Eight years ago, the TaxPayers’ Alliance reported that “in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories”.
It currently reports that almost half of avowedly political appointees last year owed their allegiance to Labour Party, compared to less than a third for the Conservatives.
Despite the selection of some Party members or supporters to fill important posts, over time, the Conservatives have punched beneath their weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply don’t apply in the same number as Labour supporters.
To help remedy this, each week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives can be aware of the opportunities presented.
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Arts Council England – Council Members
“This is an opportunity to utilise, and further develop, your leadership skills in a role that has an impact on a sector that helps contribute £10.8 billion to the UK economy. You will influence the direction of our work at a vitally important moment for Arts Council England, the sector we serve, and wider society. As a member of our National Council, you will gain a unique perspective of the broad ranging benefits of art and culture, and deepen your understanding of our sector’s national contribution: the quality jobs we help create and the many direct and secondary economic benefits of our work. You will also see the personal impact we make: lives enriched through individual creativity.”
Time: Up to 20 days per annum
Remuneration: ‘Reasonable travel and subsistence’.
Closes: 18 October
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The National Archives – Chair
“The National Archives’ Board is the key strategic advisory body of The National Archives, It advises and supports the Chief Executive and Keeper as accounting officer, providing scrutiny and challenge for strategic decision making. As Chair you will work closely with the Chief Executive and Keeper to set the agenda for the Board. You will be the conduit between The National Archives’ Non-executive Board Members and the Chief Executive and Keeper, as well as senior officials at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) with whom you will meet at least annually. You will also work with other Chairs and senior officials within the DCMS ‘family’ of arms-length bodies. The Chair of The National Archives’ Board will also chair the Nominations and Governance committee.”
Time: Approx 42 days per annum
Remuneration: £20,000 per annum.
Closes: 24 October
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Regulator of Social Housing – Chair
“The Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is seeking to appoint a Chair to the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). The Chair will help guide the next phase of the organisation’s growth and development. We are open to applicants with a wide range of skills and backgrounds and would welcome hearing from applicants who have experience leading an organisation through significant change. This Government is committed to improving the lived experience of social housing tenants. The Charter for Social Housing Residents: Social Housing White Paper recognised the role RSH plays in protecting and empowering social housing tenants through a robust regulatory framework, and committed to strengthen that further. RSH will therefore have a key role to play in delivering the reforms set out in the White Paper in what will be an exciting and challenging time to join the organisation.”
Time: Max 2 days per week.
Remuneration: £65,000 per annum.
Closes: 01 November
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Home Office – HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Chief Fire & Rescue Inspector
“HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) is an independent body that inspects and reports on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces in England and Wales, fire and rescue services in England and other nationwide law enforcement agencies. Through its inspections, the organisation monitors trends, challenges practice and identifies areas for improvement that provides the public with a clear, consistent and independent view of the quality of services in their local area. This ultimately allows both the public and their elected representatives to hold services to account. The post encompasses the dual roles of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Authorities in England.”
Time: Five years
Remuneration: £197.313 per annum.
Closes: 01 November
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BEIS – Non-Executive Board Member
“The BEIS Board sets the vision for the Department and guides its overarching policy. Board Members provide advice and challenge, based on business acumen and experience, to the Secretary of State and the Department’s executive team. The Board’s remit is set out in the Code of Good Practice for Corporate Governance in Central Government. We are looking for a fifth Non-Executive Member to join the Board who can challenge conventional approaches to policy development, inspire innovative thinking and push BEIS to continuously improve. In particular, we are looking for this appointment to have a dedicated focus on Energy and Climate Change.”
Time: 30 days per annum
Remuneration: £15,000 per annum.
Closes: 03 November
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Ofcom – Non-Executive Board Member
“Ofcom is the regulator for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications, wireless communications, radio and postal services. Ofcom has also taken on new duties in 2021 in regulating content on Video Sharing Platforms and has a new role in making sure telecoms networks have adequate cyber security. Ofcom is also preparing for new online duties to help make the internet a safer place. Ofcom is accountable to Parliament but is independent of both Government and those it regulates.”
Time: Up to 2 days per week
Remuneration: £42,519 per annum.
Closes: 10 November