Important

You can’t apply for this appointment

The application deadline has passed or the appointment has been closed for applications.

Appointment details

NON-EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER AND CHAIR OF CICA BOARD

Summary

• Organisation: Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
• Sponsor department: Ministry of Justice
• Location: Scotland
• Sectors: Judicial, Prisons & Policing
• Skills: Business
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: Adhoc
• Remuneration: £400 per day
• Length of term: 3 years, with a possibility of extension for a further term
• Application deadline: 5pm on 26 March 2024

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   20 February 2024

2. Application deadline

   5pm on 26 March 2024

3. Sifting date

   24 April 2024

4. Interviews expected to end on

   28 June 2024

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Appointment description

Accountability for management of CICA lies with CICA’s Chief Executive and Accounting Officer. To help ensure effective governance, CICA has a Board which comprises three independent Non-Executive Board Members and for which we are now seeking a fourth independent member in the role of Board Chair. The purpose of the Board is to help set the overall strategic direction for the CICA, to provide oversight, offer advice and constructive challenge.

The independent Non-Executive Board Members (NEBMs) also form CICA’s Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) which assists the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer, by providing oversight, advice, challenge and assurance in respect of good governance, financial management and risk controls.

This vacancy (a public appointment) is to fill the role of Board Chair and as a NEBM you will also serve as a member of the ARC.

In addition, if this campaign identifies an appointable reserve candidate we will seek to offer and fill a current Non Executive Board Member vacancy. The person specification and essential criteria for both roles are identical.

1.     The Board Chair is responsible for the strategic leadership of the Board of an organisation and for ensuring its overall effectiveness and delivery against agreed purpose and objectives.

The Board Chair will ensure that the board complies with the requirements of the Executive Agency framework and, in particular, ensure that the board:

·       provides support and advises on the establishment and delivery of the strategic aims and objectives of CICA, consistent with its overall strategic direction and within the policy and resources framework determined by the Secretary of State

·       supports effective leadership of CICA within a framework of prudent and effective controls which enables risk to be assessed and managed

·       reviews CICA performance against its strategic aims and objectives

·       reviews regular financial and management information concerning the operation of CICA

·       ensures that it is kept informed of any changes which are likely to impact on the strategic direction of CICA Board or on the attainability of its targets, and determining the steps needed to deal with such changes

·       ensures that any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds are complied with; that the CICA Board operates within the limits of any statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with the MoJ, and in accordance with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds

·       discharges its duties according to any guidance issued by the MoJ

·       demonstrates high standards of corporate governance at all times, including by using the independent CICA Audit and Risk Committee to help the CICA Board to address key financial and other risks

·       puts in place mechanisms for independent annual evaluation of the performance of the Chair the independent non-executives, taking into account the views of relevant stakeholders.

We are looking for a high-calibre leader with senior leadership experience at Board level, who can demonstrate a track record of strategic leadership in a challenging and complex service delivery environment.

NEBMs must:

·       Uphold the highest ethical standards of integrity and honesty, and demonstrate that they have an understanding of, and are committed to, the value and importance of the Nolan Principles of Public Life;

·       Use their personal and professional skills, experience and judgement with integrity and independence to influence the achievement of the agency’s strategic objectives;

·       Play a committed role in enabling the CICA Board and Audit and Risk Committee to arrive at informed and balanced decisions, with effective oversight of risk.

Candidates should also have expertise in one or more of:

·       Operating a substantial and complex public facing service;

·       Experience of using data and digital technology to drive transformation in a large organisation and create new opportunities;

·       Experience of solving complex problems with an analytical, systematic and innovative approaches.

Organisation description

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). We are a team of over 300 people, with an office base in central Glasgow. We are proud to provide government funded compensation for victims of violent crime across Great Britain, according to rules set out by Parliament in the Criminal Injuries Compensation and Victims of Overseas Terrorism Schemes. As a cross-border authority, we administer these Schemes on behalf of the Ministry of Justice in England & Wales and for the Scottish Government.

We currently receive over 35,000 claims a year and last year we provided £173m in compensation. While the financial compensation we can provide will never fully compensate victims for the terrible violence or loss they have experienced, we know compensation can make a difference in people’s lives. It may help them cope with practical issues and for many victims an award of compensation will bring recognition of their suffering and access to a form of justice. This can be particularly important for victims whose assailants are not identified or who do not get the potential closure a court case may bring.

Board composition

The board will consist of:

Board Chair (to be appointed, 3 year term)

3 x Non-Executive Board Member, Derek Bray and Russell Frith (currently one vacancy)

Linda Brown, Chief Executive of Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

Lynne Henderson, Deputy Chief Executive

Caroline Patterson, MoJ Director of Financial Strategy, Planning & Performance

Person specification

Essential criteria

·       Exceptional communication skills, high level of personal impact and the ability to provide constructive and independent advice and support to the Board;

·      Independence of judgment, the capacity to bring a fresh, external view to decision-making, and an outstanding track record of board level achievement;

·      Broad business management experience at board level in a major delivery organisation in the private, public or third sector;

·      Ability to analyse complex information, to think strategically and reach practical decisions;

·      Sound knowledge and experience of good governance at senior levels in a large organisation in either private or public sector.

Application and selection process

How to apply

If applying, we require three pieces of documentation from you: (1) Your CV; (2) Supporting Statement; (3) Supporting Documents.

Your CV and Supporting Statement should be no more than two pages each.

Your supporting statement is your opportunity to demonstrate how you meet the person specification and each of the essential criteria.

Please include in your supporting statement the names and contact details of two referees.

Your completed documents should be sent by email to: corporate.support@cica.gov.uk   

Please note that the time requirement for this role can be up to 20 days per year.

If you would like an informal discussion about CICA and the role, please email corporate.support@cica.gov.uk and we will arrange a call with Linda Brown, Chief Executive.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

Jonathan Nancekivell-Smith, MoJ Public Bodies Director (Chair)

Jane Harbottle, Chief Executive of Legal Aid Agency

Malcolm John, 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  corporate.support@cica.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

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

1. Selflessness

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

2. Integrity

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

3. Objectivity

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

4. Accountability

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

5. Openness

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

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

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

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 ten years in any one post. 

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

£400 per day plus travelling expenses for the typical time commitment, which includes preparation time.

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 have a complaint about any aspect of the way your application has been handled, we would like to hear from you. In the first instance please write to or e-mail the Public Appointments Team at the e-mail address given below quoting the appropriate reference number.

Maggie Garrett, Ministry of Justice, Head of the Public Appointments Team, ALB Centre of Expertise, Ministry of Justice:  

OR

Alexandra Morton, Ministry of Justice, Head of the Public Appointments Team, ALB Centre of Expertise, Ministry of Justice:  

PublicAppointmentsTeam@justice.gov.uk

Complaints must be received by the Public Appointments Team within 12 calendar months of the issue or the closure of the recruitment competition, whichever is the later.

We will acknowledge your complaint within two working days of receipt and reply within 20 working days of receipt. We will tell you if we cannot meet this deadline for any reason and provide an expected reply date.

Data protection

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

Contact details

Interviews are expected to be held in person at our location:

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

Buchanan Wharf

10 Clyde Place

Glasgow

Scotland

G5 8AQ

Attachments

• Diversity Information Form

• Supporting Document