Appointment details

Chair - Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

Summary

• Organisation: Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency
• Sponsor department: Department for Transport
• Location: Various
• Sectors: Transport
• Skills: Change Management, Technology / Digital, Transformation
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 60 day(s) per annum
• Remuneration: £35,000 per annum
• Length of term: Three years with possibility of reappointment
• Application deadline: Midday on 30 July 2026

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   2 July 2026

2. Application deadline

   Midday on 30 July 2026

3. Sifting date

   21 August 2026

4. Interviews expected to end on

   4 September 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction from the Minister

Welcome Note from Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Roads and Buses 

Dear Applicant, 

Thank you for your interest in position of Non-Executive Chair on the Board of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).  

This is an important time for the Department for Transport. We are investing heavily in infrastructure and public transport to improve journeys, boost connections, level up the country and support economic growth. Central to our mission is delivering transport that works for everyone in our society. 

As an executive agency of the Department for Transport, the DVLA plays a key role in delivering critical services that support millions of motorists and businesses every year. playing a central role in the safe, efficient and trusted operation of the motoring system 

The DVLA plays an essential role in ensuring the right drivers and vehicles are taxed and on the road. From maintaining nearly 53 million driver records and more than 47 million vehicle records, to collecting over £8.4 billion in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), DVLA’s work affects a large number of motorists’ everyday lives.

This role requires an experienced board-level leader with strong strategic judgement, a track record of operating in complex delivery environments, and the ability to provide both support and constructive challenge. The successful candidate will lead the Board, work closely with the Chief Executive and executive team, and help ensure DVLA is well governed, forward-looking and equipped to deliver its strategic objectives. 

We strongly welcome applications from all backgrounds. As part of the Department’s commitment to diversity, we believe our public appointments should reflect our customers - the travelling public – who come from all walks of life and have different experiences. We very much welcome fresh talent, expertise, and perspectives, to help us better understand the needs of the communities we serve and support better decision making for all. This includes people who may have never applied for a public appointment – but could bring new ideas, insights and energy. 

If you are interested in the role and work of Non-Executive Chair, I would like to encourage you to apply.  

Our dedicated DfT Public Appointments Team would be happy to talk through the process and answer your questions.  

Simon Lightwood MP 

Minister for Roads and Buses

Appointment description

Non-Executive Chair 

Your function, through membership of the Board, which is an advisory board, is to provide external advice and expertise to inform the Ministers decision-making process. You will add value by offering independent constructive challenge to the operation of the Board, contributing towards the Board’s primary aims, which include:  

• Providing oversight and scrutiny of the performance and financial position of the body.  
• Advising on body policies, projects, and programmes.   
• Agreeing the bodies annual report and accounts and governance statement.  
• Monitoring progress against Business Plan commitments and corporate planning objectives; and  
• Reviewing key risks and effectiveness of risk management processes.     

You will assist the Chief Executive in taking forward the strategic direction of The DVLA and provide expertise. You will be responsible for:   

• Guiding, advising, and providing scrutiny on strategy and supporting the CEO in delivering the DVLAs strategic ambition.   
• Reporting to Ministers.  
• Setting the Board agenda and chairing the Board.   
• Carrying out annual performance reviews of the Non-Executive Directors.   
• Acting as an ambassador for DVLA to promote its work.

You will chair the meetings of the DVLA Board, held remotely or in person by agreement.  

Organisation description

We’re the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), maintaining nearly 53 million driver records and more than 47 million vehicle records. 

We maintain the registration and licensing of drivers in Great Britain. We also maintain the registration and licensing of vehicles, together with the collection and enforcement of VED, in the UK. 

This information helps us get the right drivers and vehicles taxed and, on the road, as simply, safely and efficiently as possible. 

Responsibilities 

We’re responsible for: 

• recording driver endorsements, disqualifications and medical conditions 
• issuing photocard driving licences 
• issuing vehicle registration certificates to vehicle keepers 
• taking enforcement action against vehicle tax evaders 
• registering and issuing tachograph cards 
• selling DVLA personalised registrations 
• helping the police and intelligence authorities deal with crime 
• providing anonymised data to those who have the right to use the service 

Priorities 

Our strategic priorities are to: 

• drive up digital 
• be resilient 
• deliver great customer service 
• develop our skilled, motivated and flexible workforce  

Role of the DVLA Board 

At the heart of its corporate governance, the agency has a board lead by a Non-Executive Chair, with the Chief Executive and the agency’s functional Directors serving as members. In addition, three Non-Executive directors are appointed, whose role is to challenge and to mentor, each drawing upon their perspective as private citizens but each with skill sets gained from senior positions in the public or private sectors. 

The board has both strategic and business oversight responsibilities. 

Person specification

Essential criteria

1. Experience of chairing or leading Board-level oversight of complex transformation, including digital, data and technology-enabled change, with the ability to challenge delivery plans, risks, benefits realisation and customer outcomes.
2. Ability to challenge the DVLA to ensure that it is a truly customer focused organisation, based on proven experience in delivering excellent customer service to external customers including through the use of digital technologies.
3. Experience of managing complex stakeholder dynamics, driving strategic engagement initiatives, and fostering strong, productive relationships that support the organisation's long-term sustainable success.
4. Experience of chairing boards or equivalent governance bodies in complex organisations, with the ability to provide effective oversight of performance, finance, risk, audit, controls, value for money and major investment decisions.
5. Ability to lead an effective, inclusive and high-performing Board, building strong relationships with NEDs and executives, supporting the Chief Executive while providing constructive challenge, and ensuring clear strategic direction and accountability.

Candidates’ suitability for the role will be assessed against criteria 1-5 above. If we receive a large number of applicants, we will assess applications on lead criteria 1.

Desirable criteria

In addition to the above essential criteria, whilst not essential to the role, we would be interested in hearing from candidates with a particular expertise in any of the following areas:  

1. Accessibility: Demonstrate previous experience in developing and implementing accessibility programs that ensure equitable access to services for all individuals, including those with disabilities, and/or; 
2. Technology: Experience and expertise in autonomy, emerging technologies or innovation and how it can help the road sector, or specifically the DVLA, in the coming years. 
3. Operational resilience: Experience overseeing resilience, continuity and security in high-volume operational or public service environments. 

Application and selection process

How to apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply through the Cabinet Office’s Public Appointments website by Midday on 30th July 2026. 

Any applications submitted after the closing date, or that are missing any of the following documents, will not be accepted. 

• A CV or equivalent biographical information (maximum two sides A4, minimum 12 font) setting out your career history and including details of any professional qualifications.   
• A summary of why you are interested in the role and how you meet the specification and essential criteria. This can be in a form that allows you most ably to present your interest and credentials, for example a short, bullet-point slide presentation (of no more than 5 slides), a short video (no more than 2 mins) or supporting letter (no more than two A4 pages, minimum 12 font). Make sure you refer to the contents of this document and provide specific examples. If you wish to provide your supporting summary in video format, please contact DfTPublicAppointments@dft.gov.uk in advance of the closing date. 
• You will also be asked to provide diversity data, and to declare any potential conflicts of interest or reputational issues. 

If you have any queries about this role, please contact the Department for Transport Public Appointments Team at DfTPublicAppointments@dft.gov.uk

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

This role is being competed in accordance with the Governance Code (October 2025), which sets out the regulatory framework for public appointments processes. The Code is based on three core principles – merit, openness, and fairness. 

The selection panel for this appointment competition is: 

• Director General, DfT (TBC) 
• Director, DfT (TBC) 
• Elizabeth Passey, Independent Panel Member 

The DfT Public Appointments Team will acknowledge your application and keep you updated on the progress of the competition.  

At the short-listing meeting the selection panel will assess each application against the essential criteria and decide who to invite for interview.   

Applicants shortlisted for interview may be invited for an informal chat with DVLA Chief Executive Tim Moss, as part of the selection process. 

Interviews are expected to take place in central London and to last for between 45 and 60 minutes. Further details about the format will be provided to you in advance. 

Appointable candidates may be invited to meet with the Secretary of State, or another Department for Transport Minister, before they make a final decision.  

Please note: Expenses incurred by candidates during the recruitment process will not be reimbursed except in exceptional circumstances and only when agreed in advance with the DfT Public Appointments Team. 

You can expect the recruitment process to take approximately 6 months; however, applicants will be kept informed of progress.  

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

DfT Director General – Departmental Official

DfT Director General has no political activity to declare.

DfT Director – Additional Panel Member

DfT Director has no political activity to declare.

Elizabeth Passey – Independent Panel Member

Elizabeth Passey 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)

If you need further advice, please contact  [ADD CONTACT DETAILS]

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 believe that by being a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone is valued, we are more motivated, higher performing and more committed to our team. We welcome all applicants, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, social background, religious beliefs, ethnicity, or age.  

As part of the application process, we ask candidates to complete equal opportunities monitoring information in the application portal. This will help us to monitor selection decisions to assess whether equality of opportunity is being achieved. This part of the form will be treated as confidential and used for statistical purposes only. The form will not be treated as part of your application. 

Disability confident

The Department for Transport values and promotes diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity for all and to the appointment of disabled people. As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we will select the disabled candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the role. ‘Best meet’ is defined as providing/ demonstrating strong examples of all essential criteria.  

In order to guarantee an interview to all disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy all the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, we need candidates to declare a disability and that they wish to be considered under the Scheme. 

What do we mean by a disability? 

To be eligible for consideration under the Scheme, you must be considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010.This means that you must have or have had in the last 12 months, a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This includes those whose disability has lasted, or is likely to last, for 12 months, or if the disability or condition is likely to progress or recur.  

You do not have to be registered as a disabled person to apply 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

You will be expected to demonstrate high standards of corporate and personal conduct. All successful candidates will be asked to subscribe to the Review Body’s “Codes of Practice”. Candidates will be expected to abide by the “Seven Principles of Public Life” set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life. 

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

The purpose of these provisions is to avoid any danger of Board members being influenced, or appearing to be influenced, by their private interests in the exercise of their public duties. 

Public appointments require the highest standards of propriety, involving impartiality, integrity, and objectivity, in relation to the stewardship of public funds and the oversight and management of all related activities. This means that any private, voluntary, charitable, or political interest which might be material and relevant to the work of the body concerned should be declared. It is important, therefore, that you consider your circumstances when applying for a public appointment and identify any potential conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived.  

There is a requirement to declare any actual or potential conflict of interest you may have in being appointed to the Board upon applying. Any actual or perceived conflicts of interest will be fully explored by the Panel at interview stage.

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

Your appointment as a Non-Executive Chair of DVLA will be made by the Secretary of State. 

The appointment will be for an initial term of three years, with the option of re-appointment for up to a further three years by mutual agreement. 

It should be noted that this post is a public appointment; Chairs and Non-Executive Directors are neither employees of the Crown nor the Department for Transport. Such appointments are not normally subject to the provisions of employment law. 

Appointments may be ended prior to the conclusion of the period of appointment. 

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

£35,000 per year for an anticipated commitment of 60 days per year. 

If invited to chair a sub-committee, additional remuneration may be provided.  

Remuneration is taxable through payroll, and the appointment is not pensionable. 

Members can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs necessarily incurred at rates set centrally by the Department for Transport/or the DVLA. 

Applicants should note that the successful candidates 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

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:  

Via email: DfT Public Appointments DfTPublicAppointments@dft.gov.uk  

Public Appointments Team  

Shareholding, Appointments and Inquiries  

Department for Transport 

Great Minster House 

33 Horseferry Road 

London 

SW1P 4DR 

We will reply to your complaint within 20 days. 

Data protection

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

The Department for Transport (DfT) is the joint controller, with the Cabinet Office, for any personal data which you provide to us as part of your application. 

Information provided as part of this application will be kept securely within DfT and destroyed within 5 years of the conclusion of the recruitment campaign. 

DfT uses this form to gather evidence on DfT’s public appointments.  

The lawful basis that applies to this processing is that it is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest to inform DfT’s recruitment policies in accordance with the Department’s public sector equality duties. For processing special category personal data (disability, religion, sexual orientation and ethnicity), we rely on Article 9(2)(g), reasons of substantial public interest (equality of opportunity and treatment). 

Attachments

• DVLA Chair - Candidate Pack

Contact details

For more information, contact Adam Noott, Public Appointments Campaign Manager at Adam.Noott@dft.gov.uk