Annex B
1. ESRC
The Government's "Science & innovation investment
framework 2004-2014" sets out its policy for the long term
sustainability of the research base in the UK. The Research Councils
are the main route through which public funds for the research
base are allocated. The Councils are not only responsible for
ensuring excellence in research and the efficient management of
public funds, but also for taking a strategic view of research
needs and its impact on society and the economy.
The Economic and Social Research Council is one of
the seven research councils. Incorporated by Royal Charter in
1965, ESRC is a Non-Departmental Public Body and is funded mainly
by grants from the Department for Innovation, Universities and
Skills.
The Council's objects are set out in its Royal Charter;
in summary they are to:
- promote and support, by any means, high-quality
basic, strategic and applied research and related postgraduate
training in the social sciences;
- advance knowledge and provide trained social
scientists who meet the needs of users and beneficiaries, thereby
contributing to the economic competitiveness of the UK, the effectiveness
of the public services and policy, and the quality of life; and
- provide advice on, and disseminate knowledge
and promote public understanding of the social sciences.
The ESRC's budget for 2008-09 is £165 million.
The Council employs around 120 staff at its Swindon head office.
ESRC works closely with other Research Councils through
Research Councils UK (RCUK) to:
- create a common framework for research,
training, knowledge transfer; and
- harmonise services to the academic
and stakeholder communities and other science funders (both UK
and international).
2. The Role of
Chair
The appointment will commence as soon as possible.
Lord Adair Turner, the previous Chair, retired in September 2008
to become the new Chair of the Financial Services Authority.
The Council's Chief Executive, Professor Ian Diamond, is acting
Chair in the interim.
The Chair will work with the full time Chief Executive,
who is the Council's Accounting Officer, and a Council of 14 members,
leading the ESRC in pursuit of its objects.
The Chair will act as the custodian of the Council's
objects and Charter objectives and is responsible for the overall
direction and management of the Council.
Job Description
The key responsibilities of the
role are:
- working with the Director General for Science
and Research, the ESRC Chief Executive and the Council in the
development of the Council's strategic direction and policies
to deliver ESRC's objects, within the overall framework of government
policy;
- working with the Director General for Science
and Research and the other Research Council Chairs and Chief Executives
on crossCouncil research and other wider science policy
issues;
- working to improve the links between ESRC, the
research community it supports, national and international research
funding and policy agencies, including learned and professional
institutions, and with Government;
- chairing Council meetings, typically four times
a year, some of which are all day meetings preceded by an evening
session, in a way that facilitates the corporate pursuit of Council
objectives; and
- chairing the Appointments Committee, which recommends
to the Secretary of State shortlists for Members of Council, and
assessing the performance of the Chief Executive and Council Members.
Person Specification
Experience and qualifications
The appointee will have the
following experience:
- senior leadership in a substantial and complex
organisation;
- non-executive or Chairing experience in a private
or public sector body;
- financial planning and management;
- operating in contexts where the ability to exercise
judgement across a broad spectrum of policy and high-level management
issues has been proved;
- dealing with complex, difficult discussions with
energy and diplomacy; and
- dealing effectively with governance and other
governing body management issues.
It would be desirable, but not essential, for candidates
to have experience either in a research led organisation or in
one that has a strong interface with such organisations.
Skills and personal qualities
Candidates will also demonstrate:
- excellent intellectual skills and good judgement;
and
- first class communication, relationship building
and persuasion skills
Candidates should have sufficient stature to lead
the Council effectively as Chair, and have an interest in ESRC's
research areas. Detailed knowledge of these areas is not necessary.
Conflicts of interest
Potential candidates should be aware that
the Council must avoid conflicts of interest in its work, and
therefore individuals with significant responsibilities in other
bodies funding economic and social research are not eligible to
apply. Applicants are asked to declare any potential conflicts
on the application form and to note that all members of Council
are required to declare any private, professional or commercial
interests that might conflict with the interests of the Council,
or which might be perceived by others as creating a conflict of
interest.
3. Terms and Conditions
Remuneration/benefits
This is a part time non-executive appointment
for which an honorarium is paid. The rate is currently £16,180
a year. Travel and other reasonable expenses will be paid.
Length of the appointment
The appointment is for four years in the first instance
with the possibility of reappointment.
There is a degree of flexibility in the role, but typically in
the order of 24 days a year are expected.
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