Appointment details

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero - Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) - Members

Summary

• Organisation: Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC)
• Sponsor department: Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
• Location: London
• Sectors: Professional, Scientific and Technical
• Skills: Communication, Technology / Digital
• Number of vacancies: 12
• Time commitment: Adhoc
• Remuneration: £350 per day
• Length of term: 3 Years
• Application deadline: 7pm on 12 January 2025

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   22 November 2024

2. Application deadline

   7pm on 12 January 2025

3. Sifting date

   24 February 2025

4. Interviews expected to end on

   24 March 2025

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

About the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is the lead department delivering the Prime Minister’s Clean Energy Superpower Mission, which has 2 pillars:

• Clean Power by 2030, and

• Accelerating to net zero.

DESNZ is responsible for delivering the security of energy supply, ensuring properly functioning energy markets, encouraging greater energy efficiency, and seizing the opportunities of net zero to lead the world in new green industries.

The Department’s priorities are to:

• Enhance energy security,

• Protect bill payers,

• Create economic growth in the UK and generate and protect jobs,

• Reduce the UK's greenhouse gas emissions.

The role of the department’s Chief Scientific Adviser is to bring scientific and engineering evidence to the centre of decision-making, and to provide strategic oversight and assurance of the department’s science and engineering capability and activities. The department’s Chief Scientific Adviser works closely with the department’s Chief Analyst to provide equivalent analytical assurances.

For more information about the department please visit the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero page on GOV.UK.

Introduction from the Chair

This is an incredibly exciting time for our department as we lead the Prime Minister’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. The department is moving at pace on our ambitious plan to increase Britain’s energy independence, protect billpayers, create good jobs and show global climate leadership.

Science and engineering are fundamental to the successful delivery of the Mission. Robust, relevant, and high-quality scientific, technical and economic evidence are at the heart of decision-making for policy and delivery.

Therefore, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is establishing a Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) to provide the department (including Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Senior Officials) with independent advice on science, engineering, technology, and analysis. The STAC will support me in my role as Chief Scientific Adviser to provide advice and challenge to the department utilising the best available evidence and expertise.

We are looking for outstanding individuals from relevant academic or industrial backgrounds, including both eminent senior leaders and excelling mid-career professionals, to form the inaugural membership of this newly established Expert Committee. This is a unique opportunity to use your experience and perspective to shape the development and delivery of an enduring STAC. You will work alongside other distinguished members to develop advice that will be received directly by myself, the Chief Analyst, Ministers and the department, which will contribute to supporting the delivery of the department’s objectives.

If you believe you have the experience and qualities we are seeking to contribute to this important role, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

Professor Paul Monks, FRMetS, FRSC, FInstP

Chief Scientific Adviser and Director General, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Appointment description

This is a high-profile opportunity for eminent senior leaders or excelling mid-career professionals to gain unique insight into a core government department and to provide advice to inform key decisions made by the department.

Members will be required to draw on their expertise and experience to advise the department (including Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Scientific Adviser, Chief Analyst, and Senior Officials) across a breadth of scientific, engineering, and technical, and analytical issues. This will include working collaboratively to reach innovative, creative, and practical recommendations.

The STAC will have the option to convene STAC sub-groups for specific areas of focus or time-bound tasks as required and co-opt appropriate experts to participate. Therefore, STAC members are required to be individuals who have the authority and standing that, once commissioned, could mobilise appropriate expertise and resources, and chair sub-groups of experts to deliver independent and credible advice on specific topics.

Members are expected to:

• Prepare for, attend and contribute to full STAC meetings, with additional work conducted outside these meetings, including leading or participating in sub-groups (arranged as necessary) or in response to additional requests for support and advice (filtered by the Secretariat as required).

• Lead or support the development of robust advice to the department, including examining the assumptions on which advice is formulated and engaging with Ministers, Chief Scientific Adviser, Chief Analyst or Senior Officials to communicate such advice. The format of advice requested may include, but is not limited to, written advice, verbal advice, or feedback on papers, consultations or proposals.

• Act collaboratively and cooperatively with other STAC or STAC sub-group members to ensure that the STAC and associated sub-groups fulfil their responsibilities to provide impartial, balanced, and evidence-informed advice to the department. This may include drawing on individuals’ networks to consider the wider context in which their expertise is employed and the impact that advice may have on wide-ranging stakeholders.

• Suggest future areas for STAC advice and proactively share ideas and knowledge where it could be considered to add value.

• Raise awareness of the importance of scientific, engineering, technological, and analytical evidence within and beyond the department by acting as an inspirational and approachable role model.

• Interact with government transparently and openly, in an unbiased and independent manner.

• Act in accordance with the published Seven Principles of Public Life (the Nolan Principles) and the Code of Practice for Science Advisory Committees.

Organisation description

About the Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC)

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) invites applications to its newly established Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC). The STAC will work across the department’s remit, covering all areas of evidence relating to science, engineering, technology, and analysis, to offer strategic direction, to review, and advise. The STAC will have the option to convene STAC sub-groups for specific areas of focus or time-bound tasks, as required.

The STAC, and associated STAC sub-groups, will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Scientific Adviser in their role to provide independent advice and challenge to the department, including Ministers and Senior Officials. The STAC will fulfil this role by providing expert, robust, and high-quality evidence, analysis, and recommendations to inform policymaking, delivery, operational and strategic decisions across the department’s remit on all areas of science, engineering, technology, and analysis.

The STAC will be co-chaired by the department’s Chief Scientific Adviser and an independent member.

The STAC aims to bring together a wide-ranging and balanced group of cross-disciplinary external experts, with diversity of backgrounds and experience, to support across the department’s remit of science, engineering, technology, and analysis (including economics, social and behavioural science, data science, statistics, and modelling). The embedded scientific and analytical expertise within the department will remain of critical importance and work closely with the STAC. This will include regular engagement between the STAC, the Analysis Directorate, the Science & Innovation for Climate & Energy Directorate, and other Directorates, as relevant.

In this inaugural recruitment round, we are seeking applicants 10-14 membership positions on the STAC.

Please note, the applications of individuals who were not appointed in this recruitment campaign will be retained for a period of 4 years to allow such individuals to be called upon with opportunities to participate in STAC sub-groups, as required and if suitable. Please inform the STAC Secretariat (stac.secretariat@energysecurity.gov.uk) if you are not content for your application to be handled in this way.

STAC Objectives

The objectives of the DESNZ STAC and associated STAC sub-groups are to:

• Respond to specific requests from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Scientific Adviser, Chief Analyst, or Senior Officials, and to consider matters of importance proposed to STAC co-chairs by STAC members or Secretariat.

• Offer independent, expert, strategic, and cross-cutting advice, direction, insight, expertise and support relating to the department’s strategy, policy, delivery, and decision-making.

• Provide the department with a route to draw upon independent and timely expertise or evidence from a range of specialisms, to support current or emerging challenges.

• Deliver credible and externally defensible scientific, technical, and analytical advice that is targeted to support specific priorities or decisions.

• Ensure that relevant scientific, engineering, technical, and analytical advice is identified, prioritised, and pursued to provide assurance of the department’s evidence portfolio used to inform decision-making for policy and delivery.

• Bring external and independent constructive challenges to the department to support the greater probability of successful departmental outcomes, including

Person specification

Essential criteria

To be successful for interview applicants will need to demonstrate the following essential skills:

• Lead criteria: Proven credibility in senior leadership at national level or an excelling mid-career position, and an outstanding track record in thought, intellectual, and strategic leadership.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and influencing skills, with the ability to command the respect and confidence of Ministers, Chief Scientific Adviser, Chief Analyst, Senior Officials, established networks across government, relevant stakeholders, and those at the highest level within the scientific community, industry, public services, and wider sectors. This includes a strong ability to convey technical information accurately and clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Be well connected to an established and broad network, have proven experience of representing a diverse set of views, and have sufficient authority and ability to mobilise other professionals across a range of specialisms to lead subject-specific sub-groups as required.
• An ability to operate with proficiency at the interface between disciplines, with significant breadth and depth of expertise that can be drawn upon to consider different perspectives, critically analyse and evaluate options in an impartial way, and develop evidence-informed advice on key issues.

Desirable criteria

We are interested in applications from individuals with one or more of the following:

• An understanding of the interface between science, investment and policy, including experience of working with government and an awareness of the current political landscape.

• Senior leadership within the higher education sector or leadership of research organisations.

• Significant experience of delivering large, long-term Research & Development programmes.

• Proven track record of commercialising science, engineering, technology and innovation, and associated analytical or investment knowledge.

• Knowledge of the defence and national security landscape.

Application and selection process

How to apply

To apply, you will need to email your application to the STAC Secretariat (stac.secretariat@energysecurity.gov.uk) by no later than 19:00 on 12 January 2025.

To submit your application, you are asked to email the following documents as separate attachments:

• A completed cover sheet (attached below) that:

- Indicates how your expertise, qualifications, or positions held are of direct relevance to the Department’s policy, technical, and analytical remits detailed in the advert.

- Includes a short supporting statement (maximum 500 words) detailing how your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the criteria in the person specification of this advert.

• A concise CV (maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 font) setting out your career history, with key responsibilities, professional qualifications, and achievements.

• A completed Diversity Information and Conflicts of Interest Form (attached below)

Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete and return a separate form in relation to referees.

Overview of the application process

This competition is based on a written application, followed by interviews (if candidates are successful at sift stage).

Those interested in this appointment are asked to submit completed coversheet (including a supporting statement), a CV and completed Diversity Information and Conflicts of Interest Form before the closing date. After the competition closes, the panel will assess your application to select those demonstrating the best fit with the role by considering the evidence you have provided against the criteria set out in the ‘person specification’ section.

If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to attend a panel interview to have an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence. This could be in relation to any of the criteria set out in the vacancy description, including key responsibilities detailed in the role description and criteria listed in the person specification.

Prior to interview, you may have the opportunity for informal conversations with key individuals to improve your understanding of the organisation. Full details of the assessment process will be made available to shortlisted candidates.

Ministers will be informed of appointments following completion of the recruitment competition.

The timeline outlined in this advert indicates the date by which decisions are expected to be made, and all candidates will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter.

Please note: Due Diligence searches will be undertaken on shortlisted candidates and references may be taken up prior to interview.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

• Professor Paul Monks FRMetS, FRSC, FInstP, Chief Scientific Adviser and Director General, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

• STAC co-chair (to be confirmed).

• Senior departmental official (to be confirmed).

• Independent member (to be confirmed).

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 stac.secretariat@energysecurity.gov.uk

Security clearance

Candidates successful in securing a member-only positions will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines.

We may request for members to undertake additional Security Clearance in the future. Where this applies, discussions will be held with the STAC Secretariat.

Full guidance on National Security Vetting clearance levels can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

The roles will be offered on a conditional basis until the successful applicants have passed all checks.

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our Expert Committees and bringing in talent, regardless of its origins. We encourage applications from all regardless of ethnicity, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability characteristics currently underrepresented on our Expert Committees. Expert Committees are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.

Arrangements for applicants with a disability: As a Disability Confident leader, we guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the post. More details on the criteria can be found in this pack. If you wish to apply through the Disability Confident scheme, you will need to tick that option on the Diversity Monitoring form you will submit alongside your application.

Adjustments: All applicants are entitled to request reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application process. If you would like to discuss reasonable adjustments prior to submitting your application, please contact stac.secretariat@energysecurity.gov.uk.

Disability confident

As a Disability Confident leader, we guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the post. More details on the criteria can be found in this pack. If you wish to apply through the Disability Confident scheme, you will need to tick that option on the Diversity Monitoring form you will submit alongside your application.

Reasonable adjustments

All candidates are entitled to request reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application process. If you would like to discuss reasonable adjustments prior to submitting your application, please contact stac.secretariat@energysecurity.gov.uk.

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

Remuneration for this role is treated as employment income and will be subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid. 

You can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs which are properly and necessarily incurred on official business, in line with the travel and subsistence policy and rates for the organisation to which you are applying. However these payments are taxable as earnings and will be subject to tax and national insurance, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.  

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy. Please contact us if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application by emailing stac.secretariat@energysecurity.gov.uk.

Data protection

The Department will use your data in line with our privacy policy. Please see the DESNZ Personal Information Charter for further detail.

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

DESNZ Personal Information Charter

Contact details

stac.secretariat@energysecurity.gov.uk

Attachments

• DESNZ - STAC Member Applicant Information pack

• DESNZ - STAC Applicant Cover Sheet

• Diversity Information and Conflicts of Interest Form