Appointment details

Regulatory Horizons Council (RHC) Member

Summary
About the appointment
Person specification
Application and selection process
Additional information for candidates
Attachments
Contact details

Summary

Organisation: Regulatory Horizons Council
Sponsor department: Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Location: Various
Sectors: Professional, Scientific and Technical
Skills: Technology / Digital, Regulation
Number of vacancies: 2
Time commitment: 2 day(s) per month
Remuneration: £380 per day
Length of term: 2 years
Application deadline: Midday on 31 July 2026

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Timeline for this appointment

Opening date

25 June 2026
Application deadline

Midday on 31 July 2026
Sifting date

31 August 2026
Interviews expected to end on

7 September 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Appointment description

The RHC is seeking to recruit two members to work closely with the Chair and other Council members to deliver the Council’s objectives.

Candidates must have expertise in at least one of these categories: 

Physical technologies: expertise in areas such as defence and national security-critical technologies, green and energy technologies (including low carbon and energy security), and advanced manufacturing and robotics.
Economic analysis, investment, and scale up expertise: expertise in how regulation affects investment, commercialisation and growth.
Senior regulatory delivery experience: experience of innovation enablement and organisational change, including working with regulators.
Futures techniques: expertise in foresight, horizon scanning, and assessing emerging technologies and their societal, economic and regulatory implications.

If you have experience that spans multiple areas of expertise, please make this clear in your supporting statement. 

Responsibilities and Opportunities 

The successful candidate will:  

use their cross-disciplinary expertise to shape and deliver the Council’s work, including the Council’s reports.

engage experts and stakeholders to develop understanding of the context and complexities of the issues and develop recommendations.

communicate with and engage the public, industry and government on the Council’s work and recommendations.

provide expert, impartial advice to the RIO and Government.

lead individual work strands

Members must comply at all times (including, where relevant, when taking up their appointment) with the code of practice and the ‘Code of conduct for board members of public bodies’, including the rules relating to the use of public funds and conflicts of interest. 

Organisation description

The Regulatory Horizon Council 

The Regulatory Horizons Council (RHC) was established to identify the implications of technological innovation with high potential benefit for the UK economy, society and advise the government on regulatory reform needed to support its rapid and safe introduction. The RHC sits within the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

The Council is an Expert Committee, working independently of government and is an important intellectual resource for reforming regulation with a deep understanding of the underlying issues including legal, economic, and ethical considerations. Its areas of work focus on technologies with high potential benefit for the UK economy and society, supporting both the Government’s and RIO’s objectives.

The Council:

support the delivery of the RIO objectives, with a work programme commissioned annually by the RIO and government

provide expert advice on an ad hoc basis to support the RIO as priorities are taken forward

identify additional areas of work outside of the agreed programme, to facilitate the rapid and safe introduction of new products, services and business models

make recommendations to the RIO and government on priorities for regulatory reform, based on the potential benefit for the UK economy and society while protecting citizens and the environment

The RHC’s definition of “regulation reform” refers to all activities relating to the reform of regulation, including consulting, trialling, introduction, implementation and evaluation of legislation, rules and guidance by policymakers and regulators.

The Council is chaired by Professor Christopher Hodges OBE, Emeritus Professor of Justice Systems at the University of Oxford. He is an internationally recognised expert in regulatory systems and dispute resolution systems.

Person specification

Essential criteria

It is important in your supporting statement that you provide evidence and proven examples against each of the essential selection criteria of the person specification, as far as you are able. These responses will be further developed and explored with you if invited for interview. 

Demonstrable evidence of expertise in at least one of the specified areas of expertise;

An understanding of how regulation, regulatory reform and/or business led innovation can deliver better outcomes for the UK;

A grasp of the legal and ethical framework within which regulation must operate;

An awareness of environmental issues; consumer and societal impacts; and business/ financial matters;

A high level of stakeholder agility, with a track record for collaborative working, excellent listening skills and the ability to engage and influence a complex and diverse landscape of stakeholders;

An understanding of current and future developments in the business-led innovation landscape both in the UK and overseas; and

Demonstrable ability to work effectively on a board, or in a similar capacity, whether in the private, public or voluntary sector.

Desirable criteria

Demonstrable evidence of expertise for more than one of the specified areas of expertise;

Significant experience of leading new or early-stage innovative product or service launches and/or their scaling;

Senior financial management experience, particularly for innovative ventures, gained through management of substantial budgets and an in-depth understanding of commercial and business issues;

A strong grasp on how to support the growth of advanced technology and future industries and how to increase productivity in existing industries, through the employment of technology;

Experience working within industry, business and innovation in areas outside of London

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 supporting statement (maximum two sides A4) highlighting your suitability and setting out, with clear examples, how you meet the essential criteria as highlighted in the Person Specification.

A comprehensive CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements.

A completed Diversity Monitoring Form (included as part of the application form). All monitoring data will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not affect your application in any way; you may select ‘Prefer not to say’ if you do not wish to answer any questions.

A statement of conflicts of interest (included as part of the application form): if you, your spouse/partner, dependents, business partner or associate have any business interest or other activities which are or could be perceived as a conflict of interest with the role, you should declare this.

Any reasonable adjustments you would require if successfully invited to interview (included as part of the application form).

The name and contact details of two referees who we will only contact upon acceptance of an invitation to interview. By providing the details of two referees you are consenting to us approaching them in this way. To be included in CV.

If you have any questions about any aspects of this post, you are welcome to contact RegulatoryHorizonsCouncil@dsit.gov.uk. 

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)

Professor Christopher Hodges OBE – Public Body Representative

Regulatory Horizons Council Chair

Professor Christopher Hodges OBE has no political activity to declare.

Josh Fleming, Director of Growth, Investment, and Engagement Directorate – Departmental Official

DSIT Official

Josh Fleming, Director of Growth, Investment, and Engagement Directorate has no political activity to declare.

Charlotte Crosswell OBE – Independent Panel Member

Independent Panel Member

Charlotte Crosswell OBE 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 RegulatoryHorizonsCouncil@dsit.gov.uk

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.

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

Attachments

Contact details