Appointment details

Office for Responsible Business Conduct Appointments - Members - 4 roles

Summary

• Organisation: Office for Responsible Business Conduct
• Sponsor department: Department for Business and Trade
• Location: Various
• Sectors: Business and Trade
• Skills: Business, Communication, International Experience, Legal, Regulation
• Number of vacancies: 4
• Time commitment: Adhoc
• Length of term: 3 years
• Application deadline: 11:59pm on 15 December 2025

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   4 November 2025

2. Application deadline

   11:59pm on 15 December 2025

3. Sifting date

   12 January 2026

4. Interviews expected to end on

   20 February 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

Overview 

The Department for Business and Trade is seeking to appoint representatives to the Office for Responsible Business Conduct (ORBC) Board. The ORBC Board provides guidance and recommendations to the ORBC regarding procedural and strategic operations. The term for this position will begin towards the beginning of 2026 and is likely to last for an initial period of 3 years, with the possibility of extension.   

Introduction from the Minister

Thank you for your interest in applying for the Board of the Office for Responsible Business Conduct (ORBC).

In the Trade Strategy, we reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to tackling human rights and labour abuses, modern slavery, and environmental harms in global supply chains. To this end, we announced the launch of a review into responsible business conduct and the establishment of the Office for RBC to replace the UK’s National Contact Point.

This enhanced office is responsible for promoting the OECD Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct, which aims to encourage the positive contributions enterprises can make to economic, environmental and social progress, and to minimise adverse impacts on areas such as human rights and environment in a business’s operations and supply. The Office hosts a non-judicial complaints mechanism that aims to provide access to remedy through free professional mediation. The Office also leads on RBC policy development and international engagement.

While Ministers provide direction on its policy work, the Board is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Office, particularly on cases against UK companies which must be handled impartially. The successful candidates will play a crucial role in scrutinising and supporting the work of the Office for RBC, ensuring the Office handles its cases in a fair and transparent manner, and advising on a range of responsible business issues.

We are currently recruiting representatives across business and civil society to ensure the new Board has the full range of expertise and representation. I particularly encourage applications from talented people of all backgrounds to ensure the Board reflects our diverse society.

If you have interest and senior level experience in responsible business issues such as human rights and the environment, I strongly encourage you to apply.

Chris Byrant MPMinister of State for Trade

Additional introductions

Thank you for your interest in becoming a board member of the Office for Responsible Business Conduct (ORBC).

The ORBC has a clear vision of a global economy where business is a force for good everywhere - driving sustainable economic growth, free from human rights abuses, labour exploitation, and environmental harms.

We promote and uphold responsible and sustainable business practices – supporting business access to overseas markets, de-risking supply chains, and ensuring a level playing field. We do this through promoting international standards, developing evidence-based policies, forging strategic partnerships and providing dispute resolution services.

The ORBC is on a rapid journey from its ‘soft launch’ in the Trade Strategy to become a fully operationalised government entity - housed within the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) - with operational oversight from the Board and policy direction from DBT Ministers.

This will be a unique and diverse Board, comprised of business, trade union, independent and civil society leaders, along with representatives from key government departments.

We don’t have a ‘typical’ Board Member in mind: we need a Board comprised of diverse skills, experience and expertise. Whether that is in corporate governance, human rights, the environment, purpose-driven business or social value, you have a place at the table.

My ask of Board Members is simple: Bring your “A” game, embody the Nolan Principles of public life, and help us to get stuff done. And, of course, have fun doing so!

If this could be you, we look forward to receiving your application.

George Foster

Chair, Office for Responsible Business Conduct 

Appointment description

 The role of the Board

The Board is an integral part of the governance and oversight of the Office for RBC. It is comprised of both external and government representatives and is chaired by a senior official from the Department for Business and Trade.

The Board usually meets four times per year, overseeing and supporting the work of the Office. It has three core functions:

• to ensure the Office operates in line with its published procedures for handling cases;

• to provide advice to the Office on procedural issues that emerge in the course of casework which might have relevance for future cases; and

• to conduct procedural reviews of individual cases – i.e., review the Office’s compliance with its procedures when handling that case. These reviews can take place at the conclusion of the case process when requested by a party to the dispute.

Members may also be asked to advise on and support the Office’s engagement work, for example by meeting foreign delegations or participating in stakeholder events, and to support with expert advice on the wider remit of the Office, such as how best to promote teh OECD Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct. 

A copy of the Board’s full terms of reference can be found here. It should be noted that the terms of reference are in the process of being updated to reflect departmental changes, but the responsibilities of the Board will remain the same.

Organisation description

The OECD Guidelines and the role of the Office for RBC

The OECD Guidelines are recommendations addressed by governments to multinational enterprises operating in or from adhering countries. They provide non-binding principles and standards for responsible business conduct in a global context, consistent with applicable laws and internationally recognised standards.

The Office is responsible for promoting the OECD Guidelines and handling cases regarding allegations of non-compliance with the Guidelines. Cases typically involve UK businesses operating in non-adhering countries, either directly, or through its business relationships or supply chain. The Guidelines cover topics such as disclosure, human rights, employment and industrial relations, the environment, bribery and extortion, consumer interests, science and technology, taxation and competition.

The Office’s primary objectives are to promote the OECD Guidelines and facilitate resolution of disputes between those alleging breaches of the OECD Guidelines and Multinational Enterprises. The main mechanism to achieve dispute resolution is through mediation. When mediation does not result in a resolution of the dispute, the ORBC will undertake an examination to determine whether a breach of the Guidelines has occurred. Where this is the case, the ORBC can make recommendations regarding steps the company should take to fully comply with the Guidelines, or, where appropriate, actions it should take to redress any harm caused by its operations.

Useful links for further information 

UK NCP Homepage

Steering Board Terms of Reference

OECD MNE Guidelines

Further information on the OECD guidance   

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Relevant Experience: Senior leadership level experience and a demonstrated interest in one of the following categories: 

• Employment Rights; 
• Human Rights; 
• Climate change and the environment; 
• Bribery and corruption; and 
• Investment matters involving Environmental, Social and Governance. 
• Professional Background: Experience as an officer or board member in UK Multinational Businesses (Business representative) or experience in representing member constituents in leadership roles (Civil society representative). 

• High Moral Character: Evidence of high moral character, impartiality and independence, including an understanding and commitment to the Nolan Principles. 

• Analytical Skills: Ability to impartially identify, collect and analyse evidence in context of the work of the Office for Responsible Business Conduct. 
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of the roles and responsibilities of regulatory and policy-setting bodies in the responsible business sector. 
• Communication and Negotiation Skills: Highly developed communication, negotiation and collaboration skills, with the ability and confidence to gain respect, influence others and challenge opinions where necessary. 

Application and selection process

How to apply

In order to apply you will need to provide: 

• a Curriculum Vitae (CV) which includes your full name, title, contact number. email address and sets out your career history in chronological order, and including the dates you occupied these roles. This should be a maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 Arial black font.
• a supporting statement setting out how you meet the essential criteria, as set out in the person specification for the role. Please ensure your full name is included at the top. This should be a maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 Arial black font. 

In addition we also require:

• a completed candidate self-declaration form (blank file attached to job advert) which provides information relating to any conflicts of interests or reputational issues. 
• a completed diversity monitoring form (blank file attached to job advert). This allows us to see if there are any unfair barriers to becoming an appointee and whether there are any changes that we could make to encourage a more diverse field to apply. You can select "prefer not to say" to any question you do not wish to answer. 

You also have the option to state if you want your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme (blank file attached). If applicable please complete and attach. Please also use this form to make any reasonable adjustments to the application process (if applicable).  

Please submit your completed application with all necessary attachments to the Board Secretariat in the Office for Responsible Business Conduct team via orbc.board.appointments@businessandtrade.gov.uk by the closing date of 15 December 2025. 

Please note the following: 

• We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date. 
• Applications will be assessed on the documentation that you have provided in your CV and supporting statement. 

Overview of the application process

These roles are not regulated by the Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments (OCPA). The appointments will be made on merit following a fair and open competition process in accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). Ministers are responsible and accountable to Parliament for the final appointment decision. 

The assessment process is conducted via a shortlisting process against the criteria followed by an interview conducted by an Advisory Assessment Panel. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role. 

If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme and meet all the essential criteria, then you will be invited for an interview. 

If invited for interview you will be asked questions about your skills and experience, including asking specific questions about whether you meet the criteria set out for the role. The Panel may also invite you to make a brief presentation at the start of the interview. 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. 

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. 

We will deal with your application as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages. Please note however, that we are unable to provide detailed feedback on applications at longlist stage. 

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 onboarded and go through secruity checks and 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 for a public or direct appointment, can be found on the Cabinet Office's guidance pages on gov.uk.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

The Advisory Assessment Panel is due to consist of the following individuals:

1. Panel Chair: George Foster, Chair of the UK Office for Responsible Business Conduct Board and DBT SCS

2. Simon Squire, Head of Policy, Office for Responsible Business Conduct, DBT

3. Debbie Gillatt (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. 

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)

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 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 can request reasonable adjustments.

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. (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 extension, 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

The roles are unremunerated. Travel and subsistence expenses are also not normally reimbursed for members of the Board apart from in exceptional circumstances and only with the prior agreement of the Chair.

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 Office for Responsible Business Conduct team in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at orbc.board.appointments@businessandtrade.gov.uk. They will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

Data protection

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

The Department for Business and Trade's privacy notice can be found on gov.uk. 

Contact details

If you have any additional questions about the roles then please contact the Board Secretariat in the Office for Responsible Business Conduct team via: 

orbc.board.appointments@businessandtrade.gov.uk 

Attachments

• Candidate Self Declaration Form (to download and complete)

• Diversity Information Form (to download and complete)

• Disability Confident Form (optional form to complete)