*Closes 02nd May*
Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking a Non-Executive Director with Digital, Technology and Cyber Security expertise to join the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Steering Board and act as member of our Audit & Risk Assurance Committee.
Like many public sector boards, the Steering Board is an advisory body to the Agency’s Accounting Officer and has no executive powers or responsibilities – its role is to challenge and support executives in delivering strategy, policy and customer objectives, and achieving value for money. Critical to the effectiveness of the Steering Board and it’s ARAC, is its ability to influence its stakeholders and to bring its collective wisdom to help to constantly improve the work and reputation of the Agency.
All our non-executives contribute to the Board’s work and the achievement of its objectives through Board and Committee meetings, and other tasks assigned by the Chair.
As a Non-Executive Board member, you will:
- attend all Steering Board meetings and maintain a high level of discussion and debate;
- provide advice about strategy and policy, and the delivery of customer objectives;
- ensure issues are explored from a range of viewpoints, promoting inclusion and engaging with stakeholders when necessary;
- review and provide advice about performance, respecting the principles of good governance, supporting and holding the executive to account without becoming involved in the running of the business;
- make well informed contributions to debate and discussion at Board meetings to aid collective decision-making;
- provide effective oversight of financial and risk management and governance;
- maintain high personal standards in relation to personal behaviour and uphold the Nolan principles of public life.
The Steering Board is chaired by Elizabeth Buchanan CVO,
APHA’s Lead Non-Executive Director. The Steering Board comprises of four other Non-Execs, the APHA Chief Executive, the APHA Directors and a range of Defra advisors and representation from the Welsh and Scottish Government.
APHA Audit & Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC)
The ARAC is a committee that reports to the Agency’s Steering Board. It is also an advisory body to the APHA Accounting Officer and has no executive powers or responsibilities.
The ARAC is essential to support and advise on issues of risk, control, governance and assurance and other related matters, and to assist audits and status within the agency.
ARAC comprises of three APHA Non-Executive Director members. In addition, there is an independent ARAC member, the APHA Chief Executive, the APHA Finance Director, a representative from Defra’s Internal Audit department and external auditors
As a member of the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee, you will:
· attend all ARAC meetings and maintain a high level of discussion and debate;
· Compliance with the Corporate Governance Code, Code of Conduct for ARAC Members and rules relating to the use of public funds and conflicts of interest;
· contribute to the delivery of the Annual Report & Accounts and Business Plans;
· communicate regularly with the other NEDs and senior officials.
Number of vacancies x 1
Time commitment – Adhoc
Remuneration – £500 per day
Length of term – 3 Years
Application deadline – Midday on 2 May 2025
Essential criteria
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are looking for a candidate who will bring diversity of thought to the work of the Steering Board and Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC), and who can demonstrate a passion for our work while bringing real expertise in digital, data and cyber security.
APHA holds a significant level of sensitive information equal to its range of statutory requirements and business delivery. APHA is undergoing an exciting and extensive programme of change with Defra’s Digital, Data, Technology and Security services to uplift our legacy technology estate to mitigate cyber security risks, and we are seeking a Non-Executive Director to join APHA during this exciting period, to provide constructive challenge and strategic leadership that helps ensure the successful implementation of this important programme of work.
You do not need to be an expert in animal and plant health, but someone who has already made a real difference as a non-executive or executive or who can demonstrate how they could do so in this very specific area of knowledge.
Essential criteria:
Digital, Technology and Cyber Security experience
In light of the substantial data assets that APHA manages, and the current programme being delivered to improve our IT systems, we are looking for a Non-Executive with a proven track record in leading and implementing large-scale digitally enabled transformation initiatives within similar complex public or private sector environments, to deliver service improvements and cost savings for the government, including impacts on people, process and technology.
Previous experience of delivering regulatory transformation or working in or with any of the following is required:
- Good understanding of relevant laws, regulations and industry standards relating to data protection, AI and AI ethics, in addition to cybersecurity frameworks, threat landscapes, and risk management practices to ensure robust protection of sensitive data and digital assets;
- Familiarity with economic crime, fraud detection or intelligence-led businesses;
- Knowledge of Government Digital Service Standard and/or other examples of benchmarking good practice in digital service delivery;
- Recent familiarity with any of the following robotic process automation (RPA) solutions, complex systems integration programmes, addressing legacy, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Application and selection process
our CV, statement and monitoring form should be returned to EXEC.OFFICE@apha.gov.uk by the closing date:12.00 (midday) on 02/05/2025 quoting reference APHA-NED-0125.
To apply, all candidates are required to submit:
- A copy of your CV (no more than two sides of A4), with education, professional qualifications, employment history and details of 2 referees;
- A statement of suitability (of up to 1,000 words or no more than two sides of A4), outlining how you meet the essential criteria for this post and providing specific examples;
- Completed monitoring form (Diversity Information and Conflicts of Interest Form)
For further information please email: EXEC.OFFICE@apha.gov.uk quoting reference APHA-NED-0125.
Please let us know if you need a change to be made so that you can make your application or require additional assistance to support you in your application.
