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, that qualified Conservatives might be aware of the opportunities presented.
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The Gambling Commission – Commissioners
Successful applicants will promote high standards of corporate governance, efficient use of staff and resources, and take responsibility for ensuring the Commission discharges its duties under the Gambling Act.
Time: “Commissioners are expected to commit one day per week on average.”
Remuneration: £295 per diem plus expenses.
Closes: 12 November
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Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales – Chair
The candidate will provide strategic direction and oversight to “the main regulatory body for agricultural employment in Wales”.
Time: Three days per year.
Remuneration: £300 per diem.
Closes: 13 November
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National Portrait Gallery – Trustee
“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.”
Time: “The equivalent of two days every three months.”
Remuneration: Unpaid.
Closes: 16 November
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Ofqual – Chief Regulator
The chief executive of Ofqual, which “regulates qualifications and examinations in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland. It ensures high standards and public confidence in the qualifications system.”
Time: Full-time for a fixed five-year term.
Remuneration: Circa £135,000, more may be available to an exceptional candidate.
Closes: 16 October
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NHS England – Non-Executive Directors
Candidates will take a lead role in NHS England, seeking “to improve the health outcomes achieved by the NHS in England while securing value from budgets totalling around £100 billion.”
Time: 2-3 days per month, for up to four years.
Remuneration: “£7,883 per annum. The Non-Executive Director who will act as chair of the Audit and Risk Committee will receive remuneration of £26,272 per annum.”
Closes: 16 November
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Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons – Member
The candidate will be a medical expert with pre-existing, or a willingness to develop, knowledge of the medical impact of less-lethal weaponry and “an appreciation of the operational, ethical, political, societal and human rights dimensions surrounding use” thereof.
Time: Committee usually meets 2-3 times a year, occasional additional meetings as needed.
Remuneration: £380 per day plus reasonable expenses.
Closes: 17 November
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Parole Board – Chair
The candidate will provide strategic direction to help the Board with the sustained challenges it faces and reduce case backlog.
Time: Two meetings a week.
Remuneration: £400 per day plus reasonable expenses.
Closes: 18 November
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Equality and Human Rights Commission – Chair
The successful candidate, “an outstanding leader, a credible and effective public face for the organisation, with the skills to build strategic partnerships”, will “develop and maintain high-value relationships with Ministers, influential partners, governments at home and abroad, opinion formers, industry and others, demonstrating judgement, integrity and resilience in the face of challenge.”
Time: 1-2 days per week up to 100 per year.
Remuneration: £500 per diem.
Closes: 30 November
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Economy Honours Committee – Members
Candidates must be sympathetic with the aims of the honours system, expert in the area covered by the Committee and able to command the confidence of other experts when sifting candidates for honours.
Time: Two days per annum, three-year term.
Remuneration: Unpaid, reasonable travel expenses.
Closes: 30 November
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Historic Royal Palaces – Trustee
The candidate will help to lead an independent charity which looks after some of the Kingdom’s most significant palaces, and help the public to explore them.
Time: “The time commitment is typically the equivalent of about one full day per month, although more might be required from time to time.”
Remuneration: Reasonable expenses.
Closes: 30 November