Three years ago, the TaxPayers’ Alliance reported that “in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories”.
Since then, the figures have varied, and some Conservative members or supporters have been selected to fill important posts.
Nonetheless, it remains the case that, since it took office in 2010, our Party has punched beneath its weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply don’t apply in the same number as Labour supporters.
To help remedy this, every fortnight we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives might be aware of the opportunities presented.
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Innovate UK – Non-Executive Directors
“Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency and has a high profile across government and the business community. It provides funding, expertise, advice, facilities and contacts to help organisations develop and advance their ideas. Innovate UK seeks to find and drive the science and technology innovations that will grow the UK economy – delivering productivity, new jobs and exports and keeping the UK globally competitive in the race for future prosperity.”
Time: 18 days per annum.
Remuneration: £9180 per annum.
Closes: 29 August
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Committee on Climate Change – Member (Business Affairs)
“The successful candidate will be expected to become a member of the Committee as soon as they are appointed and will play an important role in shaping the work of the Committee in providing independent and expert advice on climate change policy to the UK Government and Devolved Administrations. It is important that the Committee contains the range of expertise that is required to effectively produce its recommendations… To strengthen its expertise in business affairs the Committee is seeking to appoint someone with a background in or knowledge of business affairs.”
Time: Up to two days per month, plus ad hoc duties.
Remuneration: £800 per diem.
Closes: 01 September
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Department for International Trade – Lead Non-Executive Board Member
“Non-Executive Board members provide advice and bring an external perspective to the business of government. They give advice and support on the operational implications and effectiveness of policy proposals, focussing on getting policy translated into results. Policy will be decided by Ministers alone, with advice from officials.”
Time: Approx 15-20 days per annum.
Remuneration: £20,000 per annum.
Closes: 02 September
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British Tourist Authority – Chair
“The incumbent’s term ends in March 2017 and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport wishes to appoint a new Chair of our national tourist board, the BTA. The successful candidate will lead on the governance of this public body and the delivery of its objectives.”
Time: Two days per week on average.
Remuneration: £40,000 per annum.
Closes: 05 September
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British Tourist Authority – Chair of the VisitEngland Advisory Board
“Following the 2015 Spending Review and significant restructure and governance at the BTA in order to deliver on the government priorities for tourism, the role of the VisitEngland Advisory Board was clarified. The BTA Board is accountable for all Britain and England spend, with the VEAB responsible for advising the executive and the Board of the BTA on matters relating to tourism in England, helping to drive economic growth and excellence in English tourism.”
Time: Up to four days per month on average.
Remuneration: £340 per diem. Up to £16,320 per annum.
Closes: 05 September
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Home Office – Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation
“The Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation is appointed by the Home Secretary… to review the operation of key UK counter-terrorism statutes to monitor their fairness, effectiveness and proportionality. The Independent Reviewer therefore represents an important safeguard, informing the Parliamentary and public debate on counter-terrorism law and civil liberties through written reports and evidence. They may also be called upon to comment on key counter-terrorism issues in the media.”
Time: 156 days per annum.
Remuneration: £800 per diem (plus VAT and reasonable expenses).
Closes: 05 September
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British Business Bank – Chair
“The British Business Bank (BBB) is a government-owned economic development bank, which has been operating since 1 November 2014. It is responsible for designing and managing the UK Government’s domestic access to finance schemes for smaller businesses and currently supports more than £3bn of finance through its lending and equity programmes.”
Time: Full time.
Remuneration: £140,000 per annum.
Closes: 07 September
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UK Anti-Doping – Chair
“UKAD is the national organisation dedicated to protecting a culture of clean sport. The organisation raises awareness of the issues associated with doping through its extensive education and smart testing programme. It also helps athletes to understand and follow the rules, and prosecute offenders.”
Time: 2/3 days per week on average, some travel.
Remuneration: £33,000 per annum.
Closes: 16 September
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Ofqual – Chair
“Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England. Its primary responsibilities are to maintain standards in regulated qualifications and assessments. We are seeking to appoint an outstanding Chair who can bring strong leadership and focus to Ofqual, working with the Board, Ministers and the Chief Regulator to provide clear strategic direction.”
Time: Approx. two days per week.
Remuneration: £43,400 per annum.
Closes: 16 September