Four 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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Judicial Appointments Committee – Commissioners
“It is widely acknowledged that our judiciary is among the very best in the world, unrivalled for its integrity, professionalism and independence. The JAC is an executive non-departmental public body established by the 2005 Constitutional Reform Act. It has a vital role selecting candidates for appointment to the judiciary through fair and open competition. JAC Commissioners recommend candidates solely on merit, from the broadest possible pool of talent. This important work must be led, as it is now, by a capable and effective group of Commissioners who work as a team to deliver the highest calibre of judicial appointments.”
Time: 17-28 days per annum
Remuneration: £338 per diem plus expenses.
Closes: 13 June
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Economic and Social Research Council – CEO/Executive Chair
“We are seeking an inspirational social scientist with international standing and proven track record to lead the ESRC – initially as its CEO and subsequently as its Executive Chair as it is established as one of the nine Councils within UK Research and Innovation in April 2018. As part of UK Research and Innovation’s Executive Committee the Executive Chair will have an important role in determining how these benefits are manifested in UK Research and Innovation and a critical role in championing and increasing the impact of the social sciences within UK Research and Innovation, government and the UK more widely.”
Time: Full time.
Remuneration: Dependent upon skills and experience.
Closes: 16 June
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Ofcom – Board Member
“This Board Member will be expected to have a good understanding of broadcasting policy issues, content regulation and be a clear advocate for the consumer in the context of devolved policies in the nations and regions. They will, in the context of the new Members of the Ofcom Board being appointed by each of the devolved administrations, reflect the needs of consumers and citizens in England and be able to work with their colleagues from the devolved Nations on policy and consumer issues. This will demand a good understanding of the legislative environment in which Ofcom operates and of the wider public policy environment.”
Time: Up to two days per week.
Remuneration: £42,519 per annum.
Closes: 16 June
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Pubs Code Adjudicator – Deputy Adjudicator
“The Pubs Code governs the relationship between large pub-owning companies and their tied tenants. The Code regulates the relationship between around 11,500 tied pub tenants and the large pub-owning businesses which rent the pubs to them and sell them tied products. The Code governs their relationships with tied pubs, but not with their managed houses or free-of-tie pub tenants. Tied tenants have the right to take disputes regarding the Code to the PCA. The Adjudicator has statutory powers to arbitrate Code disputes and award compensation if a breach is found. The Adjudicator can also investigate suspected systemic abuses of the Code and may impose sanctions on one or more pub-owning companies following an investigation.”
Time: Full time.
Remuneration: £80-95,000 per annum.
Closes: 22 June
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Regulatory Policy Committee – Chair
“We are seeking to appoint a new Chair of the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC). The RPC is a small advisory Non-Departmental Public Body of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. It provides independent, expert advice on the quality of analysis and evidence supporting regulatory changes that affect businesses, charities and voluntary organisations. The Committee is an essential part of the better regulation system providing stakeholders, in particular business, with confidence that the costs and benefits from regulatory change have been properly considered. The RPC is seeking to recruit a new Chair to lead the Committee and to assure the quality, consistency and proportionality of the Committee’s opinions.”
Time: Ten meetings a year plus additional duties.
Remuneration: £500 per diem up to £20,000 per annum.
Closes: 22 June
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Department for Communities and Local Government – Housing Ombudsman
“The Housing Ombudsman has responsibility for investigating complaints against social landlords in accordance with the Housing Ombudsman Scheme. Housing is an important part of everyone’s lives and issues relating to our homes can have a huge emotional impact. The Housing Ombudsman plays an important role in ensuring the fair resolution of disputes, aiming to resolve problems quickly and efficiently. Rented housing plays a vital role in the nation’s housing and we are keen to see that tenants experience good standards of service regardless of whether their landlord is a local authority, housing association or private landlord.”
Time: Full time.
Remuneration: Up to £120,000 per annum.
Closes: 23 June
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National Portrait Gallery – Chair
“The chief role of Trustees is to assist the Chair in meeting the Board’s overall responsibilities under the Charities Act and in accordance with the guidance issued by the Secretary of State. Trustees offer guidance and expertise on the Gallery’s strategy and its practical implementation. They must be positive advocates for the Gallery, representing it to ministers, officials at DCMS, and others. They must also assist the Chair in ensuring that the Gallery’s affairs are conducted with probity… The new Chair will naturally need enthusiasm for the Gallery, a love of art and an interest in the Collection, an ability to champion the importance of scholarship to the future of the Gallery and a strong interest in its learning mission and to act as an ambassador for the Gallery. They will need to devote sufficient time and energy to have the necessary impact, and a clear understanding of any potential for conflict of interest between this public role and their own professional activity.”
Time: Two days per month (equivalent) plus extras.
Remuneration: Reasonable expenses.
Closes: 23 June
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Valuation Tribunal Service – Chair
“The Valuation Tribunal Service is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). It was established under the Local Government Act 2003 to provide administrative support, procedural advice and central direction to the Valuation Tribunal for England. It has a strong corporate identity and clearly delegated powers and responsibilities. The VTS employs around 80 staff and is able to encourage the spread of best practice across the organisation, leading to better public service delivery.”
Time: 24 days per annum.
Remuneration: £8,839 per annum.
Closes: 23 June