Appointment details

Independent Advisor, HMRC Research & Development Tax Reliefs, Expert Advisory Panel

Summary

• Organisation: HMRC Departmental Board
• Sponsor department: HM Revenue & Customs
• Location: Various
• Sectors: Public Administration
• Skills: Business, Technology / Digital
• Number of vacancies: 6
• Time commitment: 40 hour(s) per annum
• Remuneration: £3,000 per annum
• Length of term: 1-2 years
• Application deadline: 11:59pm on 8 June 2025

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   6 May 2025

2. Application deadline

   11:59pm on 8 June 2025

3. Sifting date

   20 June 2025

4. Interviews expected to end on

   4 July 2025

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Appointment description

About HMRC Tax Reliefs

Research & Development (R&D) tax reliefs are valuable incentives designed to encourage companies to invest in innovative projects in science and technology, driving economic growth across the UK.

The UK government prioritizes innovation as a key component of its economic growth strategy, and HMRC plays a crucial role in delivering these tax reliefs efficiently and effectively.

HMRC is committed to ensuring that the support provided is timely and well-targeted, with ongoing efforts to improve the administration of R&D tax reliefs.

To enhance the administration of R&D tax relief claims, the government will establish an Expert Advisory Panel, as announced in the Spring Budget 2024 and reiterated in the Corporate Tax Roadmap (October 2024).

This initiative aims to ensure that R&D tax reliefs continue to support the UK’s most innovative businesses.

The Expert Advisory Panel will support HMRC by: ​

• Providing insights into cutting-edge R&D: Enhancing HMRC’s understanding of innovation and developments across various sectors. The Panel will support HMRC in clarifying how it assesses the capability of professionals who judge whether a project seeks an advance in science or technology for R&D claims. ​
• Providing sectoral feedback: Act as a forum for discussing sector-specific issues related to the administration of R&D tax reliefs. ​
• Challenging guidance to ensure it is clear, targeted, and supportive of specific technical sectors and feeding into HMRC’s programme of reviews and updates to ensure clarity and relevance for claimants​
• Enhancing HMRC communications and messaging, acting as a critical friend in HMRC’s development of webinars, targeted sectoral communications and other communication products, relaying sectoral feedback, and providing key contextual updates to aid HMRC’s compliance activity. This includes horizon scanning for upcoming innovations that could prompt future claims.

Person specification

Essential criteria

HMRC is seeking six (6) independent advisors who have demonstrable experience and industry knowledge in the sectors of Advanced Manufacturing, Technological Development (including at least one related to Artificial Intelligence) and Life Sciences.

• Professionals with contemporary industry experience, a proven intellectual capacity at the highest level and the ability to explain complex processes to a non-specialist audience. ​
• Demonstrable senior level career experience and working knowledge of one or more of the following sectors: ​
• Advanced Manufacturing ​
• Technological Development ​
• Artificial Intelligence ​
• Life Sciences​
• Strong, collegiate interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with committee members and senior stakeholders and to actively and constructively contribute to discussions. ​
• From your respective areas of expertise; you will be able to provide clear evidence of real-world case studies where you have brought authority, knowledge, and industry context, to complex and multi-faceted issues. ​
• Logical and objective thinking to critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate evidence and information from diverse sources and identify key issues and provide effective, impartial and balanced advice . ​
• The ability to challenge established thinking and provide insight and a different way of thinking about problems related to the future of R&D Tax Relief Administration. 

Desirable criteria

• An understanding of HMRC’s R&D Tax Reliefs is ideal but not essential (this may be considered only in the event of closely matched candidates)

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 covering letter demonstrating how your experience meets the essential criteria. Please clearly indicate your relevant industry experience and knowledge.​
• equality information
• information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues

Your CV and covering letter will be assessed against the criteria set out in the person specification. Please include your full name on each document.

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

​Please note:  

Applicants must be independent from HMRC. Current HMRC employees are unable to be considered for this position. 

Overview of the application process

Shortlist and Interview​

The panel will assess the evidence provided in your CV and statement. Candidates whose applications best meet the essential criteria will be invited to interview.​ 

Shortlisting will take place w/c 16th June and interviews are expected to be held virtually by MS Teams circa w/c 30th June 2025. 

Please note, dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change. ​Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process. If you are unable to meet these timeframes, please let us know in your application letter or at the point of shortlisting.

Tax Probity Check​​

Tax probity checks are carried out to minimise the risk that prospective candidates have behaved in ways likely to bring the tax system into disrepute and to protect the integrity of HMRC.​Candidates are expected to have conducted their own tax affairs with probity and shortlisted candidates are required to provide necessary personal information to allow HMRC to conduct the check. Further details are provided if shortlisted for interview. All information is dealt with in strictest confidence. 

Appointment is conditional upon receiving a successful outcome.​

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

The selection panel will consist of:​​

• Elizabeth Arnold, HMRC Director of Business, Assets and International (BAI), Customer Strategy and Tax Design (CS&TD)​
• Lee Sidney HMRC R&D Policy Team Leader, BAI CS&TD / David Harris, HMRC Senior R&D Policy Advisor, BAI CS&TD ​- tbc
• Oliver St John, Deputy Director for Innovation Ecosystems, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology - tbc

Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by ministers to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. For competitions recruiting non-executive members of a board (apart from the Chair), the panel will usually include a representative from the public body concerned.

AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with ministers, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to ministers which candidates they find appointable. It is then for the minister to decide who to appoint to the role.

Eligibility criteria

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. 

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you are disqualified from acting as a company director  (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);

• have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;

• your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

• you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this. 

• you are subject to a current police investigation.

You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points. 

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)

If you need further advice, please contact scs.resourcing@hmrc.gov.uk

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. 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

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 the public appointments team in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at publicappointments@cabinetoffice.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.

Contact details

Nigel Dominey at scs.resourcing@hmrc.gov.uk 

Attachments

• Independent Advisor, R&D Tax Reliefs, Expert Advisory Panel