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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British Business Bank – Non-Executive Director
“Having grown and enjoyed significant success over the last three years, the British Business Bank (BBB) seeks to build on this momentum with the appointment of a new Independent Non-Executive Director. Independently managed but government owned, BBB’s remit is to ensure that the finance markets best serve the needs of SMEs (small and medium enterprises). By increasing the finance options open to this sector it ensures a more dynamic market.”
Time: 20 days per annum.
Remuneration: £25,000 per annum plus “reasonable expenses”.
Closes: 13 October
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Commission for Countering Extremism – Lead Commissioner
“The Lead Commissioner will be an independent voice on countering extremism and promoting British values. Where issues of integration arise, the Commissioner will engage with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and will have the opportunity to discuss findings that may benefit the wider integration agenda. S/he will work with a diverse group of commissioners with expertise across the public sector, law enforcement, online industry, civil society, faith, and equality and integration issues, among others. The Lead Commissioner will have a prominent public profile, presenting the Commission’s recommendations in public and holding the Government, public sector and partners to account for delivering on their commitments.”
Time: Up to 3 days per week.
Remuneration: £140,000 per annum, pro rata, plus expenses.
Closes: 15 October
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Westminster Foundation for Democracy – Independent Governor
“Established in 1992 to support the newly emerging democracies of Central and Eastern Europe, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), is a leading UK organisation supporting the development of political parties and democratic institutions around the world. WFD designs, develops and implements long-term political party and parliamentary strengthening programmes globally. It works with and through all the Westminster-based political parties, both on a sister party and cross-party basis and has projects and programmes in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as Eastern Europe and the Balkans.”
Time: Four board meetings a year plus 8-10 additional meetings.
Remuneration: Unpaid, reasonable travel costs.
Closes: 22 October
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Seafish Industry Authority – Non-Executive Chair
“The Chair will lead the Board, set the overall strategic operational direction of Seafish, ensuring good governance to allow Seafish to carry out its work efficiently, effectively and economically, holding the Executive to account. The non-executive Chair of the Seafish will be independent of the sea fish and sea food industry and have no financial or commercial interests that affect them in their role on the Board.”
Time: 30 days per annum.
Remuneration: £18,000 per annum.
Closes: 23 October
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Rural Payments Agency – Chair of the Audit, Risk, and Assurance Committee
“Established in 1992 to support the newly emerging democracies of Central and Eastern Europe, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), is a leading UK organisation supporting the development of political parties and democratic institutions around the world. WFD designs, develops and implements long-term political party and parliamentary strengthening programmes globally. It works with and through all the Westminster-based political parties, both on a sister party and cross-party basis and has projects and programmes in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as Eastern Europe and the Balkans.”
Time: 30 days per annum.
Remuneration: £500 per diem plus travel and subsistence.
Closes: 24 October
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Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council – Executive Chair
“We are seeking an inspirational individual with international standing and a proven track record to lead the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) as its Executive Chair, once it becomes one of the nine Councils of UK Research and Innovation in April 2018. As part of UK Research and Innovation’s Executive Committee, the Executive Chair will have a critical role within UK Research and Innovation and in championing and increasing the impact of biotechnological and biological research. The BBSRC’s Executive Chair may also be responsible for leading and delivering one or more cross cutting areas for UK Research and Innovation, on behalf of all the Councils.”
Time: Five days per week.
Remuneration: “Will be discussed with individual candidates”.
Closes: 12 November
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Industrial Injuries Advisory Council – Chair
“The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) is a scientific, advisory, Non-Departmental Public Body. It is a statutory body established under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act 1946, which came into effect on 4 July 1948. IIAC’s role is to provide independent advice to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on: matters relating to industrial injuries benefit or its administration that he has referred to the Council; any other matter relating to such benefit or its administration (principally the prescription of diseases within the scheme); and any regulations he proposes to make relating to industrial injuries benefit or its administration.”
Time: 60 days per annum.
Remuneration: £15,000 per annum.
Closes: 12 November