The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science www.cefas.defra.gov.uk
Background
Cefas vision is “to make a real difference for society as recognised leaders in marine
and aquatic science”.
This timeless goal reflects Cefas’ rich heritage. It is achieved by delivering projects and
services that support the long-term prosperity and well-being of industries, communities
and individuals that enjoy and depend on the rich natural assets found in our marine and
freshwater environments.
Cefas has a clear purpose as the government's foremost source of evidence, applied
science and impartial expert advice for marine and closely related environments.
In delivering against this purpose, the Agency supports government decision making,
provides long term assurance and responds to EU/ UK legislation and obligations. With
many competing demands, decision making is complex, often international, and relies
on the timely, integrated evidence and advice that the Agency provides as a recognised
leader in its field. Government funding reinforces impartiality, maintains an emergency
response capability, and supports the sustainability of specialised capability.
Cefas’ purpose is founded on its ability to innovate and to integrate a uniquely
comprehensive national capability. It is enabled by the excellence of its science,
technology and people; by effective collaboration and partnerships; and by applying
commercial disciplines to ensure on-going competitiveness. The Agency has been
established for over 100 years, with a turnover exceeding £50m and over 500 people primarily in Lowestoft and Weymouth.
Supporting core Defra through a strong, open and strategic partnership is, and will
continue to be, an important part of Cefas’ activities. The Agency also enhances its
capability, relationships and influence through commercial application of its skills and
knowledge. Diversification of revenue streams supports the resilience of the Agency by
enabling sustained self-investment in its capabilities and facilities. This type of competed
work currently represents over a third of Cefas’ income. Continued expansion of activity
beyond core Defra customers is a critical strategic goal.
Further details are available in our Annual Report and Accounts, available on our web
site www.cefas.defra.co.uk
Strategic context
EU legislation and implementation the UK’s Marine Act are driving action across the
sectors in which we operate. We see an increasing focus on integrated science to
support ecosystem approaches, a growing need for monitoring and data management,
risk based assessments and consideration of socio-economic aspects. The associated
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breadth and the on-going need to bridge policy/ delivery/ science interfaces plays to our
strengths and creates a demand for our services.
By contrast with this growing demand, a volatile fiscal climate creates challenge.
Economic pressures on the public sector affect our main source of income, drive a need
for further operational efficiency, and bring both risk and opportunity.
The strategy that Cefas has pursued successfully over recent years prepares us well for
the challenges ahead, with themes being:
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Strengthening relationships with Defra and its Network, supported by strategic
agreements
Delivering operational efficiencies, which includes increasing income from nonDefra sources.
Sustaining our investment in innovation, science and associated capabilities.
Investing in our people to attract, develop and enthuse exceptional talent, and to
achieve a long-lasting cultural change, with fully engaged staff and greater
customer focus at all levels.
The past year has seen a comprehensive review undertaken by Defra. The outcomes
being that Cefas needs to further increase its commercial markets, form effective
partnerships in the academic sector to be able to access research funding and to
consider the aging Lowestoft estate future.
Further details can be found on our
website.
CEFAS MANAGEMENT BOARD
The Cefas Management Board (CMB) comprises of four Non-executive Advisory
Directors, one Defra Non-executive Director and six executive directors. The CMB is
chaired by the Lead Non-executive. The Board provides strategic leadership for the
Agency, within a framework of prudent and effective controls that enables risk to be
assessed and managed. It brings together a broadly equal split of Executive and NonExecutive Directors (NEDs) to provide the appropriate balance of skills, experience,
independence and knowledge of Cefas to enable CMB to discharge its duties and
responsibilities, and ensure effective governance of the Agency.
NON-EXECUTIVE ADVISORY DIRECTORS
Cefas’ non-executive advisory directors (NEDs) advise and challenge the Board and
Chief Executive, bringing an objectivity and independence of view to the CMB's
discussions. They help provide CMB with effective leadership in relation to the Agency’s
strategy, performance, risk and people management. In particular, NEDs play a key role
in ensuring high standards of financial probity and corporate governance through their
role on CMB’s external committees. In addition to their business wide perspective, NEDs
may be asked to bring their expertise and experience to bear on specific aspects of
Cefas strategy and operations.
NEDs are expected to engage with key external stakeholders in order to know and
understand the context within which the Agency operates.
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NEDs need to deliver a role of critical friend to the executive directors, offering
challenge, critique and advice, with tact and diplomacy. This includes elements of
mentoring and coaching. Effectiveness of CMB as a whole depends upon a spirit of
mutual respect and partnership within the board being established and a good
“chemistry” across the team. Additionally, diversity in perspective and challenge is
essential which requires an appropriate balance of skills, experience and personalities
between the Executive and Non-Executive members. In short, Cefas places as much
emphasis on behaviours, attributes and relationships as it does in structures and
processes.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Appointments follow civil service protocol and are for a fixed term of three years.
Thereafter, whilst not automatic, an extension period of up to three years may be
granted. Appointments beyond six years will only be considered exceptionally.
In delivering their role, NEDs are expected to devote approximately twenty days per
year to their duties. This allows for attendance at board meetings, involvement in Board
sub-committees, associated preparation time and other ad hoc CMB events/advisory
support to executives. Meetings generally take place in Lowestoft, Weymouth or
London.
During their appointment as a non-executive director, NEDs must not put themselves in
a position of conflict with their duties to the Agency. NEDS are also expected to adhere
to the Seven Principles of Public Life (Annex B)
Remuneration for NEDs will be £10,000 per annum on the basis of a time input of
approximately 20 days per year. Additional paid input is available on a pro rata basis if
this proves necessary. Reasonable expenses linked to delivering this role are paid. NED
appointments are not pensionable.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Relevant Experience
The vacancy is for our lead Science Non-executive. The Science NED chairs the Cefas
Science Advisory Committee which is comprised of leading academics. The committee
meets twice each year and advises the Chief Executive on the quality and strategic
direction of Cefas capability in science and technology.
For this role, we would expect a high level understanding of marine science and
research; together with proven success of being able to influence strategic management
debates at Board Level (or equivalent) on a range of corporate issues.
Alongside externally recognised credentials, we are particularly interested in individuals
who can offer one or more of the following skills and experiences to our team:
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Experience of delivering science in the academic sector to help advise Cefas best
develop future partnership arrangements with leading Universities
Delivery of cultural change, particularly the ability to drive innovation and
entrepreneurialism in comparable scientific organisations
A good understanding of government and of public sector delivery models,
including the dynamics of the research council/academic sectors
Relevant sectoral experience, with beneficial contacts and personal networks
Personal Attributes
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Integrity, probity and high ethical standards, with a comprehensive understanding
of the principles of governance and systems of control, and how to apply them
appropriately
An ability to maintain a sense of perspective and to pick out critical issues, and to
question intelligently, debate constructively, challenge rigorously and decide
dispassionately
Independence of mind and sound judgement, together with the ability to provide
impartial, objective and pragmatic advice
Sufficient strength of character to seek and obtain full and satisfactory answers
within the environment of the Board.
Effective communication and relationship building skills, including the ability to
negotiate, influence, challenge and listen sensitively to the views of others
An ability to engender trust and confidence, and to adopt a coaching style
particularly with the Chief Executive, Executive Directors and other senior
managers in Cefas
A commitment to the 7 principles of public life, together with the willingness and
availability to devote the necessary time to understand the business dynamics
and context
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APPLICATIONS
Application process
All candidates are requested to send:
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a cover letter highlighting why they are interested in the post
an up to date CV, including any other current roles and details of referees
a concise note providing evidence/examples of how they meet the experience
and personal attributes identified in the Person Specification above
Your completed application should be returned to Karin Rundle, Director of HR/OD
Cefas Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT by the closing date of
27th March 2015. Email is preferable karin.rundle@cefas.co.uk. Informal enquiries can
be made to Karin Rundle (tel 01502 521336) or Mike Waldock, Chief Executive
mike.waldock@cefas.co.uk or Stuart Rogers, Chief Scientist stuart.rogers@cefas.co.uk
References will be taken up prior to appointment and we are hoping to commence in
May 2015.
Selection Process
Applications will be considered by a combination of executive and non-executive
members of the Cefas Management Board.
Short-listing will determine which candidate best demonstrates that they have the
specified qualities and experience, who will then be invited for interview. It is therefore
essential for your application to include full but concise information/evidence relevant to
the appointment based on the personal attributes and experience outlined above.
Equality and Diversity
These appointments will be governed by the principle of public appointment based on
merit with independent assessment and transparency of process. Candidates may come
from a wide range of backgrounds although the successful candidates will need to have
experience as outlined above.
The UK Government is committed to improving the diversity of its public bodies and
welcome applications irrespective of race, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status,
disability, sexual orientation, religion, religious beliefs or similar philosophical belief, age,
gender re-assignment or community background.
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Annex B:
Seven Principles of Public Life
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 interest.
Leadership:
Holders of public office should promote and support these
principles by leadership and example.
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