Appointment details

Commissioners for the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK

Summary

• Organisation: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
• Sponsor department: Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
• Location: London
• Sectors: Education
• Skills: Audit and Risk, Change Management, Commercial, Communication, Media, Human Resources, International Experience, Technology / Digital, Regulation, Education
• Number of vacancies: 3
• Time commitment: 15 day(s) per annum
• Length of term: 3 Years
• Application deadline: 11:59pm on 3 February 2025

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   13 December 2024

2. Application deadline

   11:59pm on 3 February 2025

3. Sifting date

   17 February 2025

4. Interviews expected to end on

   7 March 2025

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction from the Chair

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. Commissioners aim to select the very best from thousands of scholarship applications; develop our strategy and mission to maximise the development impact of our alumni and the soft power of the scheme; and of course, carefully manage our annual funding from the UK Government.

Commissioners are encouraged to take an individual lead on key topics and aspects of our work.

It is important that our Commissioners have empathy for and an understanding of our Scholars and their circumstances. The CSC uses rigorous procedures to ensure that its programmes promote equity and inclusion, reward merit, and deliver widespread access, especially to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Commission is similarly keen to encourage applications for the Commissioner roles from people of diverse backgrounds. The CSC is committed to creating an inclusive working environment for people of all backgrounds.

Many of our applicants are studying in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Consequently, we would like to encourage applicants with expertise in STEM, or those who can confidently make judgements about STEM studies, including at doctoral level. We encourage, nevertheless, applications from all backgrounds.

I look forward to reading your application and send my best wishes.

Professor Robin Mason ORB - Chair of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK

Appointment description

Collective Functions

Commissioners have corporate responsibility for ensuring that the CSC fulfils the aims and objectives set by its sponsoring department, FCDO, and for promoting the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources. Commissioners are expected to:

• Ensure that individuals are selected for Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships on merit, and on the basis of clear criteria which reflect the objectives of FCDO and, where appropriate, other sponsoring departments.
• Ensure that all Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships are awarded under six development-related themes:

1. Strengthening health systems and capacity
2. Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
3. Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
4. Strengthening resilience and response to crises
5. Access, inclusion, and opportunity
6. Science and technology for development

• Establish the overall strategic direction of the CSC within the policy and resources framework determined by FCDO
• Ensure that FCDO and other relevant funding bodies are kept informed of any changes which are likely to impact on the strategic direction of the CSC or on the attainability of its targets, and determine the steps needed to deal with such changes
• Ensure that any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds are complied with; that the CSC operates within the limits of its statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with FCDO, and in accordance with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds; and that, in reaching decisions, the CSC takes account of guidance issued by FCDO
• Ensure that mechanisms are in place to review regular financial information concerning the management of the CSC; and that the CSC has sufficient information to perform its functions and is able to provide positive assurance to FCDO that appropriate action has been taken on any concerns which it has expressed on the activities of the CSC
• Act in a way that promotes high standards of public finance, including the promotion of regularity, propriety, value for money and feasibility
• Demonstrate high standards of corporate governance at all times, including by using the audit committee to help them to address the key financial and other risks facing the CSC.

Individual Functions

In addition to the above, Commissioners are expected to contribute expertise and judgement, and to fulfil their role in a manner consistent with the standards expected of public office holders. They are expected to:

• Participate in CSC policymaking and strategy development, though participation in full Commission meetings (currently three half days per year)
• Contribute actively to at least one Commission Committee (currently finance, awards policy, evaluation and monitoring, and audit and risk management), and/or take on a ‘Lead Commissioner’ role, as agreed with the Chair
• Participate in the selection of award holders, through participation in selection panels (typically three to four days per year, plus five to nine days for reading and preparation time)
• Attend an initial briefing with the Chair and/or CSC Secretariat, and meet at least annually with the Chair as part of the CSC’s appraisal process
• Attend events with award holders and other stakeholders, such as the annual Connect and Collaborate and Farewell Events and other activities as part of the Scholar engagement programme
• Comment and contribute to CSC policy, and actively promote the work of the Commission, between formal meetings, as the opportunity arises and in accordance with their areas of expertise.

Commissioners are required to:

• Comply with the CSC Code of Conduct, and with relevant rules relating to the use of public funds and to conflict of interest
• Comply with the CSC’s policy on the acceptance and giving of gifts and hospitality, and other benefits
• Comply with all CSC Policies and Procedures and uphold best practice
• Act in good faith and in the best interests of the CSC at all times
• Commissioners must not misuse information gained in the course of their public service for personal gains or for political profit, nor seek to use the opportunity of public service to promote their private interests or those of connected persons or organisations.

Organisation description

Overview of the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission in the UK (CSC):

CSC is a non-departmental public body, responsible for delivering the UK’s contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. It achieves this through awarding around 650 scholarships and fellowships for postgraduate study and professional development to Commonwealth citizens each year. The CSC receives grant-in-aid funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and most UK universities

Size and composition of the Commission:

15 Commissioners (including a Chair) drawn from a range of academic, development and private sector backgrounds.

Commission main roles:

• Selection of recipients for awards through selection committees
• Policy direction and oversight
• Monitoring effectiveness of awards
• Ensuring appropriate structures for governance and accountability

Location:

United Kingdom. The Commission’s Secretariat is based at the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) in London. Successful applicants should be resident in the United Kingdom and willing to travel to London (and occasionally elsewhere in the country) to attend Commission and other meetings and events in person.

Board composition

15 Commissioners (including a Chair) drawn from a range of academic, development and private sector backgrounds.

Commission main roles:

• Selection of recipients for awards through selection committees

• Policy direction and oversight

• Monitoring effectiveness of awards

• Ensuring appropriate structures for governance and accountability

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

It is expected that all successful candidates will demonstrate:

• An interest and expertise in higher education issues; while a distinguished academic background may be relevant, the CSC is also seeking Commissioners with backgrounds in policy, with governmental and non-governmental organisations, relevant corporate contexts etc
• Expertise/clear interest in international development issues, and the challenges faced by countries whose academic systems and research culture is still emerging
• Skills and experience to contribute to the selection of candidates for scholarships and fellowships
• The ability to think strategically, contribute to team discussions, and challenge assumptions in a constructive manner
• The CSC is particularly interested in Commissioners with experience/expertise in STEM, evaluation, or operations as well as development practitioner experience.

Desirable criteria

The CSC has identified several skills gaps amongst its current membership. Candidates who could address these, in addition to the essential skills described above, would be particularly welcome. Areas that are particularly sought include:

• Practical experience in the field of international development
• Knowledge and/or experience of increasing/supporting involvement of disadvantaged groups in education, and of supporting women's achievement in higher education
• Skills/experience of engaging with and managing delivery partners
• Knowledge of governance issues including audit, finance and risk, and the ability to understand their application to the legal and administrative environment in which the CSC works
• Experience of administration, evaluation and/or finance and budget management
• Strong affinity with the principles and values of the Commonwealth

Application and selection process

How to apply

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

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

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

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

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

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)

• Professor Robin Mason, Chair, Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK

• Nicolette Stoddart, Head of Scholarships, Tertiary Education and UN Partnerships Department, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

• Alison Johns, Chief Executive of Advance HE - 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 joe.huggett@fcdo.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 ‘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. 

The role of Commissioner is unremunerated, although out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed in line with CSC policies. Commissioners also receive an honorarium, currently £300, in respect of each selection committee meeting in which they participate.

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 public appointments team in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at joe.huggett@fcdo.gov.uk. They 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.

Your personal information will be held in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. You will not receive unsolicited paper or electronic mail as a result of sending us any personal information. No personal information will be passed on to third parties for commercial purposes.

When you submit personal information to us when making an application, we promise we will:

• only ask for what we need, and not collect too much or irrelevant information;
• ensure you know why we need it;
• protect it and insofar as is possible, make sure nobody has access to it who shouldn't;
• ensure you know what choice you have about giving us information;
• make sure we don't keep it longer than necessary; and
• only use your information for the purposes you have authorised.

We ask that you:

• give us accurate information;
• tell us as soon as possible of any changes; and
• tell us as soon as possible if you notice mistakes in the information we hold about you.

If you apply for a post, the manner in which we share information with the interview panel is described above.

Our data protection policy is in line with the General Data Protection Regulations and there is more detail in Annex B of the attached candidate pack.

If you would like these details to be removed from our records as soon as this recruitment exercise is complete, please inform harriet.o'connor@fcdo.gov.uk. 

Contact details

If you have any questions about the appointments process, please contact harriet.o'connor@fcdo.gov.uk

Attachments

• Commissioner candidate pack