Appointment details

UKSBS Independent NED

Summary

• Organisation: UK Shared Business Services
• Sponsor department: Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
• Location: Various
• Sectors: Digital and Technology
• Skills: Business, Technology / Digital, Transformation
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 14 day(s) per annum
• Remuneration: £300 per meeting
• Length of term: 3 years
• Application deadline: 11:55pm on 23 February 2026

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   26 January 2026

2. Application deadline

   11:55pm on 23 February 2026

3. Sifting date

   13 March 2026

4. Interviews expected to end on

   27 March 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction from the Minister

Dear Candidate,   

Thank you for your interest in the role of Independent Non-Executive Director to the UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UKSBS) Board. 

This is an exciting, interesting, and challenging time for UKSBS as the company implements its transformation strategy to become a cloud-enabled organisation that delivers greater value and user experience for multiple clients. We are especially looking for candidates with senior experience of business shared services implementation and continuous improvement, and in leading significant change and transformation across people, processes and technologies. 

UKSBS plays a key role in supporting the Government’s ambition for a modern, digitally enabled public sector that drives efficiency and innovation. This transformation aligns with DSIT’s wider mission to harness technology for economic growth and position the UK as a global leader in science and innovation. 

My Ministerial colleagues and I are committed to fair and open recruitment processes across all public appointments that we make. We proactively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented groups. 

Should you need any further assistance, my officials would be happy to talk to you about this significant role and the impact it can have. 

If you believe you have the experience and qualities we are seeking to support UKSBS deliver its transformation strategy and provide strategic challenge, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP 

Minister of State for Digital Government and Data  

Appointment description

As a Non-Executive Director of UKSBS and a member of the Company Board, you will be responsible for ensuring that the Company is successful – in terms of its effectiveness and efficiency as a service provider, and as an employer. The Board sets the direction for the organisation, with a keen focus, for the next five years, on transformation, modernisation and growth. Non-Executive Directors also play a key role in ensuring continuous organisational improvement, high performance management, excellent customer focus, strong service delivery, scrutiny, challenge, accountability and effective corporate governance. You will provide support to and constructive challenge of the Chief Executive and other executives in meeting the Company’s objectives. UKSBS is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and is an equal opportunities employer, which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of age, sex, race or ethnic background, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Strategy

• Analyse and contribute to the development of the Company’s strategy and business plan, ensuring that aligns with Government’s, owners’ and wider stakeholders’ intent.

• Implement the strategic vision, priorities and objectives for the Company as outlined within the Business Plan and regularly review performance against those objectives.

• Assist in setting and driving the transformation agenda, ensuring and assuring the organisation’s readiness for the future.

• Hold the Chief Executive to account for the effective management and delivery of the Company’s strategic aims and objectives.

• Ensure continuous financial viability and long-term sustainability of the Company.

• Build and maintain close relations between the Company and its stakeholders, including across Government and the customer base.

• Ensure the UKSBS Board sets challenging objectives for improving service performance and delivering efficiency, exploiting the opportunities of emerging technology such as AI.

Compliance

• Ensure that the Company complies with its constitution and has a comprehensive framework of governance in place.

• Ensure that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and that the Board is kept fully informed through timely and relevant information.

• Participate in the appointment of the Chief Executive and other Executive Directors, as appropriate.

• Promote appropriate standards of corporate governance in compliance with the UK Code of Corporate Governance and any other legislative or regulatory requirements.

• Uphold the values of the Company by example and ensure that the organisation promotes equality and diversity for all its customers, staff and other stakeholders.

Delivery

• Participate fully in the work of the Board, ensuring the legal responsibility of the Board for the stewardship of the Company is met.

• Attend and actively participate in all meetings of the Board and where appointed to its Sub Committees, providing constructive challenge, advice and support as appropriate. - Work corporately with the Non-Executive Directors and the Chief Executive of the Company.

• Liaise and co-operate with the Board, having due regard to their opinions and recommendations.

• Participate in Board induction and any necessary training identified to fulfil the role at Board and Sub Committee level.

• Contribute to the annual performance evaluation of the Chair, led by the Chair of the Audit Committee.

• Undergo an individual and Board performance appraisal, and attend any additional training highlighted because of the evaluation process.

• Uphold the highest standards of integrity and probity.

• Ensure the Company promotes equality and diversity for all its staff, customers and shareholders.

• Safeguard and promote the reputation of the Company as appropriate.

Person specification

Essential criteria

We are looking for candidates with the following skills:    

Essential Criteria 

• Strategic Leadership and Governance - Proven ability to contribute to strategic direction and exercise sound, independent judgement within a complex organisation, ensuring effective governance and accountability.
• Experience in Shared Services and Transformation - Demonstrable senior experience leading large-scale business transformation or shared services implementation, ideally across digital, HR, finance, or procurement functions. 
• Commercial and Financial Acumen - Strong understanding of business performance, financial management, and risk oversight to ensure long-term sustainability and value for money. 
• Digital and Technology Insight - Experience of harnessing digital innovation-including cloud-based platforms, AI, or emerging technologies-to improve operational efficiency and customer experience. 
• Collaborative Influence and Stakeholder Engagement - Ability to build strong, trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders across government, clients, and partners, bringing constructive challenge and support to the Board and Executive. 
• Commitment to Public Service Values and Inclusion - Demonstrates commitment to the principles of public life, equality, diversity and inclusion, and high standards of integrity and corporate responsibility. 

Application and selection process

How to apply

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

To apply, you must provide:

• equality information
• information relating to any outside interests or potential reputational issues

Completed applications including CV and supporting statement should then be submitted here.

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

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

Overview of the application process

Public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition process. 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.

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)

• Panel Chair and Departmental Representative: Freya Guinness, Chief Operating Officer, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
• Partner Organisation Representative: John Clarke, Non-Executive Chair, UKSBS Board.
• UKSBS Owner Representative: Mike Baker Non-Executive Director, UK Research and Innovation.
• Independent Panel Member: Alison Walker-Fraser

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 carmel.bell@gatenbysanderson.com or michelle.atkinson@gatenbysanderson.com.

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.

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 partnerships@dsit.gov.uk in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at. 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

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact: carmel.bell@gatenbysanderson.com or michelle.atkinson@gatenbysanderson.com

Attachments

• Candidate Pack