Role details

Chair of Animals in Science Committee

Application deadline 4 November 2024

Summary

• Organisation: Animals in Science Committee
• Sponsor department: Home Office
• Location: London
• Sectors: Professional, Scientific and Technical
• Skills: Business, Commercial, Regulation
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 20 day(s) per annum
• Length of term: Three years
• Application deadline: 11pm on 4 November 2024

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   3 October 2024

2. Application deadline

   11pm 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 role

Introduction

About the Animals in Science Committee

The Animals in Science Committee was established in January 2013 as a reformation of the Animal Procedures Committee. The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) requires the creation of a Committee for the Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes. This committee is known as the Animals in Science Committee (ASC). The ASC is an independent, non-executive advisory Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored by the Home Office.

The role of the Committee is to advise the Secretary of State on all matters concerning the use of animals in scientific procedures, and to advise animal welfare ethical review bodies on sharing best practice within the UK. In line with the government manifesto commitment to partner with scientists, industry and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing, the Committee will also work closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to support the development and validation of alternative strategies.

The appointment of the Chair will be based on their skills, expertise and experience. They will not be appointed to represent any organisation by which they are employed, or any particular interest group, or any other organisation with which they have significant contacts. The Chair shall be expected to consider issues on merit and provide independent advice acting in the public interest at all times.

It is expected that Ministers will commission key elements of the work of the Committee to enable development of a rolling programme of work streams. In general seventy percent of the group’s workload is commissioned by the Home Office with the remainder decided upon by its membership (“self-commission”). 

In the work it takes forward, the Committee shall take into account both the legitimate requirements of science and industry and of the protection of animals from harms.

The Committee’s work programme is taken forward by long-term ‘Standing’ and short-term ‘Task and Finish’ Subgroups. Members are allocated to these Subgroups as appropriate for their interests and expertise. Given the diversity and complexity of topics, the expertise in Subgroups may be supplemented by the process of co-option. Outputs from the Subgroups are then discussed and approved by the full ASC prior to submission to Ministers and publication on the ASC website[1].

A working protocol exists[2] to support the respective roles and responsibilities of the Home Office and the Animals in Science Committee. The working protocol provides a framework under which the Home Office and the Committee will engage through the provision and receipt of advice on matters relating to the use of animals for scientific purposes as well as associated matters.

Priorities

The ASC prioritises its programme of work in line with Government priorities, legislative timeframes and in response to emerging issues relating to animals in science.

In addition to work commissioned by Ministers, the Committee has scope, capacity permitting, to take forward work of its own volition and offer advice on issues which it thinks relevant.

Role description

Job Title:               Chair of the Animals in Science Committee (ASC)

Appointed by:        Home Secretary

Duration:                 An initial term of three years

Remuneration:     The role is unremunerated, but travel and subsistence expenses incurred on Committee business will be reimbursed.  No allowances will be payable and you will not                                 be eligible for any form of bonus payment.  The expected time commitment is up to 20 days  per year, depending on the ASC’s work programme.

Location:              Committee-level meetings will normally take place at Home Office Headquarters, 2 Marsham Street, London. Some ASC meetings may take place at a suitable                                          external venue. All meetings are available in a hybrid or virtual capacity.

Purpose

The Chair of the ASC will be expected to deliver a key leadership role by harnessing the energy and expertise of committee members to deliver timely advice to Ministers on matters within the remit of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. This includes matters concerning the use of animals in scientific procedures and advising animal welfare ethical review bodies on sharing best practice within the UK. There is additionally increasing cross-government collaboration on the development and validation of alternative strategies.  

To enable this, the successful candidate will be required to develop and foster strong and constructive relationships with committee members and senior stakeholders, including Ministers, Parliament, Devolved Administrations, Government officials, and practitioners. In particular, the Chair will work closely with the Home Office Minister responsible for animals in science, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Minister responsible for alternative strategies, and Northern Ireland (NI) Minister of Health.

The Chair will, on behalf of the membership, provide the primary interface to Government Ministers and other stakeholders, including the public and media.

The Chair is accountable for ensuring the timely delivery of the ASC’s programme of work.

The ASC Chair will meet, at a minimum, annually with the Home Office Minister responsible for animals in science.

In common with ASC members, the Chair of the ASC is appointed as an individual and not as a representative of any particular profession, employer or interest group.  The Chair will be expected to act in the public interest at all times, considering all issues from an independent perspective and on merit.

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

Part One – Essential Criteria

Applicants should be able to evidence the following skills and experience:

·       Committee experience at a senior level, including experience of chairing high profile multi-disciplinary meetings to enable discussion through to agreed conclusions;

·       experience of working with Government, and an understanding of the policy and policy environment;

·       the ability to draw out an appropriate balance of ethical, welfare and science issues and considerations in this area of great public interest and importance;

·       strong communication, negotiating and interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships within the Committee and with Ministers, policy owners, Government departments, and other key stakeholders, including the scientific community, practitioners and law enforcement;

·       ability to think logically and objectively to analyse complex information identify key issues, maintain scientific integrity and make effective decisions, including excellent judgement under pressure;

·       a clear understanding of the role of scientific advice in informing policy in an area of political and public attention and sensitivity; and

·       a deep understanding of the science ecosystem, including the roles and interactions of researchers, funding bodies, academic institutions, industry partners and regulatory agencies.

Part Two – Personal Qualities

·       The confidence and ability to take overall accountability for the ASC’s work and representing the ASC when required before Government Ministers.

·       Empathetic but decisive leadership that makes progress through consensus.

·       Projecting confidence and authority in public appearances.

·       Openness to new ideas and flexibility of thought to adapt to new evidence.

·       Decisiveness and independence.

Application and selection process

How to apply

The closing date for applications is 23:00, 04 November 2024. 

Please submit the following 2 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 concise CV (maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 font) setting out your career history and including details of any professional qualifications. 

2. A short supporting statement (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. 

Please submit your application documents as 2 separate attachments and note that short-listed candidates will also be required to complete and return a separate form in relation to referees and nationality information. 

Please note the following:

• We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date.

• Applications will be assessed solely on the documentation provided. Please refer to the advert and checklist to ensure you have provided the necessary documentation.

• Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt.

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

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

It is advised that you read the Candidate Pack  on the criteria required for the role, before submitting your Personal Statement.  The Candidate Pack can be found in the section entitled Documents and Attachments. 

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.

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. 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 Panel for the ASC recruitment will be chaired by Professor Jennifer Rubin (Home Office Chief Scientific Adviser). The Chair’s role will be to ensure that the appointment is made in accordance with the Governance Code. In addition, the panel will comprise Helen Bodmer (Medical Research Council) as the independent member, and a further expert member TBC.

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  asc.secretariat@homeoffice.gov.uk

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to have or be willing to obtain security clearance to Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) level. It usually takes between 4-6 weeks to obtain the security clearance. The role will be offered on a conditional basis until the successful candidate has passed all checks. The successful candidate will be encouraged to take up the appointment as soon as possible, subject to the successful completion of all reappointment checks. 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 ‘essential 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

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

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

Please contact the Home Office public appointments team in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at  publicappointments@homeoffice.gov.ukThey will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

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.

Home Office privacy notice attached as separate document.

Contact details

If you have any queries about any aspect of this role, or merely wish to have an informal discussion, then please contact asc.secretariat@homeoffice.gov.uk

If you have any queries about the recruitment process for this role, please contact the Public Appointments Team at: publicappointments@homeoffice.gov.uk

If helpful to you, there is guidance available on writing a supporting statement on the public appointments webpages: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-appointments

Attachments

• Candidate Pack

• Home Office Privacy Notice