Vehicle Certification Agency Non-Executive Director

Moving Britain Ahead

August 2016

1. Background to the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

1 The Department for Transport (DfT) delivers the Government’s transport strategy. Operational delivery of services is provided by a number of arms’ length bodies, ranging from Network Rail to individual trust ports. Services to drivers and vehicle owners are provided by the Department’s executive agencies; - Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) - Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) - Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) - Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) 2 These have no legal existence aside from the Secretary of State they serve. However, the organisation of services within an agency provides a focus for efficient management of services. 3 The VCA was established in 1990 and is an Executive Agency of the DfT. The VCA’s main business is delivering its responsibilities to the Secretary of State for Transport as the UK Type Approval Authority for new on and off-road vehicles, systems and components. VCA is responsible for approving that products have been designed and constructed to meet internationally agreed standards of safety and environmental protection. For this activity the agency is operating in a competitive market place with other type approval authorities worldwide. The VCA also publishes a database of CO2 emissions from passenger cars which underpins the graduated Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and Company Car tax schemes. As at 2015/16 the VCA employs 147 permanent members of staff. 4 VCA is also the administrator for the approval of packages, tanks, and receptacles for the carriage of dangerous goods. It issues Vehicle Special Orders on behalf of DfT, to permit vehicles to use public roads that are unable to meet vehicle regulations because of their specialised design. 5 VCA main headquarters office is in Bristol, with an office and test facilities on the MIRA site at Nuneaton and an office at the Millbrook Proving Ground near Milton Keynes. Worldwide there are offices in the US (long established offices in Northville Michigan, and Ashland Ohio), Asia-Pacific (Japan), Malaysia, China, India, Italy and Australia. We also have agents in many other locations around the world, enabling us to satisfy the needs of vehicle manufacturers wherever they are based. 6 Each year VCA delivers: • 23,162 European Type Approvals • 22 Conformity of Production Audits – New UK clients

• 2,450 MSC Audit Days

Future plans

7 In May 2016, DfT published a motoring services strategy setting out its plans for the motoring agencies to the end of the current Parliament. In the strategy, VCA commits to: • Conducting an end-to-end review of the approval process to establish where the user experience may be improved by employing additional digital tools and resources. • Looking at the extent to which the current portfolio of activities and overseas operations sit well together and meet Government aims. • Ensuring that VCA continues to be able to meet the needs of industry, whilst providing assurance to consumers and Ministers • Reviewing its presence overseas.

8 Since the strategy was published, the UK has voted to leave the European Union. This will have an impact on some of the current activity of VCA, and its overseas offices, but also represents an opportunity to the current portfolio of the agency. 9 The Agency agrees a business plan with the Department each year, setting out forecast business volumes, performance indicators and financial forecasts. These are monitored by the Department’s agency sponsorship team. Plans for 2016/17 include continuing to take forward the Government Digital Strategy for our services and continuing to grow core product lines to meet our cost recovery objective, as well as delivering financial, FTE & sickness performance in line with the business plan.

Governance

10 The VCA is responsible to the Secretary of State for Transport, in whose name it acts. It is headed by an executive board, composed of the Chief Executive, Pia Wilkes, who took up post in November 2016, six executive directors and two non- executive directors (NEDs). 11 For more information about VCA, please see the Agency’s Business Plan 2016 - 2017 and Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16.

2. The Role

1 As part of our ambitious programme of change for the agency, we are seeking to appoint a non-executive director (NED) for the VCA Board, to provide additional support to the new Chief Executive, Pia Wilkes, and to provide challenge and assurance to the VCA Board as they ensure the Agency provides an effective, high- quality service to the automotive industry. We are looking for an individual with international trade experience and an understanding of the UK automotive industry who can help challenge and support the Agency in developing its future role going forward. 2 The post is based in Bristol, but the role may require visits to other VCA sites across Great Britain, and to DfT headquarters in London and, possibly, the other motoring agencies’ locations. Some overnight stays may be necessary. 3 The contract will run for two years (with an option to extend), starting as soon as convenient. There will be some flexibility in how the successful candidate works within the role, but it is envisaged that it will take up 20-25 days per year. The post attracts a per diem rate of £430. Reasonable travel and subsistence costs will also be reimbursed.

Role and responsibilities

4 The NED’s principal responsibility is to attend the VCA Executive Board with the purpose of supporting and challenging the strategic direction of the Agency, and its performance. The NED will provide scrutiny on any ongoing reviews and support the Chief Executive Officer to deliver VCA’s business plan. 5 A NED Chair is likely to be recruited in 2017. The NED will work with the VCA NED Chair once recruited, as well as with DfT, to ensure consistent and robust governance arrangements for VCA and across the DfT Group. 6 The successful candidate will be expected to: • prepare for and make an effective contribution to the VCA Board and executive/ NED meetings (around ten half-day meetings per year); • support Management Board conferences (typically 2 per year at 1-2 days per conference); • be a member of the VCA Audit Committee (3-4 meetings per year); • support the Chief Executive by using their experience to challenge and support the operational and delivery implications of policy and strategic proposals; • work closely with, and hold to account, the executive team for delivery of the Agency’s Business Plan and budget;

Person specification

7 The successful candidate will possess a good appreciation of the role of a non- executive director; they will understand and be committed to the pivotal role that the Board plays in underpinning confidence in VCA services and will demonstrate independence of judgment and an ability to provide constructive challenge. 8 We are looking for someone who has proven experience with international trade and an understanding of the UK automotive industry to help challenge and support the Agency in developing its future role going forward. The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate that they are able to engage positively and collaboratively in Board discussions and have a passion for delivering excellence. 9 As part of your application, you should provide a supporting statement that provides examples of your experience in meeting the appointment criteria listed below under ‘knowledge and experience’. For those invited for interview, these responses will be further developed and those listed under ‘skills, ability and style’ will also be probed. Knowledge and experience Essential • Strong leadership skills, with the ability to set strategic direction in a complex subject area, and support others to do so • Ability to command the confidence of and influence stakeholders at all levels, including industry and other public bodies and agencies • Recent Executive experience (circa 5 years) with a track record of operating in a competitive market place • The ability to provide value for money to customers by delivering efficiencies and transforming an organisation • The ability to act as a public figurehead and advocate for the Agency. In particular being able to convey complex messages to a variety of audiences clearly Desirable • An in-depth understanding of the automotive industry

• A strong awareness of corporate governance with the ability to assess risk and promote risk awareness without being risk averse

• Experience of working with and have an ability to command the confidence of and influence stakeholders • Public company board experience in a specialty, technology driven businesses as Non-Executive Director Skills, abilities and style • Enthusiasm and demonstrable interest in the role • Strong communication skills, including an ability to offer challenge in a constructive, straightforward and open manner • The ability to engage and communicate effectively with senior officials and politicians, industry leaders and the supply chain

• Undisputed integrity, personal standing, and credibility • A strong intellect and demonstrable capability to support organisations through change

Purpose of the Board

10 The VCA Board’s broad purpose is to provide direction, scrutiny and challenge on the Agency’s strategy, performance and capability. Its remit includes the following functions: Scrutiny • oversight and scrutiny of the performance and financial position of the Agency • advising on agency policies, projects and programmes • ensuring the design, capability and capacity of the Agency matches current and future commitments and plans • agreeing the Agency’s annual report and accounts and governance statement Monitoring • monitoring progress against Business Plan commitments and corporate planning objectives • reviewing key risks and effectiveness of risk management processes Advisory • contributing to the Agency’s strategic vision and ensuring decisions are based on a holistic appreciation of internal policy goals and wider external issues • considering the appropriate allocation of Agency resources and budget.

3. Application Process

1 To apply, please provide the following: • a cover letter that outlines your motivation for applying for the job • your CV • a supporting statement (no more than two pages of A4), explaining how your qualifications, skills and experience meet the requirements of the post • contact details (which must include an email address) of two referees who can be contacted to provide a reference prior to interview • a completed Equality Monitoring Form. 2 Please note that returning the diversity monitoring questionnaire is mandatory. If you do not return the form your application will automatically be sifted out of the process. The form will not be seen by anyone involved in the recruitment process and is simply a method to collect information for us to improve the diversity of the Department for Transport. 3 Your application should be emailed to [email protected], and should include reference Non-Executive Director in the subject line. 4 The closing date for receipt of completed documentation is 10am on 19 th December 2016. 5 We intend to interview shortlisted candidates in London or Bristol. If you are unable to make this date, please let us know. However, it is unlikely we will be able to offer an alternative date once appointments have been scheduled. 6 Candidates will be informed at each stage of the process whether they have been successful or not.

Contact Information

7 Should you wish to have an informal, confidential discussion about the appointment, please contact Paul Higgs/Pia Wilkes on [email protected]/[email protected]

Equal Opportunities

8 The Department for Transport values equality and diversity in employment and a socially inclusive transport system. We are committed to being an organisation in which fairness and equality of opportunity are central to our business and working relationships and where the organisational culture reflects and supports these values.

9 In DfT you have the right to a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation regardless of race, ethnic or national origin, age, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, working hours, union membership, union office or union activity.

Complaints

10 If you feel your application has not been treated appropriately, and you wish to make a complaint, you should, in the first instance, contact: Debbie Riley Head of Departmental Resourcing Group DfT Group HR Operations The Innovation Facility Richard Ley Development Centre Upper Fforest Way Swansea Vale SA7 0AN

4. The Nolan Principles of Public Life

Those taking up public appointments are expected to adhere to the Principles of Public Life enunciated by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (the Nolan Principles).

Selflessness

Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.

Integrity

Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity

In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness

Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty

Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interests.

Leadership

Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.