*Closes 14th November*

Introduction

The Government Lead Non-Executive (GLNED) works to coordinate activity and promote best practice across departmental non-executives to support the delivery of the government’s ambitious agenda. The GLNED achieves this through meeting regularly with departmental lead non-executive board members (NEBMs), individually and as a collective, and feed their views back to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service; and the Chief Executive of the Civil Service. The GLNED also works to ensure that those who are appointed to non-executive roles offer the best outcomes for government and members of the public through their mix of relevant skills, backgrounds and experience. The Government Lead Non-Executive reports to Parliament through an annual report to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee. This report will include the key concerns of the non-executive board member network and provide feedback on policy implementation. It will also collate examples of best practice in the work of boards and non-executive board members.

Role description

The role of the Government Lead Non-Executive is set out in the Code of Corporate Governance for Central Departments. It states that the Government Lead Non-Executive, appointed by the Prime Minister, should:

  • meet departmental lead non-executive board members, individually and as a collective, regularly (via telekit and formal Networks).
  • report to Parliament through an annual report to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on the work of NEBMs, including best practice in the work of boards.
  • lead the network of NEDs across Government – for example, by disseminating central priorities via meetings, conferences, newsletters etc.
  • set cross-cutting priorities for NEDs to focus on improving individual departments and wider government performance (e.g Missions and systems delivery, Talent, Major Projects, Outcome Delivery Plans, ALBs relationship).
  • communicate current productivity issues and work on potential resolutions with Ministers/PM.
  • participate as an interview panellist for departmental Lead NED appointments and for other recruitment campaigns where appropriate.
  • champion and promote the highest quality appointments to NEBM roles in departments.
  • chair committees on behalf of ministers or the Prime Minister (e.g. remuneration).
  • lead the annual performance reviews, as required, for senior officials, such as the  Cabinet Secretary and Permanent Secretary to the CO.
  • provide support to the Permanent Secretary Appraisal process (working closely with Departmental Lead NEDs and the Cabinet Secretary).
  • meet – where relevant – Ministers and Permanent Secretaries across Whitehall / Territorial Offices and HMRC on areas of potential working and collaboration.
  • undertake focused reviews (at the request of Ministers).

Government Lead Non-Executive Director

Number of vacancies x 1

Time commitment x 24 day(s) per annum

Remuneration £20000 per annum

Length of term x 3

Application deadline Midday on 14 November 2024

Organisation description

The Cabinet Office supports the Prime Minister and ensures the effective running of government. It is also the corporate headquarters for the government, in partnership with HM Treasury, taking the lead in certain critical policy areas.

We currently employ around 9,000 staff with our main offices in London and Glasgow, but we have staff based around the country. The Cabinet Office is supported by a number of arms’ length bodies.

We have responsibility for:

  • Supporting collective government, helping to ensure the effective development, coordination and implementation of policy
  • Promoting efficiency and reform across government through innovation, better procurement and project management, and by transforming the delivery of services
  • Supporting the National Security Council and the Joint Intelligence Organisation, coordinating the government’s response to crises and managing the UK’s cyber security
  • Promoting the release of government data, and making the way government works more transparent
  • Creating an exceptional Civil Service, improving its capability and effectiveness
  • Political and constitutional reform

Person specification

Essential criteria

  • Outstanding leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to conduct and develop diverse partner relationships at all levels.
  • A collaborative working style to facilitate providing individual support to NEBMs in departments to help them to deliver.
  • The role-holder needs to maintain the confidence of both the Prime Minister, other Cabinet Ministers, the Cabinet Secretary and the Civil Service Chief Operating Officer. They will be expected to draw on expertise gained through considerable experience in a senior executive leadership role and to be confident in offering multi-faceted advice to Ministers, officials and non-executives across government.
  • Experience of championing diversity and inclusion as a leader to ensure the NEBM cadre is able to provide challenge and diversity of thought from people of different backgrounds and experience.

Desirable criteria

  • Knowledge of government and public sector operations, delivery and finances.
  • Experience of systems leadership and setting up big systems for success.
  • Previous non-executive board member experience on a public or private sector board.

How to apply

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

Once you are logged into your account, click on ‘apply for this role’ and follow the on-screen instructions. To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

  • a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • a supporting statement
  • equality information
  • information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.