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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Competition and Markets Authority – Non-Executive Directors
“The CMA is looking to appoint 2-3 Non-Executive Directors to the CMA Board, which sets the strategic direction, policy framework, and priorities of the organisation, and monitors its performance against its objectives… [and] is looking for candidates with business, commercial or financial experience and/or an understanding of competition, markets or consumer issues, who will carry credibility with key stakeholders.”
Time: Average 30 days per annum.
Remuneration: £27,000 per annum.
Closes: 08 February
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National Portrait Gallery – Trustee
“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.”
Time: “The equivalent of two days every three months.”
Remuneration: None.
Closes: 08 February
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Commissioner for Public Appointments – Commissioner
“The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates the processes by which Ministers (including Welsh Ministers) make appointments to the boards of national and regional public bodies... the Commissioner will need to work closely with a number of stakeholders including (but not limited to); Ministers, Chairs of public bodies, senior officials/accounting officers in departments and officials in the Cabinet Office Centre for Public Appointments.”
Time: Two days per week on average.
Remuneration: £56,000 per annum.
Closes: 08 February
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NHS Pay Review Body/Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration – Members
“The positions available are an economist member (DDRB), a member representing Scotland (DDRB), and 2 members representing Northern Ireland – one for each of the review bodies.”
Time: Fifteen meetings per annum.
Remuneration: £300 per meeting.
Closes: 08 February
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Natural England – Board Member
“As one of the key scientists on the Board, the Chairman is likely to invite the new Board member to act as a member of Natural England’s Science Advisory Committee (NESAC) which provides advice, challenge and review of our science and evidence functions, and probably also to act as one of the Natural England representatives on the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).”
Time: Three days per month.
Remuneration: £328 per day (up to £11,808 per annum for a time commitment of 36 days).
Closes: 09 February
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Electoral Commission – Chair
“The new Chair will play a central role in setting the strategic direction of the Commission, help it to challenge established ways of thinking, engage a wide range of stakeholders, and work collaboratively to develop the organisation and its role for the future, building on its Vision 2020.”
Time: Two days per week.
Remuneration: £69,700
Closes: 12 February
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Social Security Advisory Committee – Member
“Essential skills and experience required in all candidates: An excellent understanding of the objectives of, current thinking on and issues affecting welfare reform; an ability to understand and analyse the details of complex proposals and evaluate and advise objectively on the basis of that analysis; evidence of working constructively and collaboratively with others; [and] a deep understanding of the political and financial context in which the social security system operates and of the Committee’s advisory role.”
Time: Approx. two-three days per month.
Remuneration: £256.80 per diem.
Closes: 12 February
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Ofsted – Non-Executive Board Members
“We would like to attract candidates who are passionate about education and understand the importance of independent inspection in promoting high standards. It is also essential that Board members are able to consider issues from a macro perspective and participate in long-term strategic and financial planning.”
Time: 20 days per annum.
Remuneration: £8,282 per annum.
Closes: 14 February
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DfID Investment Committee – Non-Executive Member
“The Investment Committee provides oversight of DFID systems, organisational culture and staff capability to ensure that they drive improved portfolio performance. The Committee provides leadership on, and a challenge function to, the direction and development of DFID’s overall portfolio.”
Time: Maximum six meetings per annum.
Remuneration: “Fee of £3,000 a year is available.”
Closes: 15 February
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Science Museum Group – Trustees
“The role of the Trustees is to establish SMG’s policy, have overall responsibility for financial decision-making, review performance and endorse appointments to key management positions. The Trustees assist the Chairman and the Executives of the Science Museum Group in delivering its statutory objectives and in formulating and implementing its other strategic aims.”
Time: “Minimum of the equivalent of 2 full days per month on average. In addition, Trustees’ advice may be sought at other times and their attendance at cultural events (including evenings) is greatly appreciated.”
Remuneration: “Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, subject to the Science Museum Group’s expenses policy.”
Closes: 15 February