Appointment details

Non-Executive Director - Vehicle Certification Agency

Summary

• Organisation: Vehicle Certification Agency
• Sponsor department: Department for Transport
• Location: Various
• Sectors: Transport
• Skills: Audit and Risk, Communication
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 25 day(s) per annum
• Remuneration: £12,300 per annum
• Length of term: Three years
• Application deadline: Midday on 27 July 2026

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   26 June 2026

2. Application deadline

   Midday on 27 July 2026

3. Sifting date

   13 August 2026

4. Interviews expected to end on

   11 September 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

We are an executive agency of the Department for Transport. 

Our approval certificates are recognised without question around the world.  

The Department for Transport (DfT) delivers the Government’s transport strategy. Operational delivery of services is provided by a number of arms’ length bodies, ranging from Network Rail to individual trust ports. Services for drivers and vehicle owners are provided by the Department’s Executive Agencies, of which the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) is one. 

The VCA is the designated UK Vehicle Type Approval authority and, with approaching 40 years’ experience, supports industry by providing internationally recognised testing and certification for vehicles, their systems and components. This regime, known as type approval, is aimed at ensuring that products meet the appropriate environmental and safety standards. 

In addition, the VCA is the designated authority for the certification of packaging and containers used in the transportation of dangerous goods. 

The VCA is fairly unique in public sector terms.  It effectively operates in an environment where industry has a choice in terms of the approval authorities and technical services it uses. The VCA has a reputation for applying the highest standards and works with a wide range of organisations from global brands to the smallest niche vehicle builders. 

Additionally, given that the automotive industry is a truly global affair, the VCA doesn’t just deliver services in the UK, it also has operations in strategic locations overseas such as the US, Brazil, Japan, China, India, Italy and South Korea.  

VCA’s headquarters are located in Bristol, with a further office and test facility on the Horiba MIRA site (Nuneaton).  VCA also has a presence at UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground near Milton Keynes, and the Dangerous Goods team is based in Leatherhead, Surrey.  

The current VCA Business Plan can be found here.  

You would be joining the VCA at a critical and exciting time, with the opportunity to help shape the future of the agency and ensure its continued success. This will mean supporting the executive team in developing the organisation to be equipped for a future where technological transformation will significantly influence mobility. 

With the emergence of new technologies, the UK Automotive sector is rapidly shifting, bringing with it opportunities and challenges for the VCA. In the role of Non-Executive Director, you would be in a position to support the VCA to navigate this changing landscape and gain an insight into the future of motoring. 

As a Non-Executive Director, you will be supporting and challenging the executive team to optimise the performance and efficiency of the agency. You will be part of a network of NEDs across DfT and its agencies, sharing experience and best practice. 

Introduction from the Minister

Welcome Note from Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Transport

Dear Applicant, 

Thank you for your interest in the position of Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA).  

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. 

The VCA plays a vital role in supporting the UK automotive industry to manufacture products that meet the highest international standards of safety and environmental sustainability. In doing this, it enables British manufacturing to compete on a global stage. The VCA has an international reputation for excellence, providing technical services in offices across the world.  

With rapid progress in the development of new technologies, we expect to see more changes to transportation in the next 10 years than in the previous 100. It is anticipated that the way in which people travel will change significantly, meaning that the automotive industry will evolve substantially in the coming years. The VCA will play a vital role in this revolution, ensuring the appropriate oversight and testing is in place to support change. 

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 the VCA, 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.  

Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP 

Secretary of State for Transport

Introduction from the Chair

Why join us at VCA 

Thank you for considering an application to join the Board at the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). I have had the pleasure of being Non-Executive Chair at the VCA since 2024.  During that time, it’s been hugely rewarding to help the CEO and Executive Team to develop the agency and respond so positively to the exciting opportunities and the challenges we face.   

The Agency performs a critical function, and it has taken great strides to ensure that it remains at the forefront of thinking on developing automotive technologies and has used that experience to play an important role in informing the vision for the future in transportation.  

I have been working with CEO, Pia Wilkes, my fellow Non-Executive Directors, and the senior management team on the Agency strategy to 2030; the level of ambition that it conveys is outstanding.  The steps that the Agency will take over the life of the strategy will ensure that it remains on top of its game as a progressive and forward-thinking approval authority and certification body that is respected globally.  

We also have an ongoing Business Transformation programme in place, which will enable us to realise efficiencies and provide an even better experience to both staff and customers.  The organisation has done a lot to build on the way it responds to change, and I have no doubt that this will help to drive the necessary projects forward to great effect.  

Once you have had an opportunity to consider the candidate pack, I hope you will agree that this role presents an exciting chance to support an organisation at a really interesting and transformational time in its development and a pivotal point in the evolution of vehicles generally.  I look forward greatly to working with the successful applicant.  

Richard Judge 

Non-Executive Chair 

Additional introductions

Welcome Note from Pia Wilkes CBE, Chief Executive Officer of VCA 

Thank you for your interest in joining us at the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) as a Non-Executive Director. This is a great opportunity to join an organisation that makes a real difference to peoples’ lives. As an agency for the Department for Transport, our core activity is witnessing tests and issuing certification to new vehicles, systems and components. This work is vital in ensuring that the right standards are met, both at the time of manufacture and on into the future.   

This is a particularly exciting time for us as we implement our strategy to 2030.  The plan outlines an ambitious agenda for the period which broadly sits under four critical themes, ‘Technology’, ‘People’, ‘Transformation’ and Infrastructure/Digital’. Technology is advancing at its fastest rate in a generation, particularly in areas such as alternative powertrains, vehicle connectivity and autonomy. Our agency is at the forefront of this change, not only assessing the impact on current standards but working to understand how things will operate in the future.   

From a people perspective, we are building on our existing offering to ensure that we can attract the right talent to help us meet the challenge and opportunities associated with an ever-changing technology landscape.  And of course, attracting new staff is just part of the story.  We need to continue to ensure that we provide an environment where our people can develop and thrive so that we have the right skills at the right time. Great services are based on solid foundations, so we are investing in our IT infrastructure and tools to ensure that we continue to operate as efficiently as possible, leveraging evolving technologies to support this aim.  

Since joining the VCA as Chief Executive in 2016, I have been immensely proud to lead an incredible and truly diverse team in the UK and overseas.  I have been struck by the talent and dedication of my colleagues – a workforce drawn from all kinds of backgrounds and cultures.  

At the VCA, we encourage forward-thinking, collaborative working and the development of our leaders. If you share our passion and values for a great public service and are excited by the evolving technology agenda, then I would encourage you to consider applying. This is both an outstanding opportunity and your chance to make a far-reaching contribution at a forward-thinking government agency.  

Pia Wilkes CBE  

Chief Executive Officer  

Appointment description

The VCA is seeking one Non-Executive Director (NED) to join its Board and to be a member of its Audit and Risk Committee. 

As a Non-Executive Director, you will:

• Play a full and active role on the Board, bringing objective oversight to ensure that the VCA maintains excellence in its vital day-to-day responsibilities, sets a clear long-term strategic direction and maintains stakeholder confidence and trust.  
• Provide clear, independent advice to the Chair and Chief Executive on organisational leadership, performance and strategy. Contribute targeted support for VCA’s senior leaders on specific programmes or strategic matters.  
• Bring constructive challenge and support to enable delivery of the policies, major programmes and strategic priorities set out in the annual plan, whilst also upholding high standards of corporate governance, financial and risk management.  
• Test the robustness and deliverability of the Business Plan, ensuring alignment to VCA’s strategy, resourcing and budgets, and ensure that associated objectives are ambitious yet achievable.  
• Serve as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, helping to oversee the effectiveness of internal controls and to ensure that corporate risks are identified and appropriately managed.      
• Engage with stakeholders, where appropriate, to increase Board and NED internal and external visibility.   

Organisation description

We are an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport and exist to improve vehicle safety and environmental protection by providing robust testing and certification to internationally recognised standards.

Designated by the Secretary of State to discharge their statutory responsibility for operating national and UNECE type approval schemes, we approve most categories of new vehicles from locations in the UK and overseas. We have also been designated to act as the UK authority for the certification of packaging and intermediate bulk containers used for the transport of dangerous goods.

With more than 40 years’ experience, we have become one of the largest and well-respected approval bodies around. This position has been built on a reputation for technical expertise and quality, which is at the heart of everything we do.

About Us | Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

Board composition

The current VCA Board consists of:  

• CEO, Pia Wilkes  
• Non-Executive Chair, Richard Judge  
• Non-Executive Director, Darran Messem  
• Chief Corporate Affairs and Strategy Officer  
• Chief Finance, HR and Commercial Officer  
• Chief Operations Officer  
• Chief Technical and Statutory Operations Officer  

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Experience (Board): Able to influence on significant strategic and operational issues at comparable Board levels within the private, public or voluntary sectors, providing support and constructive challenge, while inspiring progress, innovation and learning.  
• Knowledge: A clear understanding of strategic priorities and challenges of the automotive industry (UK and global), including of VCA’s central role within this industry in supporting UK growth, ensuring vehicles, systems and related products are safe, clean and secure.   
• Experience (Audit and risk): exposure to corporate governance, financial and risk management practices, and of internal controls systems. Practical experience of identifying and managing corporate risks.  
• Communication: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to listen, accept challenge and constructively challenge others in discussions with clarity and respect.  
• Analysis: Effective decision-making skills with the ability to critically analyse a wide range of information and make clear, objective, evidence-based recommendations.  

Candidates’ suitability for the role will be assessed against the criteria above. If we receive a high volume of applications for this role, applications will be shortlisted against the lead criteria - Experience (Board). 

Desirable criteria

• International experience, particularly in geographies relevant to the UK automotive sector. 
• Expertise in autonomy, emerging technologies or vehicle innovation directly relevant to VCA.  
• Experience of leading or assuring major digitally enabled organisational change. 
• Direct exposure to comparable safety-related regulatory and/or certifying environments.  
• Prior NED or comparable experience, particularly within the public sector. 

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 Monday 27th July.  

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.   
• Provide 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 (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 DfT Public Appointments Team at DfTPublicAppointments@dft.gov.uk . 

Overview of the application process

This role is being competed in accordance with the Governance Code (October 2025)1, 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: Richard Judge (VCA Chair), Phil Earl (Deputy Director, DfT) and an 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.   

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. 

The decision to appoint to these role/s rests with the Secretary of State. 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 up to 6 months, however, applicants will be kept informed of progress.  

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

Phil Earl – Departmental Official

Phil Earl has no political activity to declare.

Richard Judge – Public Body Representative

Richard Judge has no political activity to declare.

Independent Panel Member – Independent Panel Member

Independent Panel Member 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 DfTPublicAppointments@dft.gov.uk.

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to have or be willing to obtain security clearance to Security Check (SC) level. Pre-appointment checks will also be undertaken on immigration and criminal convictions. It usually takes between 4-6 weeks to obtain the security clearance. The role will be offered on a conditional basis until the successful candidate has passed all checks.  

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

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

• £12,300 per annum for up to 25 days attendance,  
• If invited to chair a sub-committee, additional remuneration will 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 VCA. 
• 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

• VCA NED Candidate Pack

Contact details

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss the role further, please email Adam Noott, Public Appointments Campaign Manager at Adam.Noott@dft.gov.uk