Appointment of the Chair of Natural England - Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Contents

Appendix 3

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Extracts from information pack provided for applicants to the position of Chair of Natural England

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Post title: Chair

Location: Natural England has a small HQ at Sheffield, with offices located throughout the English regions, including a small office in London on Victoria Street.

Salary: £71,665 per annum

Reports to: Secretary of State

The Board of Natural England has collective responsibility for:

• determining the organisation's strategic direction and policies;
• ensuring that the body discharges its statutory duties within the framework specified by Ministers;
• ensuring that the body is properly and effectively managed, to safeguard propriety, economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its operation, and
• providing stewardship for the public funds entrusted to the organisation.

In addition to Chairing the Board of Natural England, the Chair will:

• oversee the efficient delivery of Natural England's strategic outcomes ensuring the effective management of the executive and providing challenge to the Senior Management Team;
• provide visible leadership and direction for the vision and values of Natural England;
• represent Natural England to Ministers, stakeholders and those who can help deliver Natural England's objectives;
• cultivate excellent working relationships with Defra, other Government Departments, NDPBs, agencies within the Defra family and with other stakeholders and partners.

Key Responsibilities

The post holder will be expected to:

• command the respect of the Natural England Board and staff, and of those organisations and people from national, international, regional and local level with whom it deals;
• provide strategic and inspirational leadership;
• understand the work which Natural England undertakes and the institutional environment in which it operates;
• foster constructive partnership working, both within Natural England and the broader stakeholder community;
• foster an appropriate, supportive and vibrant management style and corporate culture within the organisation;
• provide an impartial and independent input to the Board's discussions; and
• ensure Natural England delivers outcomes agreed with Defra and its objectives are consistent with those of Defra whilst maintaining the traditional independence of an NDPB.

ROLE SPECIFICATION

As a candidate you will be required to provide in your application form concrete examples of your proven experience and activities in the criteria listed at 1 to 6 below. This will help the panel assess your suitability for this position.

If you are successful in proceeding to the next stage of the process you will be invited to participate in a preliminary interview with the Veredus where the evidence you have provided in your application form will be explored further.

Essential Criteria

Candidates must demonstrate the following competencies through the application form and at interview (if selected to attend)

1. strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate, negotiate, influence and build relationships at all levels;

2. the ability to provide impartial, objective and pragmatic advice;

3. an ability to conceptualise and to think creatively at a strategic level;

4. an understanding of and commitment to the conservation, enhancement and management of the natural environment and the principles of sustainable development

5. proven leadership qualities at a strategic level in either an executive or non-executive capacity preferably within a large organisation, and

6. a good understanding of organisational, management, business planning, financial accountability and propriety issues.

Desirable

It would also be desirable for candidates to be able to demonstrate:

a. an understanding of the public sector framework within which Natural England operates;

b. experience as a non executive chair of a large organisation, and

c. experience across the range of Natural England's responsibilities.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Period of appointment

Appointments are normally for up to three years and restricted to a maximum of two terms. The length of these terms will be determined by any statutory constraints or be a matter for a decision by Ministers. In total, though, an appointee cannot serve more than a total of ten years.

Re-appointments may be made subject to satisfactory performance assessment and will be at the discretion of Ministers.

Appointment for this vacancy will be initially for three years.

Board working methods and procedures

The Chair is expected to spend 3 days a week on Natural England business. This time commitment includes time preparing for meetings and travelling time.

The Board normally meets 6 times a year, in February, April, June, September, November and December with some meetings at Natural England's Headquarters in Sheffield and others at other locations throughout England.

Board members are treated as working from home.

Conduct

The Chair is expected to observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity in relation to stewardship of public funds and management of Natural England. Appointees should not use information gained in the course of this appointment for personal gain or to promote other interests. The appointee will be directly responsible to Defra Ministers. Any appointment can be terminated early by the Secretary of State if the appointee fails to perform his or her duties to a satisfactory standard.

Availability

It is anticipated that the successful candidates will take up post in December 2009.

Qualifications

Candidates may come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and a variety of age groups. No specific academic or professional qualifications are specified. Candidates are expected to be highly accomplished within their chosen field or discipline.

Remuneration

The current remuneration for Natural England Chair is set at £71,665 per annum, on the basis of a time input of 3 days per week. Reasonable travel expenses are also paid.

This appointment is pensionable.

Location of Offices

Natural England has a small HQ at Sheffield, with offices located throughout the English regions, including a small office in London on Victoria Street.

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Prepared 2 December 2009