Adoption Leadership Board
The recruitment and selection of a Chair
Information pack for applicants
All applications must be returned by 5pm on Monday 1 February
Please quote reference ALB(Chair)2016 in the subject line on all
applications
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Contents
About the Adoption Leadership Board
Page 3
Background
Board Members
Chair of the Adoption Leadership Board
Page 6
Role Description
Person Specification
Terms of Appointment
Selection Process
Page 9
Timetable
How to Apply
How we will Handle your Application
Annexes
Annex A – Potential Conflicts of Interest
Annex B – Political Activity Questionnaire
Annex C – Public Appointment Diversity Monitoring Form
Annex D – Guaranteed Interview Scheme Declaration
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Page 13
About the Adoption Leadership Board
Background
The Adoption Leadership Board (ALB) is a national board that has been jointly
developed by Government, Local Authorities, and the voluntary sector. Its remit is
to drive significant improvements in the performance of the adoption system in
England. It has a particular focus on supporting and challenging the adoption
system to maximise the likelihood that:

children for whom adoption is the best way to achieving permanence get
adoption decisions and are adopted without unnecessary delay;

there are enough prospective adopters who can meet the needs of all the
children approved to be adopted; and

adoptions do not breakdown, through the right adoption support being
readily available to all people who need it.
The Board is collectively accountable to the Secretary of State for Education and is
required to provide regular updates to Ministers, including through a formal annual
report. Board members work together to ensure that the Board achieves its overall
aim of driving significant improvements in performance.
The Board has a number of sub-groups to drive forward key aspects of its work.
Sub-groups are chaired by Board members and are required to report directly to
the Board.
The Board interacts with individual adoption agencies from both the local authority
and voluntary sectors, including through membership organisations such as
ADCS1 and CVAA2. Underneath the National ALB, there is a network of Regional
Adoption Boards, which drive improvement locally. The collection, analysis and
dissemination of performance data is central to this interaction, and as such the
ALB oversees a national quarterly adoption data collection.
The Board’s Chair will be supported by a Board Manager and will receive
administrative support. The Board will receive analytical input and expertise from
the Department.
The Board will typically meet on a quarterly basis but may meet more frequently if
required. Sir Martin Narey is the current chair, and will be standing down in March
2016. The first meeting with the new chair will take place in April.
1
2
Association of Directors of Children’s Services
Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies
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Board Members
Board members are senior officials from key organisations in the adoption system
in England. They have been appointed to represent their sector or constituency
and to take responsibility for galvanising performance improvements within their
respective areas.
The list of current Board members is shown below and will be kept under review.
Where appropriate, the Board will engage with other key stakeholders from the
adoption and wider children services sector.
Organisation
Position
Name
Chair
Sir Martin Narey
Association of Directors of
Children’s Services (ADCS)
President
Alison O’Sullivan
ADCS
Chair of Health, Care and
Additional Needs Policy
Committee
Andrew Christie
Adoption UK
Chief Executive
Hugh Thornbery
Coram BAAF
Chief Executive
John Simmonds
Consortium of Adoption
Support Agencies
Chair
Peter Sandiford
Consortium of Voluntary
Adoption Agencies (CVAA)
Chief Executive Officer
Annie Crombie
Department for Education
Director, of Special Needs,
Children in Care, and
Adoption
Ann Gross
Department for Education
Chief Social Worker for
Children and Families
Isabelle Trowler
Department of Health
Director for Children,
Families & Social Inclusion
Flora Goldhill CBE
First4Adoption3
Representative
Carol Homden
LGA
Lib Dem lead for children
and young people,
Gloucestershire County
Council
Cllr. Coleman
Society Of Local Authority
Representative
Kim Bromley-Derry
3
First4Adoption is a service delivered through a contract between DfE and the Coram Children's
Legal Centre, part of the Coram Group of which Carol Homden is the Chief Executive.
4
Chief Executives
Children and Family Court
Advisory and Support
Service (CAFCASS)
University of Bristol –
Hadley Centre for Adoption
and Foster Care Studies
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Chief Executive
Anthony Douglas
Judicial Observer
Mr Justice Newton
Professor of Child and
Family Social Work
Professor Julie Selwyn
Chair of the Adoption Leadership Board
Role Description

Proactively shaping and driving forward the strategic agenda of the Adoption
Leadership Board (ALB) by:
o Ensuring that the ALB operates as an effective and efficient
mechanism for reforming the adoption system in England, liaising
with other Children’s Services leaders as appropriate.
o Providing critical challenge to adoption sector leaders to ensure a
high performing and efficient adoption system.
o Ensuring the ALB delivers its aims and objectives, including through
swift, corrective action where necessary.

Acting as figurehead for the ALB and a champion for adoption, representing
it to a range of stakeholders including the media; and ensuring transparent
communications to the public.

Providing strong leadership to the ALB including through effective Chairing
of meetings.

Reporting to the Secretary of State for Education at agreed intervals on the
ALB’s progress and latest trends and issues facing the adoption system,
and advising on any changes needed to its focus.
Person Specification
In your supporting statement you should provide examples of evidence that you
meet the appointment criteria listed below. For those invited for interview, your
responses will be further developed and discussed.
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
Track record in influencing and gaining commitment from senior players in a
complex political environment, with the credibility and standing to command
respect in a high profile public service.

Experience of driving action and delivering performance improvement in a
system, including through the use of data and evidence.

Ability to provide strategic leadership at national level.

Ability to act as a public figurehead and advocate, with proven ability to
convey complex and sensitive messages simply and to a range of
audiences including media.

Strong Chairing skills and proven ability to build consensus in a challenging
environment and effectively manage conflict resolution.

Knowledge of the care and adoption system in England and an
understanding of those people affected by the system.
Terms of Appointment
General
The appointment of the Adoption Leadership Board Chair is made by the Secretary
of State in accordance with the Office of The Commissioner for Public
Appointments Code of Practice.
There is no employment relationship with the Department for Education or with the
Adoption Leadership Board
Termination of Appointment
The Secretary of State has the power to appoint the Chair and to terminate the
appointment.
Time commitment
Time commitment may vary depending on the work programme and will be up to
40 days a year, including preparation time for meetings. This will include but be
not exclusive to:

full attendance at ALB meetings (held in London at approximately quarterly
intervals).

attendance at meetings with senior managers in DfE and other
organisations to promote, raise awareness and gain commitment to the
work of the ALB.
Remuneration
A daily fee allowance of £400-600 per whole day (£200-300 per half day) excluding
VAT will be paid monthly for time spent on ALB business. Any time spent in
preparation and/or travelling is included in this fee. Reasonable travel (second
class is encouraged) and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed. In addition,
some funding will be available for procurement of administrative support to the
Chair, to be agreed with the Department for Education on appointment.
Pensions
This appointment is non-pensionable
Duration
The successful candidate will be appointed initially for a period of two years. The
Department reserves the right to extend the appointment by a further year at its
discretion and subject to a satisfactory review.
Appraisal
The Chair’s appointment will be appraised by a nominated Department for
Education representative.
Location
Adoption Leadership Board meetings will be held in central London. Occasional
travel to other locations may be required.
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Diversity and equality of opportunity
The Department for Education is committed to the principle of public appointments
on merit with openness and transparency of process and to providing equal
opportunities for all.
Registration of interests
Applicants should note the requirement to declare any conflict of interest that may
arise in the course of ALB business and the need to declare any relevant business
interest, positions of authority or other connections with organisations relevant to
the business of the ALB.
Political activity
The ALB Chair will need to show political impartiality and will be required to declare
any party political activity undertaken in the period of their appointment.
Subject to the foregoing, the Chair is free to engage in political activities, provided
that they are conscious of their general responsibilities and standards in public life
and exercise proper discretion.
The Seven Principles of Public Life
The Chair will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to, and an understanding
of, the value and importance of the principles of public service. The seven
principles governing conduct in public life are:
Selflessness
Integrity
Objectivity
Accountability
Openness
Honesty
Leadership
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Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public
interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other
benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any
financial or other obligation to outside individuals or
organisations that might seek to influence them in the
performance of their official duties.
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.
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.
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 it.
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.
Holders of public office should promote and support these
principles by leadership and example.
Selection Process
Timetable
This timetable is provisional and may be subject to change, but will be adhered to
by the Department as far as reasonably possible.
Advert published
Application closing date
Shortlisting
Interviews held
Applicants notified of results
Appointment start date
w/c 4 Jan
5pm Monday 1 Feb
Tuesday 2 Feb – Monday 8 Feb
w/c 15 Feb
w/c 22 Feb
1 April
How to Apply
To apply for this post, please submit:

an up to date copy of your CV; and

a supporting statement (two sides of A4 maximum) that addresses the
criteria set out in the person specification, using examples to demonstrate
how you meet the requirements.
Please also:

provide your home, work, mobile and e-mail contact details;

provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two
referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. If
you do not wish us to approach your referees without your prior permission,
please state this clearly; and

return the
o Conflict of Interest form at Annex A;
o Political Activity Questionnaire at Annex B;
o Public Appointment Diversity Monitoring form at Annex C; and
o (if relevant) Guaranteed Interview Scheme Declaration at Annex D.
Your application and all accompanying documentation must be sent to
adoption.reform@education.gsi.gov.uk to arrive by 5pm on Monday 1 February.
Please quote reference ALB(Chair)2016 in the subject line on all applications.
Your application must be submitted in a format that is compatible with Word
2010/PDF Adobe XI. Please use Arial font 12 in all communications.
Your proposal must arrive by the deadline. Late applications will not be
considered.
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Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email to confirm that
you have applied.
How we will handle your Application
Shortlisting
A shortlisting panel comprising DfE officials will determine which applications best
meet the appointment criteria listed under the person specification. The successful
shortlisted candidates will then be invited for interview.
It is important that your application provides relevant information/evidence. Your
application will be assessed on the strength of the information you provide to
demonstrate how you meet the appointment criteria.
References may be taken up if candidates are selected for interview. Please
ensure that your referees have given their consent for their names to be used.
You will be notified by email in the week commencing 22 February to let you know
whether or not you have been shortlisted.
Interviewing
The interview panel will comprise DfE and external senior leaders. Interviews are
likely to be held in the week commencing 15 February and will take place at the
Department for Education, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, Westminster,
London, SW1P 3BT. Interviews will last approximately 45 minutes.
Candidates will be able to claim for reasonable expenses incurred travelling to and
from the interview. Claim forms will be provided with invitations to interview.
Interviews are competitive and the interview panel will present the best
candidate(s) to Ministers, who will make the final decision.
Candidates will be notified by email of the outcome of their interview. We
anticipate this will take place during the week commencing 22 February.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Disabled Applicants
The Department for Education is particularly keen to recruit disabled people who
have the necessary skills. To encourage those applicants we operate a scheme
under which disabled applicants, who have demonstrated the level of expertise
required for the post, will be assured of an offer of an interview.
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The Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) works as follows:




Disabled applicants can choose to be considered under the Scheme.
Their written application will be considered in the same way as other
applicants.
Panel members will not be informed that the applicant has applied under the
GIS until after they have done their assessment.
If the panel considers that, on paper, the GIS applicant has demonstrated the
minimum criteria required for the post, then they will be offered an interview.
If you consider yourself to have a disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010
and would like to apply under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme then please
complete the Guaranteed Interview Request form at Annex D and submit it with
your application.
Your personal information
Your personal information will be held in accordance with the Data Protection Act
1998. You will not receive unsolicited paper or electronic mail as a result of
sending us any personal information. No personal information will be passed on to
third parties for commercial purposes.
When we ask you for personal information, we will:
 only ask for what we need, and not collect too much or irrelevant information;
 ensure you know why we need it;
 protect it and insofar as is possible, make sure nobody has access to it who
shouldn't;
 ensure you know what choice you have about giving us information;
 make sure we don't keep it longer than necessary; and
 only use your information for the purposes you have authorised.
We ask that you:
 give us accurate information;
 tell us as soon as possible of any changes; and
 tell us as soon as possible if you notice mistakes in the information we hold
about you.
The diversity monitoring information you provide is not used in the selection
process and will not be seen by the shortlisting or interview panel.
Data protection
Information that you provide may be used for statistical analysis by the Department
for Education but it will not be used in a way that enables you to be identified.
The Department for Education Data Protection Policy in relation to the information
we collect is set out below:
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
If you submit an application form, your form and any supporting
documentation will be retained for up to two years after the closing date for
applications

Any other information relating to an application held electronically, which
includes your contact details and monitoring information you provided, will
be held for up to two years after the closing date for applications.
If you wish your personal information to be removed from our records as soon as
this recruitment exercise is complete, please email
adoption.reform@education.gsi.gov.uk
For any queries about your application, please email
adoption.reform@education.gsi.gov.uk
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Annex A
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Please provide details below of any business or other interests or any personal
connections which, if you are appointed, could be misconstrued or cause
embarrassment to the Department for Education.
Any particular conflicts of interest detailed here will not prevent you going forward
to interview but may, if appropriate, be explored with you during your interview to
establish how you would address the issue(s) should you be successful in your
application.
Please
tick box
Please confirm you have read and understood the sections in this pack
regarding Standards in Public Life (page 7)
Response:
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Annex B
Political Activity Questionnaire
All applicants for a public appointment should complete the questionnaire below.
This question is asked as it enables the monitoring of political activity of candidates
for a public appointment in so far as it is already in the public domain. Neither
activity nor affiliation is a criterion for appointment (except where statute dictates
specific representation).
Please indicate which of the following activities you have undertaken during the
past five years by ticking the appropriate box and by providing details of your
involvement. Name the party or body for which you have been active. If you have
been or are an Independent or have sought or obtained office as a representative
of a particular interest group, you should state this.
Please tick all relevant categories.
Obtained office as a Local Councillor, MP, MEP etc
Stood as a candidate for one of the above offices
Spoken on behalf of a party or candidate
Acted as a political agent
Held office such as Chair, Treasurer or Secretary of a local branch of a
party
Canvassed on behalf of a party or helped at election
Undertaken any political activity which you consider relevant
Made a recordable donation to a political party 4
None of the above activities apply
Name of Party of which activity undertaken: ………………………………………
Note: this form is for monitoring purposes only and will only be seen by the selection
panel prior to interview. However, it is appreciated that such activities may have given
you relevant skills, including experience gained from committee work, collective
decision making, resolving conflict and public speaking. If, therefore, you have had
such experience and you consider it relevant to your application for this post, you
should include it separately in your supporting statement.
4
The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 requires the Electoral Commission to
publish a register of recordable donations (donations from an individual totalling more than £5000 in
any calendar year, or more than £1000 if made to a subsidiary accounting unit such as a
constituency association, local branch, women’s or youth organisations). These provisions became
effective from 16 February 2001.
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Annex C
Public Appointment Diversity Monitoring Form
All Government Departments aim to provide fair and equal access to public
appointments and to ensure that all sectors of society are represented. You are
asked to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. The questions set out
in this form below help us to monitor the effectiveness of this policy by gaining a
picture of all those applying for and obtaining appointments. They also help us to
monitor how we are complying with equality law.
The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination and promotes equality
on the basis of a number of ‘protected characteristics’. We ask for information on
your ‘protected characteristics’ in order to help us monitor our performance on
equality.
We may also be asked to provide information – in summary form only that does not
identify individuals in response to Parliamentary Questions and other public
enquiries and reports on our equality performance.
In line with Government policy, and in accordance with the provisions of the Data
Protection Act 1998, the information you provide will be held confidentially and can
only be used if you give us your consent.
The form will be kept separate from your application and will not be seen by
the shortlisting or interview panel. Assessment of your suitability for the post is
made purely on the information you give on the application form and your
performance at the interview, should you be invited. Appointments are made
strictly on merit.
If you consider yourself to have a disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010
and would like to apply under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme then please
complete the Guaranteed Interview Request form at Annex D and submit it with
your application.
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DIVERSITY MONITORING FORM
GENDER:
Male
Female
AGE:
66+
56-65
46-55
36-45
35 & under
DISABILITY:
The Disability Discrimination Act as incorporated in Equality Act 2010 defines a
person as disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment which has
substantial and long term (i.e. has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months)
adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Adverse
effects may arise from external barriers experienced by people with impairments.
When you answer the question, you should not take into account the effect of any
medication or treatments used or adjustments made (for example at work or at
home) which reduce the effects of impairments. Instead, you should think about
the effect the impairment would have if these were not being used or made.
Taking this into account, do you consider yourself to be a disabled person?
Yes:
No:
ETHNIC ORIGIN:
Which group do you identify with? Please tick one box. The options are listed
alphabetically.
ASIAN OR ASIAN BRITISH
Bangladeshi
Indian
Pakistani
Any Other Asian background (specify if you wish)
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CHINESE OR OTHER ETHNIC GROUP
Chinese
Any Other (specify if you wish)
BLACK OR BLACK BRITISH
African
Caribbean
Any Other Black background (specify if you wish)
MIXED
Asian and White
Black African and White
Black Caribbean and White
Any other Mixed Ethnic Background (specify if you wish)
WHITE
Any Other White Background (specify if you wish)
ANY OTHER BACKGROUND
Any other ethnic background (specify below if you wish)
Prefer not to say
SEXUAL ORIENTATION - Do you consider yourself to be:
Bisexual
Gay man
Gay woman
Heterosexual
Other (Please state below)
Prefer not to say
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RELIGION AND BELIEF - What is your religion?:
None
Christian (including Church of England, Catholic, Protestant and all other Christian
denominations)
Buddhist
Hindu
Jewish
Muslim
Sikh
Other (Please state below)
Prefer not to say
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Annex D
Guaranteed Interview Scheme Declaration
I consider myself to have a disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010, and I
would like to apply under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.
I do/do not require any special arrangements to be made for me to be able to
attend the interview. (Please state any such reasonable adjustments below if
applicable).
Name: __________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________
Please return this completed form with your application.
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