Appointment details

Independent Reviewer of State Threats Legislation

Summary

• Organisation: Independent Reviewer of States Threats Legislation
• Sponsor department: Home Office
• Location: Various
• Sectors: Judicial, Prisons & Policing
• Skills: Legal, Judicial
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 2 day(s) per week
• Remuneration: £130,000 per annum
• Length of term: 3 Years
• Application deadline: 10am on 17 July 2026

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   22 June 2026

2. Application deadline

   10am on 17 July 2026

3. Sifting date

   20 July 2026

4. Interviews expected to end on

   27 July 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

The Home Secretary is required to appoint the Independent Reviewer of State Threats Legislation (IRSTL) under Part 3 of the National Security Act 2023. The IRSTL’s role is very similar to that of the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation (IRTL). The IRSTL assesses the fairness, effectiveness and proportionality of UK state threats legislation, and report their findings and recommendations. These reports are laid before Parliament, to inform public and political debate. They may also be called upon to comment on key state threats issues in the media.  

Appointment description

Job Title: Independent Reviewer of State Threats Legislation

Remuneration: £130,000 per annum, which is based on approximately 100 days at £1,300 per day (plus VAT and reasonable expenses). The time commitment equates to around two days per week, but this could vary depending on the Independent Reviewer’s programme of work and will be at the discretion of the role holder.

Appointment:  An initial appointment of three years. This may be extended subject to satisfactory appraisals and by mutual agreement.

Location: Flexible within the United Kingdom. However, the successful candidate will need to work from Home Office Headquarters in Central London on occasion, in order to review sensitive material in a secure environment and be prepared to travel throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland. All drafting of annual and standalone reviews must be undertaken at the Home Office, as per the Memorandum of Understanding for the role.

Reporting to: Home Secretary

Purpose:

The threat of hostile activity against the UK’s interests from foreign states is growing. States are becoming increasingly assertive in how they advance their own objectives and undermine the safety and interests of the UK, operating covertly in an attempt to interfere with the UK’s national security, economy, and democracy. State threats are overt or covert actions by foreign governments which fall short of direct armed conflict but go beyond peaceful diplomacy and expected statecraft to harm or threaten the safety or interests of the UK.

State threats activity can take a variety of forms; broadly it describes activity that damages the UK or its interests, such as causing damage to assets and infrastructure (sabotage) or stealing sensitive information (espionage). It also covers activities intended to undermine our values and freedoms, such as manipulating public discourse or threatening political dissidents in the UK, ranging from harassment to physical threats. 

State threats legislation creates offences and powers which provide a vital deterrent to those who wish to cause the UK harm. However, the legislation must carefully balance the nation’s security and the need to protect the public, with maintaining the rights and freedoms that form the basis of our democratic society. Parts 1-3 of the National Security Act 2023 have been in force since December 2023, and its effects are already being felt.   

The Government is therefore seeking an experienced individual to provide independent oversight and scrutiny of UK state threats legislation as the Independent Reviewer of State Threats Legislation.

The Independent Reviewer is appointed by the Home Secretary, under Part 3 of the National Security Act 2023, to review the operation of key UK State Threats statutes to assess their fairness, effectiveness and proportionality. The Independent Reviewer provides an important safeguard, informing the Parliamentary and public debate on state threats law and civil liberties through written reports, evidence, media and an online presence. 

The Independent Reviewer may be supported by specialist advisors to help discharge the Reviewer’s statutory responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

The Independent Reviewer’s main responsibilities are to:

• Carry out an annual review, and report to the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on the operation of statutes falling within the Independent Reviewer’s remit, which are:
• Part 1, except section 30, of the National Security Act 2023.
• Part 2 of the National Security Act 2023.
• Schedule 3 to the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019, except the functions of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner under Part 1 of that Schedule.
• Carry out such further discretionary reviews (and provide reports to the Home Secretary on those reviews) as the Independent Reviewer considers necessary on the operation of statutes falling within the Independent Reviewer’s remit. The Independent Reviewer may also be asked by the Home Secretary to undertake reviews into specific areas or topics on occasion. 
• Provide the Home Secretary with a proposed annual work programme, by 31 January each year, setting out the reviews to be conducted within that calendar year.
• In addition, state threats legislation may attract significant attention and it is likely that the Independent Reviewer may be called upon to take part in public debates, to give evidence to Parliamentary Committees and international bodies, and to comment to domestic and overseas media on high-profile state threats issues. 

Regulation of appointment

This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website 

Person specification

Essential criteria

It is essential in your supporting statement that you provide evidence and proven examples against each of the selection criteria in Part One only of the person specification, in so far as you are able. These responses will be further developed and explored with those candidates invited for interview, together with the other criteria listed in Part Two.

Part One – Essential Criteria

• Ability to demonstrate outstanding personal qualities, in particular integrity and independence, with a strong and personal commitment to the highest standards of public life.
• A strong understanding and experience of dealing with state threats and related national security policy issues.
• Scrupulous fairness in assessing complex information and competing interests, sound judgment and a willingness to accept scrutiny and challenge. 
• A first-class communicator with the authority and interpersonal skills to secure and retain the confidence of a wide range of challenging audiences including parliamentarians, law enforcement, judicial and legal professionals, NGOs and the media. 

Part Two – Behaviours, Skills and Abilities

• The ability to command respect quickly and to build mutually supportive relationships and networks.
•  A strong intellect, analytical and written skills.
•  Resilient in challenging circumstances and able to work under pressure, remaining calm but decisive.
•  Comfortable operating in a political environment, whilst also being tenacious and robust.
• The ability to work on sensitive issues requiring the utmost discretion.

Desirable criteria

• Senior barrister, solicitor, judge or legal academic. 
• A balanced appreciation of the importance of civil liberties and their interaction with laws designed to protect the public. 
• Expertise in analysing the law and its operation, coupled with a broader understanding of the effects of law on society and the concerns of different groups within society.
• Experience of media and social media. 

Application and selection process

How to apply

Please submit the following 2 documents, clearly labelled. In order to apply, you will need to click on one of the links below, depending on if you have already set up an account on the new Cabinet Office Public Appointment website. 

https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/create-account

https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/auth/sign-in

1. A concise CV (maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 font) setting out your career history and including details of any professional qualifications. 

2. A short supporting statement (maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 font) giving evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the essential criteria for the role. Please provide specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the experience, qualities and skill areas identified in the person specification. 

Please submit your application documents as 2 separate attachments and note that short-listed candidates will also be required to complete and return a separate form in relation to referees and nationality information. 

Please note the following:

• We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date.
• Applications will be assessed solely on the documentation provided. Please refer to the advert and checklist to ensure you have provided the necessary documentation.
•  AI must not be used to provide misleading information. While technology can be used in your application, for example to assist with structure, we value authenticity, and advisory assessment panels will use the interview stage to verify the originality of your statements.
•  Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt.
•  Feedback will only be given to unsuccessful candidates following interview.

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 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)

Dr Michelle Haslem (Director General, Homeland Security Group, Home Office) – Departmental Official

Dr Michelle Haslem (Director General, Homeland Security Group, Home Office) has no political activity to declare.

Deputy Director, Homeland Security Group, Home Office – Departmental Official

Deputy Director, Homeland Security Group, Home Office has no political activity to declare.

Sir Peter Gross – Independent Panel Member

Sir Peter Gross has no political activity to declare.

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)

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to have or be willing to obtain security clearance to Developed Vetting (DV) level. DV is the most comprehensive form of security vetting. Carrying out the relevant checks can take a number of months. It includes: 

• a basic check of identity documents and employment/education referees; 
• a check against departmental/company records; 
• the completion of a security questionnaire and a specific, more detailed DV supplementary questionnaire; 
• a check against the criminal and security records of the UK and, if appropriate, of overseas countries; 
• a credit reference check; 
• the completion of a financial questionnaire; 
• a detailed interview conducted by an investigating officer; and 
• further enquiries, including the checking of references, in writing, by telephone or by interview, from both personal friends and employers as   appropriate. 

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

• The remuneration is taxable through payroll, but the appointment is not pensionable.
• The post holder can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs necessarily incurred during the course of their duties at rates set centrally.
• Applicants should note that the successful candidate cannot be remunerated for this role if they are being paid for an existing full-time role from the public purse.

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.

If you are not completely satisfied with the way your application is handled at any stage of the competition, please raise any complaint in the first instance with the Public Appointments Team at: publicappointments@homeoffice.gov.uk

How to complain to Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA)

If you are not content with the appointing department’s response you may wish to further complain to the Commissioner at publicappointments@csc.gov.uk.Further information on how the Commissioner handles complaints can be found on the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ website https://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/regulating-appointments/investigating-complaints/

Data protection

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

Home Office privacy statement added as a PDF attachment at the end of the document.

Attachments

• Candidate Pack

• Home Office Privacy Notice

Contact details

If you have any queries about any aspect of this role, or merely wish to have an informal discussion, then please contact ctpursueenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk

If you have any queries about the recruitment process for this role, please contact the Public Appointments Team at: publicappointments@homeoffice.gov.uk

If helpful to you, there is guidance available on writing a supporting statement on the public appointments webpages: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-appointments