Candidate Brief
Brief for the position of Government Chief Scientific Advisor February 2017
Contents Foreword from Sir Jeremy Heywood Page 2 The Government Office for Science Page 3 The Role Page 4 Person Specification Page 4 Terms and Conditions Page 6 Selection and Recruitment Process Page 8 Timetable Page 9 Application Instructions Page 9 How to Apply Page 10 Appendix A: Civil Service Leadership Statement Page 12 Appendix B: Guaranteed Interview Scheme Page 13 Appendix C: Civil Service Code Page 14
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Candidate Brief, February 2017 2 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
Foreword from Sir Jeremy Heywood, Cabinet Secretary
I am delighted that you want to know more about the position of Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) – the Government’s most prominent scientific expert. It is a key post supporting the Prime Minister, Minister for Science and other members of Cabinet, Heads of Department (Permanent Secretaries), and myself, in ensuring that government decisions are based on the best possible evidence and analysis. This role provides the opportunity to give advice on some of the biggest issues facing the UK at this time. Successive GCSAs have provided critical advice at times of national or international emergency. They have provided vital insights and support on key long term issues such as the implications of climate change, where science and engineering are creating opportunities to improve people’s lives and the UK’s competitiveness, or where new insights can help the UK to better manage major risks. Working closely with other heads of analytical professions, the GCSA leads the Government Science and Engineering professional community and the network of departmental chief scientific advisers. We are looking for someone who has earned respect at the most senior levels in the academic community and who is also capable of being credible at the heart of government; someone who is able to build consensus and understanding, but who can also provide independent insight and robust challenge where that is called for and ensure that the best scientific thinking helps to inform government priorities and planning. The UK has many world leading scientists and engineers. If you are passionate about ensuring that the UK Government is also world leading in its ability to draw on the best advice that science and engineering can offer, then I hope you will consider this unique leadership role.
Sir Jeremy Heywood
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Candidate Brief, February 2017 3 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
The Government Office for Science
The GCSA is supported by the Government Office for Science (GO-Science) which ensures that government policies and decisions are informed by the best scientific evidence and strategic long-term thinking. GO-Science is a professional and innovative department of 60 people, which has the potential to make a huge difference to the business of Government. GO-Science consists of the GCSA’s Private Office, the Deputy Head (SCS Pay Band 2) and four teams each headed at Deputy Director (SCS Pay Band 1) level. GO-Science works across teams to provide scientific advice on three priority themes:
Science for resilience Science and technology for the economy Evidence and analysis for policy
GO-Science adds value to policy-makers by: Acting as a transmission mechanism between leading scientists, engineers, technologists and social scientists from academia and industry, and Whitehall policy-makers; Having high quality futures capability which enables rapid horizon scanning work, including on emerging technologies and more in depth foresight work to understand longer term issues and trends; Working across Whitehall departments on complex issues that go beyond the domain of individual departments; and Proactively identifying gaps and opportunities for the UK, particularly in emerging technologies, to drive economic growth. GO-Science also houses the secretariat for the PM’s Council for Science and Technology, an independent advisory body of which the GCSA is co-Chair. While operationally independent GO-Science is, for administrative purposes, part of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. It is based in the BEIS building at 1 Victoria Street. It has a total budget of around £6 million per year, the majority for staff costs.
For more information about GO-Science visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/government-office-for-science
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Candidate Brief, February 2017 4 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
The Role The GCSA reports to the Cabinet Secretary and liaises regularly with the Minister for Science. The post holder will ensure that the best scientific and technical advice is available across a very broad spectrum of topics which will be used to support policy development and decision making in different contexts and will provide independent advice, scrutiny and challenge as appropriate. As Head of Profession, the GCSA is responsible for the management and leadership of the Government Office for Science and for leading the Government Science and Engineering Profession, which has 10,000 members.
The Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) is responsible for:
Providing scientific advice personally to the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet.
Ensuring and improving the quality and use of scientific evidence and advice in government.
Leading the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies, which advises COBR.
As required, representing the Government internationally on science and technology issues.
Heading the Government’s Foresight and Horizon Scanning activities.
Leading the network of departmental Chief Scientific Advisers.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will have the following:
A first class reputation in science or engineering demonstrated by international recognition, Fellowship of the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering or equivalent, and a strong research and publication record.
The ability to assimilate, evaluate and interpret scientific findings and advice across the full spectrum of disciplines, where necessary at short notice and under pressure, to command the confidence and support of Ministers and senior officials.
Excellent policy and analytical skills at the strategic level, and the ability to work at the highest levels across academia, business and government departments, exercising impartial and objective judgement, to achieve the best results for the Government.
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Candidate Brief, February 2017 5 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
Highly developed communication skills with the ability to adapt to the needs of a diverse range of audiences, including the public, to deliver information with authority and sensitivity, particularly in times of crisis.
The ability to manage the Government Office for Science by communicating a clear vision and motivating and driving staff to reach their full potential. Effective leadership skills and the ability to put into place systems, people and skills to enable the office to deliver its objectives and ensure future capability to meet the challenges ahead.
The gravitas and experience to provide leadership as the Head of Profession to the Government Science and Engineering Profession and to play an active role as a member of the Top 200 group of civil servants. This includes contributing to the corporate Civil Service agenda and by participating in weekly meetings of Permanent Secretaries and other governance groups of Permanent Secretaries as required.
The ability to build on and develop influential networks across academia, government, industry and other stakeholders, nationally and internationally.
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Candidate Brief, February 2017 6 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
Terms and Conditions
This post is a Senior Civil Service post at Permanent Secretary level (SCS Pay Band 4). Terms and conditions for Senior Civil Servants have been revised and successful applicants on promotion will be expected to accept the new terms.
Tenure The successful candidate will hold this post for five years from the date of appointment. There is no presumption in favour of renewal, but renewals for a shorter period than five years may be possible where performance has been clearly demonstrated, following consultation with the Minister for Science and Cabinet Secretary and at the discretion of the Prime Minister.
Eligibility This is a ‘Reserved’ post and open to UK nationals only. The successful applicant will also be required to undergo security vetting.
Remuneration Package The salary range for this post is £160,000 to £180,000. This is subject to ministerial approval and more may be available for an exceptional candidate.
Pension Civil Service pension arrangements apply. Full details can be found on the Civil Service Pensions website at: www.civilservice.gov.uk/my-civil-service/pensions
Location Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in Central London.
Annual Leave There will be up to 30 days paid annual leave on appointment (depending on length of service), plus 9 days public and privilege holidays.
Restrictions During the period of appointment there will be certain restrictions on political activities.
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Candidate Brief, February 2017 7 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
Business Appointments Candidates should also note that on completion of the appointment, the post holder will be subject to the Government’s Business Appointments Rules, with the possibility of restrictions on future employment imposed by the Prime Minister, on the recommendation of the independent Advisory Committee on Business Appointments. Further information about the rules and restrictions likely to be imposed on former Permanent Secretaries can be found here: http://acoba.independent.gov.uk/media/32110/business%20appointment%20rules %20(2014).pdf
Conflicts of Interest You will be required to disclose any personal or business interests, including share holdings, which may or may be perceived to be relevant to or in conflict with working within the Department. This may involve suspending or relinquishing stock market activity.
Data Protection We take our responsibilities under the Data Protection Act seriously. Any data about you will be held in secure conditions with access restricted to those who need it in connection with dealing with your application and the selection process. Data may be used for the purposes of monitoring the effectiveness of the recruitment process but in these circumstances all data will be kept anonymous. The diversity questionnaire is to be used for monitoring the selection process only. If you do not wish to have these details recorded please use the ‘prefer not to say’ option. If you are unsuccessful, personal data relating to your application will be destroyed after 12 months. If you are successful, some data will be passed to your new employer’s personnel team.
Complaints The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles which can be found at: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/wp- content/uploads/2015/04/RPApril2015.pdfhttp://civilservicecommission.independ ent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/RPApril2015.pdf If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact Carol Maye (at [email protected]) in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission (at: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service- recruitment/complaints/).
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Candidate Brief, February 2017 8 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
Selection and Recruitment Process
This is an open competition. The First Civil Service Commissioner, Ian Watmore will chair the process. The Civil Service Commission has two primary functions: Providing assurance that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. For the most senior posts in the Civil Service, the Commission discharges its responsibilities directly by overseeing the recruitment process and by a Commissioner chairing the selection panel.
Hearing and determining appeals made by civil servants under the Civil Service Code (Appendix D) which sets out the Civil Service values – Impartiality, Objectivity, Integrity and Honesty - and forms part of the relationship between civil servants and their employer. More detailed information can be found at on the Civil Service Commission website: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.
The panel will be chaired by First Civil Service Commissioner, Ian Watmore. Sir Jeremy Heywood, Cabinet Secretary will also sit on the panel, with the likely addition of: Clare Moriarty, Permanent Secretary for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, Co-Chair of the Council for Science and Technology and President and Vice Chancellor of Manchester University.
Assessments Please note that as part of the process, you may be required to undertake psychometric testing and/or a media assessment.
The closing date for applications is 17:00 on 30th March 2017. All applications will be acknowledged, considered by the selection panel and a shortlist of candidates invited to interview.
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Candidate Brief, February 2017 9 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
Timetable The provisional timetable for the process is as follows, subject to panel availability:
Process Date Closing date for applications 30th March 2017 Long List meeting w/c 3rd April 2017 Preliminary interviews w/c 10th April Short List meeting w/c 1st May 2017 Informal meetings/assessments Mid to late May 2017 Final interviews: Mid to late May 2017 Application Instructions
Applications should include the following documentation:
A CV with full employment history and current salary clearly indicated. It is also helpful to have day-time, evening and mobile telephone contact numbers and preferred e-mail address for all correspondence, which will be used with discretion.
A supporting statement of not more than two pages giving evidence and examples of your ability to meet the criteria in the candidate profile. If you have a problem with any of the potential dates set out in the recruitment and selection process, please give details in your supporting statement.
A statement of conflicts of interest (if applicable): if you, your spouse/partner, dependants, business partner or associate have any business interest or other activities which are or could be perceived as a conflict of interest with the role, you should declare that in your supporting statement. This may involve suspending or relinquishing stock market activity.
Please indicate two possible referees on your CV or supporting statement. The appointment will be subject to references, taken before the appointment is made and in all cases with the prior consent of candidates. Please note references are likely to be taken before interview stage, again with the prior consent of candidates.
Diversity Questionnaire: The Civil Service is committed to achieving a workforce that reflects the society it serves, at all levels including the most senior. Collecting this information enables us to identify whether we are recruiting from the widest possible pool of talent and check that all groups are being treated fairly throughout the process. This form will not be disclosed to anyone involved in assessing your application. Please complete the attached form. Please note that applications will not be accepted unless the form is returned. If you do not www.odgersberndtson.com
Candidate Brief, February 2017 10 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
wish to provide a response to a particular question, you should complete the ‘prefer not to say’ option.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme Declaration for people with disabilities as appropriate. All monitoring data will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not affect your application in any way. Please complete the attached form (see Appendix B).
How to Apply
The preferred method of application is online at: www.odgers.com/61576 If you are unable to apply online, please email your application to: [email protected] If you are unable to apply online, please post applications to: Government Practice SJM/61576 Odgers Berndtson 20 Cannon Street London EC4M 6XD
All applications will receive an automated response.
The deadline for receipt of applications is 17:00 on Thursday 30th March 2017
Questions and Informal Discussion: Questions on the role and the process should be directed to Odgers Berndtson. Please contact Simon McDonald on 020 7529 6359 or Fatima Koumbarji on 0207 529 6360.
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Candidate Brief, February 2017 11 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
Appendices
A. Civil Service Leadership Statement B. Guaranteed Interview Scheme C. Civil Service Code
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Candidate Brief, February 2017 12 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
Appendix A: Civil Service Leadership Statement
The leadership statement can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/4 05453/CS_leadership_statement_3__1_.pdf
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Candidate Brief, February 2017 13 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
Appendix B: Guaranteed Interview Scheme
We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. By ‘minimum criteria’ we mean that you must provide us with evidence in your application which demonstrates that you generally meet the level of competence required for each competence, as well as meeting any of the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential. We are committed to the employment and career development of disabled people (the minimum criteria means the essential competences as set out in the advertisement for the post). To show this we use the Disability Symbol awarded by Jobcentreplus. What do we mean by disability? The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and adverse long-term effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. How do I apply? If you want to apply under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme simply complete the declaration below and send it in with your application. We will try to provide access, equipment or other practical support to ensure that if you have a disability you can compete on equal terms with non-disabled people. DECLARATION I consider myself to have a disability as defined above and I would like to apply under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. I require the following special arrangements to be made for me to be able to attend an interview: …………………………..…………………………..…………………………..…………………………..……………… …………..…………………………..………………………….. Name:…………………………………………… Date: ………………………….. Signature*: …………………………………………………………………………… Vacancy reference number: 61576 * There is no need for a signature if you are submitting the form electronically Please return the completed form with your application. ANY FALSE DECLARATION OF DISABILITY TO OBTAIN AN INTERVIEW WILL SUBSEQUENTLY INVALIDATE ANY OFFER OF A POST
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Candidate Brief, February 2017 14 Government Chief Scientific Advisor, Government Office for Science
Appendix C: Civil Service Code
The Civil Service Code can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-code/the-civil-service- code
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