Appendix 3: Details of the recruitment process
Job advertisement
Chair of the Office for Students - £60,000 - London and Bristol
Time commitment–two days per week
Contract - 4 years, subject to performance
The creation of the Office for Students (OfS) through the Higher Education and Research Bill represents one of the most significant reforms to the regulation and oversight of higher education in England. The OfS will have responsibility for operating a new regulatory framework that puts the interests of students at the heart of the system, with a strong focus on promoting choice and competition in the provision of higher education. The role of the OfS is set out in more detail in the Government’s White Paper, ‘Success as a Knowledge Economy’.
The Secretary of State is seeking to appoint a Chair who can provide strong leadership and insight to the OfS. Working with the Board and Ministers, the Chair will provide strategic direction, support and challenge to the CEO and the executive team.
This pivotal role as the first Chair of the OfS offers the opportunity to make a real and tangible contribution to the Government’s wider commitment to raising standards in education and improving social mobility. Candidates will have held senior public or private sector positions and possibly some non-executive roles. Educational and/or regulatory experience is desirable.
Person Specification
The successful candidate had to demonstrate how they met the following essential criteria in their application:
- Substantial experience of senior leadership in a large and complex organisation.
- A track record of managing corporate change, particularly establishing a new organisation or leading a restructure, and setting strategic direction in this context.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills to build relationships across the sector and command the respect of the diverse range of higher education providers, as well as students and employers.
- An appreciation of how to work effectively with Government or as a regulator.
- Demonstrate strategic thinking and sound judgement as well as influencing skills to promote the interests of the OfS and pursue strategic opportunities.
- Candidates will demonstrate experience and understanding that covers one or more of business, higher education, regulation or Government.
- Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of how to promote social mobility.
Role profile
The successful candidate would have a proven record of successful leadership and a commitment to delivering excellence in higher education. He or she must be highly credible with a reputation for integrity.
The Chair of the OfS is appointed by the Secretary of State for Education and will:
- Take a leading role in the formation of the OfS including advising Ministers on the recruitment and selection of the non-executive board and the key executive positions of Chief Executive and Director for Fair Access and Participation, ensuring they incorporate a range of experience noted in the Bill and reflect the diversity of the sector.
- Work with the Chief Executive, and appropriate partners to develop a new organisational design and culture for the OfS and manage the transition from current arrangements to the OfS.
- In conjunction with Ministers, the Chief Executive and the board, develop the OfS’ strategic direction and policies.
- Build effective relationships with partners and engage with the academic and business community, Government departments, Parliament as well as other public, private and third sector partners to establish the OfS as a credible and effective independent market regulator.
- Oversee the OfS in the successful pursuit of its objectives, providing the strategic leadership, direction, and vision necessary to achieve its aims as an independent regulator promoting student choice and competition.
- Work closely with the Chief Executive to set the strategic direction of the OfS on an ongoing basis and deliver an effective and efficient organisation through robust financial management and governance.
- Develop lasting and strategic opportunities with UK Research and Innovation and other public bodies to share data and work together on areas of common interest.
Remuneration
- The Chair will receive an honorarium of £60,000 per annum for a time commitment of 2 days per week.
- Remuneration is taxable under Schedule E and subject to Class I National Insurance contributions. It is not pensionable.
- The Chair will also be eligible to claim expenses for travel and subsistence costs necessarily incurred on OfS business.
Recruitment panel
The selection panel comprised of Olivia Grant (Public Appointments Assessor and Chair of Panel), Ruth Hannant (Director of Higher Education Reform, Department for Education) and three independent members: Nicola Dandridge (Chief Executive of Universities UK), Lord David Currie (Chair of the Competition and Markets Authority) and Neil Carberry (Director for People and Skills at the CBI).
Outcome of recruitment panel
Table 1: Outcome of recruitment process
|
Applications received |
39 |
|
Applications shortlisted |
10 |
|
Candidates interviewed |
9 (one candidate dropped out prior to interview) |
|
Candidates considered appointable |
4 |
Source: Department for Education
The OfS Chair competition was launched on 27 October 2016 via press release and was advertised on the Cabinet Office Centre for Public Appointments website and the websites of: The Guardian, The Economist and Times Higher Education. The advert also appeared in print in The Guardian, The Economist and The Times Higher Education and received some attention through social media. The closing date was advertised as 24 November 2016.
On 22 November the deadline was extended with the agreement of the Minister and the panel Chair to 1st December and this was updated on the websites mentioned above. The chair subsequently agreed to accept 2 late applications from candidates. Interviews were conducted on 11 and 12 January 2017
Diversity information
The diversity of the field during the competitions is set out below.
Table 1: Diversity of candidates
|
Number of applicants |
Shortlist |
Appointable candidates |
|
|
Candidates |
39 |
10 |
4 |
|
Male |
28 |
7 |
3 |
|
Female |
11 |
3 |
1 |
|
Black, Asian and mixed Minority Ethnic background |
12 |
1 |
0 |
|
Declared disability (diversity questionnaire or Interview Access Scheme form) |
2 |
0 |
0 |
Source: Department for Education
22 February 2017