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Appointment details

NNL Non–Exec Director: Chair of the EHSS&Q Committee and Technology Advisory Board

Summary

• Organisation: UK National Nuclear Laboratory
• Sponsor department: Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
• Location: Various
• Sectors: Energy
• Skills: Business, Commercial, Technology / Digital, Major Projects, Regulation
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 20 day(s) per annum
• Remuneration: £25,000 per annum
• Length of term: Fixed period of three years and may be eligible for reappointment for a second term.
• Application deadline: 5pm on 15 April 2024

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   4 March 2024

2. Application deadline

   5pm on 15 April 2024

3. Sifting date

   6 May 2024

4. Interviews expected to end on

   3 June 2024

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

This is an exciting opportunity to appoint a non-executive board member to the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory which comes in at critical time given global focus on solving Net Zero through clean low carbon energy. Climate Change represents one of the greatest challenges the planet faces and technological advancements in nuclear will be essential. The NNL sits at the heart of this agenda with world-class science capability. The role of the organisation goes further in helping to restore the environment through technology to support legacy waste clean-up as well as working on exciting disciplines such as nuclear technology for medical applications and cancer treatment and nuclear technology to support space exploration.

Appointment description

The EHSS&Q exists to advise the NNL Board on all matters relating to Environment, Health, Safety, Security and Quality. To discharge its duties, EHSS&Q will monitor trends to ascertain those EHSS&Q aspects of the organisation are consistent with NNL’s role as a responsible nuclear laboratory and operator of nuclear infrastructure.

The EHSS&Q Chair will ensure the EHSS&Q performs within the delegation of authority granted to the Board under the terms of the NNL Framework Document.

The EHSS&Q Chair is responsible for providing an overview of the organisational performance on aspects noted below, and advising the ARAC and the NNL Board with assurance that the business is undertaking all required actions to achieve its objectives within these areas:

• Environment, Health, and Safety
• Nuclear Safety Committee
• Nuclear and Information Security

The TAB exists to advise the NNL Board on all matters relating to Science, Technology and Engineering. The TAB is an Advisory Committee to the NNL Board consisting of senior stakeholders from the Nuclear Industry, Government and Academia. To discharge its duties, TAB will monitor trends to ascertain that NNL Earnings to Reinvest are being appropriately invested in line with NNL and Nuclear sector priorities.

The TAB Chair will ensure the TAB provides the appropriate feedback to the NNL Board on these matters.

The TAB Chair is responsible for provision of advice to the NNL Board on:

• The strategic approach to NNL’s re-investment in science and technology
• The effectiveness of NNL’s science and technology programmes 
• The impact of NNL’s science and technology output 
• The visibility of NNL’s S&T portfolio and linkages with the broader UK and international nuclear agenda

Organisation description

NNL is the UK’s national laboratory responsible for nuclear fission R&D. It provides technical support to all aspects of the nation’s nuclear programmes such as electricity generation, fuel production, waste management, decommissioning as well as legacy clean up. It operates on a commercial basis with key customers such as NDA, MoD, EdF, as well as overseas public and private sector organisations.

It is wholly owned by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, with the shareholder function being managed by UK Government Investments (UKGI). It employs approximately 1500 staff, the majority being highly qualified experts in a variety of scientific and technical disciplines. It also operates unique national infrastructure that includes state-of-the-art research facilities capable of handling any nuclear material associated with the industry.

Its work helps to address technical challenges faced by the industry to ensure safe and cost-effective delivery, building on innovative solutions from basic science through to demonstration and on to industrial deployment. Its success is not only measured by operating on a profitable financial and commercial basis but also by facilitating significant value savings over the past few decades for its customers and the industry as a whole. NNL also acts as custodian of much of the UK’s critical strategic nuclear capability and provides impartial expert advice to Government on nuclear technical matters.

Our purpose, ‘Nuclear Science to Benefit Society’ is a step change in ambition, positioning the business to drive the technological change required to ensure nuclear technology is utilised to its full potential in addressing the challenges faced by modern society. This is an exciting period for the organization as it adapts to deliver the four supporting pillars of its strategy: Net Zero Clean Energy, Environmental Restoration, Health and Nuclear Medicine and Security and Non-Proliferation.

Person specification

Essential criteria

It is essential that the successful candidate has the personal credibility and professional experience to chair both the NNL Technology Advisory Board and the NNL Environment, Health, Safety, Security and Quality Subject Committee (alongside being a NED on the main NNL board).

To assess this, the panel will consider the extent to which you

• Are a senior leader with a deep and wide technical understanding of civil nuclear technology and sector.
• Are able to advise as a non-executive, on matters to do with EHSSQ and Nuclear Technology having held positions of senior responsibility for nuclear safety and security and/or having senior experience in a highly regulated environment; and
• Have the ability to act as non-Executive of a complex commercial organisation as demonstrated through knowledge of the role, excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence, experience of stakeholder management, and strategic planning. 

Desirable criteria

•   Experience of serving on an EHSS&Q committee and/or Technology Advisory Board as a non-executive director or equivalent experience.
• Senior experience gained in a commercial environment with experience of commercialising technology.
•  Public sector experience.

Application and selection process

How to apply

GatenbySanderson has been appointed as our employment agency adviser to assist with this appointment.

To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process by no later than 5pm on 15th April 2024.  All applications must be submitted using this link.

You will be asked to submit the following:

1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
2. A Statement of Suitability (no longer than three pages) explaining:
1. Your motivation for applying for this role
2. How you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the criteria in the person specification.
3. A completed Diversity Monitoring Form.
4. A completed Conflict of Interests Form.

Failure to submit these documents will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification. 

Please note this campaign is being run in association with UK Government Investments (UKGI) – candidates are asked to read the UKGI privacy notice prior to applying (see Annex II).

NNL is a place where everyone is valued, respected and welcomed. Our ongoing commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (ED&I) means we’re creating an inclusive workplace, built upon equal policies, procedures and transparency, where everyone’s free to be themselves and feel like they belong. From early careers to executive level, we look beyond barriers to find the people for the job.

You will receive an acknowledgment of your application from GatenbySanderson through the online process.  The panel will then assess your application to select those demonstrating the best fit with the role by considering the evidence provided against the criteria set out in the ‘Person Specification’ section. Failure to address any or all of these criteria may affect your application.  Candidates will be advised of the outcome of decisions as soon as possible by GatenbySanderson.

Should you have any questions regarding the process, please contact kirsten.hasseriis@gatenbysanderson.com

Overview of the application process

The selection panel will assess your application to select those demonstrating the best fit with the role by considering the evidence you have provided against the Essential Criteria in the Person Specification section. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.

The Panel will identify a subset of candidates who best match the criteria for an initial interview with GatenbySanderson to further explore their skills and experience with reference to the criteria in the person specification.

The Panel will then have a further meeting to review interview reports on these candidates alongside CVs and statements of suitability, taking into account all the criteria (Essential and Desirable) in order to select the shortlist. Shortlisted candidates will be advised on the outcome as soon as possible thereafter.

References may be taken up for shortlisted candidates in advance of final panel interviews. Furthermore, please note that due diligence is undertaken on all shortlisted candidates.

If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to attend a panel interview in order to have a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the vacancy description, key responsibilities and accountabilities and person specification.

Prior to interview, you may have the opportunity for informal conversations with key personnel in order to improve your understanding of the organisation.

Full details of the assessment process will be made available to shortlisted candidates.

We will endeavour to offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for assessments or interviews. You are therefore asked to note the below timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process, in order to meet the dates given. Please note that these dates may be subject to change.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

• Chair: Mark Hastie-Oldland (Deputy Director, Nuclear Infrastructure, Capability and International, DESNZ)
• Ian Funnell (Chair, NNL)
• Edward Emerson (Shareholder NED, NNL
• Dame Sue Ion (Independent Panel Member)

• Chair: Mark Hastie-Oldland (Deputy Director, Nuclear Infrastructure, Capability and International, DESNZ)
• Ian Funnell (Chair, NNL)
• Edward Emerson (Shareholder NED, NNL
• Dame Sue Ion (Independent Panel Member)

Eligibility criteria

This role is open to UK nationals, nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with (or eligible for) status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service, relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service and certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals.

Individuals from EU and outside the EU.

From 1st January 2021 the UK is operating a points-based immigration system. Individuals arriving in the UK on or after 1st January will require a visa and will need to be sponsored by an employer.

EU, EEA or Swiss citizens who have lived in the UK by 31st December 2020 need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30th June 2021.

Security clearance

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed: the appointment will be conditional until they are cleared. The level of security needed is security check. You can view our vetting charter here - See our vetting charter.

To meet the National Security Vetting requirements for this role you will need to have resided in the UK for a minimum of 3 out of the past 5 years. If you do not meet this requirement, you would not be eligible for SC clearance and therefore not eligible to apply for this role.

New immigration guidelines - What you need to know - GOV.UK

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We recognise that treating everyone in the same way does not necessarily mean everyone is treated fairly. Creating equal opportunities means recognising that people have different needs that require different responses. Equality is about creating a level playing field where everyone is treated fairly, and career progression is based purely on merit. By focusing on equality, we acknowledge that gender, race or disability (or other personal characteristics) can affect life experiences and opportunities.

We recognise and respect that people are different. Those differences lead to varied experiences, values and ways of thinking. Diversity is about recognising and embracing people’s differences, both as individuals and groups, and striving to harness the unique benefits that each person or group has to offer whilst meeting different needs in a positive way.

So, while equality legislation covers factors such as race, gender and disability; diversity also encompasses many other aspects of an individual such as social background, personality traits or specifics of life experience. If we respect people’s differences, we are more likely to treat them equally.

We recognise that to achieve an inclusive culture our people need to feel accepted, welcomed and fairly treated. We recognise that creating an environment where our people feel able to bring their whole selves to work will help everyone reach their career potential while improving satisfaction in the workplace. We want to foster a sense of belonging within our organisation so that everyone always feels supported to do their best.

Disability confident

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is a Disability Confident Leader, and as such we will offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the published minimum requirements for a job or role. If you wish to apply for consideration under this scheme, you should complete the relevant section of the online application. 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 particular adjustments for you when attending an interview.

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.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Applicants must disclose information on personal connections, which if they were appointed, could lead to a conflict of interest or be perceived as such.

It is very important therefore that all applicants provide appropriate details which might be construed as being in conflict with the appointment for which they are applying. 

If it appears from the information provided on the form that a possible conflict might exist or arise in the future, this will be fully explored with the applicant with a view to establishing whether it is sufficiently significant to prevent the individual from carrying out the duties of the post. The panel will do this at interview stage.

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 kirsten.hasseriis@gatenbysanderson.com

Data protection

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

This recruitment campaign is being run in association with UKGI which manages the shareholder function of NNL on behalf of DESNZ.

Please refer to the UKGI Privacy notice Appendix II in the candidate pack too see how UKGI will use your personal data for the purpose of this recruitment campaign and explains your rights under the General Data Protection Regulation. UKGI is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses personal data and to meeting its data protection obligations.

Contact details

Should you have any questions regarding the process, please contact kirsten.hasseriis@gatenbysanderson.com

Attachments

• NNL NED - Candidate Pack