Appointment details

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Non-Executive Director

Summary

• Organisation: Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
• Sponsor department: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Location: South East
• Sectors: Environment, Agriculture & Fishing
• Skills: Accountancy, Audit and Risk, Business, Change Management, Commercial, Technology / Digital, Legal, Judicial, Major Projects, Procurement, Regulation, Transformation
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: Adhoc
• Remuneration: £500 per day
• Length of term: 3 Years
• Application deadline: Midday on 2 May 2025

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   4 April 2025

2. Application deadline

   Midday on 2 May 2025

3. Sifting date

   13 June 2025

4. Interviews expected to end on

   7 July 2025

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Appointment description

About the Animal and Plant Health Agency 

APHA plays a crucial role in protecting the UK’s biosecurity. It delivers functions that are critical to animal and plant health, and which in turn secures human health and confidence in the food supply chain. The regulatory underpinning provided by the Agency is also integral to our ability to be a successful food trading nation.

You will find APHA staff at the border, on farms and in world-leading laboratories. All of them are delivering on our mission to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of everyone in society, the environment and the economy.

APHA is a world-leading Agency, respected around the world and at the farm gate. It is on a transformation journey, modernising and digitising its operation to continue to rise to the challenges of biosecurity risks in a global world, and the opportunities of developments in science and technology.

To become an APHA Non-Executive Director you will need to bring vision, inspirational leadership and a tract record of success in a complex environment to make sure the Agency continues to deliver its pivotal role to the UK’s biosecurity. 

Across Government and externally too, you will need to be able to carry the confidence of a board variety of stakeholders.

About the vacancy

We are seeking a Non-Executive Director with Digital, Technology and Cyber Security expertise to join the Steering Board and act as member of our Audit & Risk Assurance Committee.

APHA Steering Board

Like many public sector boards, the Steering Board is an advisory body to the Agency’s Accounting Officer and has no executive powers or responsibilities - its role is to challenge and support executives in delivering strategy, policy and customer objectives, and achieving value for money. Critical to the effectiveness of the Steering Board and it’s ARAC, is its ability to influence its stakeholders and to bring its collective wisdom to help to constantly improve the work and reputation of the Agency.

All our non-executives contribute to the Board’s work and the achievement of its objectives through Board and Committee meetings, and other tasks assigned by the Chair.

As a Non-Executive Board member, you will:

• attend all Steering Board meetings and maintain a high level of discussion and debate; 
• provide advice about strategy and policy, and the delivery of customer objectives;
• ensure issues are explored from a range of viewpoints, promoting inclusion and engaging with stakeholders when necessary;
• review and provide advice about performance, respecting the principles of good governance, supporting and holding the executive to account without becoming involved in the running of the business;
• make well informed contributions to debate and discussion at Board meetings to aid collective decision-making;
• provide effective oversight of financial and risk management and governance;
• maintain high personal standards in relation to personal behaviour and uphold the Nolan principles of public life.

The Steering Board is chaired by Elizabeth Buchanan CVO, 

APHA’s Lead Non-Executive Director. The Steering Board comprises of four other Non-Execs, the APHA Chief Executive, the APHA Directors and a range of Defra advisors and representation from the Welsh and Scottish Government.

APHA Audit & Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC)

The ARAC is a committee that reports to the Agency’s Steering Board. It is also an advisory body to the APHA Accounting Officer and has no executive powers or responsibilities.

The ARAC is essential to support and advise on issues of risk, control, governance and assurance and other related matters, and to assist audits and status within the agency. 

ARAC comprises of three APHA Non-Executive Director members.  In addition, there is an independent ARAC member, the APHA Chief Executive, the APHA Finance Director, a representative from Defra's Internal Audit department and external auditors

As a member of the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee, you will:

·         attend all ARAC meetings and maintain a high level of discussion and debate;

·         Compliance with the Corporate Governance Code, Code of Conduct for ARAC Members and rules relating to the use of public funds and conflicts of interest;

·         contribute to the delivery of the Annual Report & Accounts and Business Plans;

·         communicate regularly with the other NEDs and senior officials.

Person specification

Essential criteria

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are looking for a candidate who will bring diversity of thought to the work of the Steering Board and Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC), and who can demonstrate a passion for our work while bringing real expertise in digital, data and cyber security. 

APHA holds a significant level of sensitive information equal to its range of statutory requirements and business delivery. APHA is undergoing an exciting and extensive programme of change with Defra’s Digital, Data, Technology and Security services to uplift our legacy technology estate to mitigate cyber security risks, and we are seeking a Non-Executive Director to join APHA during this exciting period, to provide constructive challenge and strategic leadership that helps ensure the successful implementation of this important programme of work.

You do not need to be an expert in animal and plant health, but someone who has already made a real difference as a non-executive or executive or who can demonstrate how they could do so in this very specific area of knowledge.

Essential criteria: 

Digital, Technology and Cyber Security experience

In light of the substantial data assets that APHA manages, and the current programme being delivered to improve our IT systems, we are looking for a Non-Executive with a proven track record in leading and implementing large-scale digitally enabled transformation initiatives within similar complex public or private sector environments, to deliver service improvements and cost savings for the government, including impacts on people, process and technology.

Previous experience of delivering regulatory transformation or working in or with any of the following is required:

• Good understanding of relevant laws, regulations and industry standards relating to data protection, AI and AI ethics, in addition to cybersecurity frameworks, threat landscapes, and risk management practices to ensure robust protection of sensitive data and digital assets;

• Familiarity with economic crime, fraud detection or intelligence-led businesses;

• Knowledge of Government Digital Service Standard and/or other examples of benchmarking good practice in digital service delivery;

• Recent familiarity with any of the following robotic process automation (RPA) solutions, complex systems integration programmes, addressing legacy, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Application and selection process

How to apply

Your CV, statement and monitoring form should be returned to EXEC.OFFICE@apha.gov.uk by the closing date:12.00 (midday) on 02/05/2025 quoting reference APHA-NED-0125.  

To apply, all candidates are required to submit: 

• A copy of your CV (no more than two sides of A4), with education, professional qualifications, employment history and details of 2 referees; 

• A statement of suitability (of up to 1,000 words or no more than two sides of A4), outlining how you meet the essential criteria for this post and providing specific examples; 

• Completed monitoring form (Diversity Information and Conflicts of Interest Form)  

For further information please email: EXEC.OFFICE@apha.gov.uk quoting reference APHA-NED-0125.

Please let us know if you need a change to be made so that you can make your application or require additional assistance to support you in 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)

Elizabeth Buchanan - Chair and Representative of APHA - APHA Lead Non-Executive Director – Panel Chair

Jenny Stewart - Interim APHA Chief Executive – Representative of APHA

Emily Miles - Defra Director General for Food, Biosecurity and Trade - Representative of Defra

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 email: EXEC.OFFICE@apha.gov.uki

Security clearance

You will be required to have SC security clearance for this role, and this will need to be completed on appointment if you do not already have this in place.  APHA will take this forward on your behalf if required.  You can find out more about National Security Vetting at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We recognise that existing Board appointees are not fully reflective of diversity in society.  We want the APHA Steering Board (and its committees) to better reflect all those that we work with.  That is why APHA is committed to promoting diversity, in its broadest possible sense. This will include embedding a commitment to the principles of levelling up and championing opportunity for all across the organisation, helping to ensure that the organisation is one in which a genuinely diverse range of views can be expressed, without fear or favour. We ask all applicants to complete a diversity monitoring form. We hope you will help us by providing this information. Your data is not disclosed to the panel but allows us to constantly evaluate any potential barriers to becoming a public appointee and what we can do to encourage a more diverse field to apply.

If you are interested in this role, but unsure if you have the necessary experience, please read this blog by the Public Appointments Commissioner: publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/valuing-diversity/

Disability confident

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. By ‘minimum criteria’ we mean that you must provide evidence in your application which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as well as meeting any of the qualification, skills or experience defined as essential. The Cabinet Office and Defra is committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes where possible. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, please refer to the ‘How to apply’ section below.

If you wish to apply under this scheme, please state this in the covering email or letter when submitting your application.

Reasonable adjustments

If you would like a confidential discussion regarding any reasonable adjustments during the process, please also indicate this in the covering email or letter.

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.

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 email: EXEC.OFFICE@apha.gov.uk if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application. 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.

Contact details

The recruitment process

The closing date for applications is 02/05/2025. We expect to have shortlisted by June 2025, with interviews also taking place during May/June 2025.

It is essential that your statement of suitability gives full but concise information relevant to the appointment, clearly demonstrating how you meet the criteria for the post.

Applications will be considered by the APHA Lead Non-Executive Director, the Defra Director General for Food, Biosecurity & Trade, the APHA Chief Executive and an independent panel member.

Interviews are expected to take place in person at the APHA Headquarters in Weybridge and will last approximately one hour. Further details about the format will be provided to you in advance.

Conflicts of interest and due diligence

If you have any interests that might be relevant to the work of the APHA and which could lead to a real or perceived conflict of interest if you were to be appointed, please provide details in your application.

Given the nature of public appointments, it is important that those appointed as Members of public bodies maintain the confidence of Parliament and the public. If there are any issues in your personal or professional history that could, if you were appointed, be misconstrued, cause embarrassment, or cause public confidence in the appointment to be jeopardised, it is important that you bring them to the attention of the Recruitment Panel and provide details of the issue(s) in your application. In considering whether you wish to declare any issues, you should also reflect on any public statements you have made, including through social media.

As part of our due diligence checks we may consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This will include us undertaking searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. This information may be made available to the Recruitment Panel and they may wish to explore issues with you should you be invited to interview. The information may also be shared with ministers and Cabinet Office.

Ineligibility criteria

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you become bankrupt or make an arrangement with creditors; 
• 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; 
• you are disqualified from acting as a company director under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986; 
• you have been convicted of a criminal offence; the conviction not being spent for the purposes of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (c. 53);
• you become subject to a debt relief order or a bankruptcy restrictions order;
•  you fail to declare any conflict of interest.

Attachments

• 1_APHA NED - Candidate Pack

• 2_ Diversity Information and Conflicts of Interest Form - Accessible PDF

• 3_PAT Privacy Notice

• 4_Public Appointments Guidance