Five 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 week 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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Social Mobility Commission – Chair
“This is an exciting opportunity to fundamentally shape the social mobility agenda. The Chair leads the Social Mobility Commission, shaping its direction and priorities, and ensuring that it fulfils its remit, as set out in legislation. You will: utilise the knowledge and experience of the other Commissioners, actively engaging them with the business of the Commission; oversee major research reports and publications, including the Commission’s Annual Report, which is laid before parliament; build effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including Ministers, senior government officials and experts in the field (including engaging Ministers in the Commission’s priorities and, potentially, being asked to advise Ministers on particular issues); be an advocate for the social mobility agenda, holding to account and challenging key institutions; and be the public spokesperson for the Commission, regularly speaking at events and to the media.”
Time: Approx days per month.
Remuneration: “Reasonable expenses.”
Closes: 30 March
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UK Atomic Energy Authority – Chair
“The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is one of the world’s leading research organisations supporting the development of fusion energy. Its primary mission is to lead the commercial development of fusion power and related technology and position the UK as a leader in sustainable nuclear energy. Fusion research is managed at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE)… UKAEA has 1180 staff and agency supplied workers, including world-leading scientists and engineers, fostering close links with international partners, industry and academic institutions; it also supports the development of the Culham Science Centre and Harwell science, innovation, technology and business campus. It is a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).”
Time: 25 days per annum.
Remuneration: £25,000 per annum.
Closes: 04 April
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Office of Gas and Electicity Markets – Chair
“The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) is a non-ministerial government department and an independent National Regulatory Authority, recognised by EU Directives. Its principal objective when carrying out our functions is to protect the interests of existing and future electricity and gas consumers. It does this in a variety of ways including: promoting value for money; promoting security of supply and sustainability, for present and future generations of consumers, domestic and industrial users; the supervision and development of markets and competition; and regulation and the delivery of government schemes.”
Time: “The post-holder will work 3-3.5 days per week (negotiable).”
Remuneration: “The Chair will receive a part-time pay at the rate of £160-170,000 per annum.”
Closes: 04 April
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HS2 Ltd – Chair
“The Chair of the HS2 Ltd Board will be responsible for shaping, challenging and directing the strategy for HS2 Ltd in delivering the requirement, and ensure that the Board, the executive and the organisation operate effectively and responsibly. He/she will lead the Board in holding the executive to account for the effective and efficient delivery of the programme, for building the organisation, and for the overall performance of HS2 Ltd, including: ensuring the Company has robust risk management, internal controls and assurance processes; ensuring efficient and effective use of staff and other resources…”
Time: 3 days per week.
Remuneration: £230-250,000 per annum.
Closes: 06 April
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NHS Counter-Fraud Authority – Chair
“On 1 November 2017 the NHSCFA, a new special health authority, took over responsibility for tackling fraud and corruption in the NHS in England. The NHSCFA replaced NHS Protect and has been created as a standalone body to provide the independence required to counter fraud and protect resources intended for patient care. The DHSCAFU has overall responsibility for the scope, strategy and direction of all counter fraud activity across the health service. It is also the DHSC sponsor for the NHSCFA. Aligned with the DHSC Health Group Counter Fraud strategy, the NHSCFA acts as the principal lead for the NHS and wider health group in counter fraud intelligence work.”
Time: 2-3 days per month.
Remuneration: £230-250,000 per annum.
Closes: 11 April
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Office for Strategic Coordination of Health Research – Chair
“The Office for Strategic Coordination of Health Research (OSCHR) was established in order to: bring alignment on the MRC, NIHR and other government funders of health research in Scotland & Wales; bring about effective cross-working arrangements whilst maintaining some clarity of the funding landscape; eliminate unnecessary duplication; bring about increased capacity and capability for translational research; and drive stronger partnerships with industry & medical research charity funders. Since 2007, the OSCHR Board has demonstrated a powerful capacity to work across government through collaboration, addressing many of the issues required to ensure a comprehensive health research environment and leading to improved health outcomes and economic growth.”
Time: Up to 20 days per annum.
Remuneration: £7,000 per annum.
Closes: 20 April