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: 12 May
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State Honours Committee – Chair
“There are nine specialist honours committees which recommend to the Head of the Civil Service candidates which for honours put forward by members of the public, government departments and professional bodies. Each committee has to select those it wishes to recommend for inclusion in the list which the Prime Minister submits to the Queen for the New Year and Birthday Honours Lists. There is now a vacancy for a new Chair of the State Committee. The successful candidate will also be invited to sit on the FCO Main Honours Committee.”
Time: Six days per annum
Remuneration: None.
Closes: 12 May
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UK Research & Innovation – Chief Finance Officer
“The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is now looking to appoint UK Research and Innovation’s Chief Finance Officer (CFO). The CFO will be vital to the success of this new organisation. Working closely with the interim Chair, the CEO, the Board (of which they will be a member) and stakeholders across the sector, the CFO will aid in the design and establishment of the new organisation, building vital relationships, developing strategy, and putting the working model for the new system in place. They will shape and lead a globally important, pioneering new organisation.”
Time: Full time.
Remuneration: Circa £142,000 per annum, plus pension and performance-based pay.
Closes: 15 May
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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: 26 May
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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