 07812 150 386 / sarah.luxford@gatenbysanderson.com or

Julie Myers on 07595 779915 / julie.myers@gatenbysanderson.com

Should you have any queries about the application process, please contact Toria Lorman-Connolly on 0113 205 6062 or Toria.Lorman-Connolly@gatenbysanderson.com

Attachments

• Companies House Candidate pack