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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Falkland Islands Government – Attorney General
“The role of Attorney General represents a truly unique opportunity for an exceptional individual to build on the achievements of the current postholder who leaves office in the coming months. As the principal legal adviser in the Islands the successful applicant will be required to advise the Governor, the Chief Executive and the Government on the full breadth of Government activities and carry out the equivalent role of DPP. The successful applicant will lead a small team of qualified lawyers and other support staff and will be a member of the Corporate Management Team. They will also advise the Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.”
Time: Full time.
Remuneration: £109-130,000 per annum.
Closes: 03 February
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Student Loans Company – Non-Executive Director
“Established in 1989, the SLC is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body which undertakes a number of functions related to the provision of student and learner financial support on behalf of DfE and the Devolved Administrations. It manages a nationally significant Income Contingent Repayment loan book with a value of £86.7 billion, processes around 1.8 million student finance applications each year, and pays out over £7 billion in maintenance loans and grants to students and over £8 billion to higher and further education providers.”
Time: Full time.
Remuneration: £12-17,000 per annum depending on duties.
Closes: 05 February
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Welsh Revenue Authority – Non-Executive Members
“The devolution of new borrowing and tax powers is an important development and provides Wales with an exciting opportunity to develop its funding arrangements so they best meet Welsh circumstances and priorities. Earlier this year, the National Assembly approved its first Welsh tax legislation – the Tax Collection and Management (Wales) Act 2016. This provides powers for tax administration, including those to establish the first ever Welsh tax authority – the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA). From April 2018, the Welsh Government is looking to have in place a fully-functioning, efficient and effective regime for collecting and managing Welsh taxes.”
Time: Three days per month approx.
Remuneration: £300 per diem.
Closes: 06 February
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NHS Blood and Transplant – Chair
“As the Chair of NHSBT you will be responsible for leading the Board and developing an effective partnership with the Chief Executive, whilst setting the tone for excellent and constructive working relationships between NHSBT and key stakeholders. You will also oversee the formulation of the Board’s strategy and ensure that executive directors receive constructive challenge.”
Time: Three days per week max.
Remuneration: £63,000 per diem.
Closes: 10 February
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Nuclear Liabilities Fund – Chair/Trustee
“The chair will lead an expert board and work closely with senior stakeholders and partners in industry and in Government, as well as act as spokesperson and advocate for the NLF. The chair is responsible for the delivery of the investment policy set by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and for ensuring that the NLF board takes all necessary actions to fulfil its responsibilities, including monitoring and reviewing the implementation of the investment strategy and portfolio performance, monitoring and managing risks to, and opportunities for, the Fund and regularly reviewing the Fund’s sufficiency, including liquidity requirements.”
Time: From two and a half to four days per month.
Remuneration: £28,500 to £31,200 per diem.
Closes: 10 February
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The Office for Students – Chief Executive
“The Chief Executive is a full time executive role at the forefront of the Government’s Higher Education reform agenda. The Chief Executive will both lead the creation of the OfS in the run up to its legal establishment in April 2018, and lead the operational work of the OfS in its first years of existence. This role will be integral to the success of this new organisation, having responsibility for a multi-faceted organisation with a substantial budget.”
Time: Full time.
Remuneration: £200,000 per annum, plus benefits.
Closes: 13 February
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UK Research & Innovation – Board Members
“The UKRI Board will be expected to support the set-up of the organisation, providing clear strategic direction and oversight, promoting the importance of UK Research and Innovation and supporting the senior leadership team of the organisation to embed new ways of working across UKRI… As well as the above requirements which would be expected for all UKRI Board Members, there are specific roles on the Board that will require additional expertise, and a larger time commitment to UKRI.”
Time: 20 days per annum.
Remuneration: £9.180 per annum, plus £459 per diem for extra days.
Closes: 17 February