FIRST CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSIONER
CANDIDATE BRIEF AND
JOB SPECIFICATION
Closing date for this post is: close of business Wednesday 2nd December 2015
Applications should be sent to: proprietyandethicsteam@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
November 2015
Contents
The Civil Service Commission
The Role
Skills and experience required
Terms and Conditions
Selection and Recruitment Process
Appendix A: MONITORING FORMS
Appendix B CODE OF PRACTICE FOR COMMISSIONERS
The Civil Service Commission
The Commission is a high profile body whose work can attract considerable public
and media interest. It is independent of the Government and of the Civil Service.
Civil Service Commissioners were first appointed in 1855 following the NorthcoteTrevelyan report, which identified patronage as one of the main reasons for the
inefficiency of the mid-19th century Civil Service. Since 2010, the Commission has
existed as an independent executive Non-Departmental Public Body with its powers
and responsibilities confirmed in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act.
The Commission:
-
chairs recruitment competitions for the most senior-level appointments in the
Civil Service;
-
supports government departments in promoting the Civil Service values of
impartiality, objectivity, honesty and integrity;
-
adjudicates on complaints (about recruitment and about breaching the Civil
Service standards); and
-
sets standards for recruitment into the Civil Service.
The Commission is made up of a Board of Civil Service Commissioners (currently 11
including the First Commissioner) and it is supported by a secretariat led by the
Commission’s Chief Executive. The Commissioners bring a range of experience of
the private, public and voluntary sectors, and an independent perspective to ensure
a high performing Civil Service is well placed to meet the challenges of the future.
Further information about the Commission’s work can be found at:
http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
The role of the First Civil Service Commissioner
The main responsibilities of the First Commissioner are to:
-
-
be the public face of the Commission;
provide leadership – personal and professional – to the Commission, leading
its policy development and regulatory decision-making;
uphold the values of the Civil Service – honesty, integrity, objectivity and
impartiality – and the principles of selection on merit on the basis of fair and
open competition;
personally chair the most senior competitions; and
-
take an active part in the Senior Leadership Committee chaired by the
Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, which manages the
movement and development of the most senior staff within the Civil Service.
Skills and experience required
Essential Criteria
The successful candidate will have:
● excellent judgement and the ability to assimilate a range of evidence and
perspectives;
● strong communication skills;
● the ability to demonstrate authority and command trust and confidence at all
levels;
● experience of selecting individuals at a senior level in the private, public or
voluntary sectors; and
● the ability to lead and work within a diverse team of influential people.
In addition, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an understanding of
the role of the Civil Service.
Ineligibility
Serving civil servants will not be appointed as the First Civil Service Commissioner.
Under the terms of the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975, the European
Assembly Elections Act 1978, the Scottish Parliament (Disqualification) Order 2003
and the National Assembly for Wales (Disqualification) Order 2003, MPs, MEPs,
MSPs and members of the National Assembly for Wales are disqualified from
holding the office of Civil Service Commissioner.
Because of the Commission’s role in upholding the Civil Service values, Civil Service
Commissioners are required to be - and be seen to be - independent, objective and
free from political or other influence. Applicants will therefore need to declare any
possible conflict of interest that they may have as a result of their own or a close
family member’s interests (some examples are illustrated in the Commission’s Code
of Practice at Appendix B) and any political activity (form at Appendix A). Possible
conflicts of interest may be tested at interview.
Terms and Conditions
You will be appointed by the Queen for a five-year non-renewable term of office.
Salary and time commitment
The First Commissioner is expected to work 2 days a week on average and will
receive remuneration of £56,000.
Location
The majority of the Commission’s work is done in central London, although travel
within the UK is occasionally required.
Pension and redundancy
This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil
Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not
an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon
termination because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would
have no expectation of serving beyond that period.
Status
You will share, with the other Commissioners and with the Commission’s Chief
Executive and Accounting Officer, a responsibility for the discharge of the functions
laid on the Commission by the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.
The authority delegated to you as the First Commissioner by the Commission Board
will be set out in the Commission’s Standing Orders. The work you carry out will be
for you to determine in consultation with the rest of the Commission Board.
You will not become a member of the Civil Service. Commissioners are subject to
the Civil Service Commission’s Code of Practice for Commissioners, which sets out
the role and responsibilities and standards of conduct they will observe while
undertaking their business (see Appendix B).
Selection and Recruitment Process
This is an open competition and any suitably skilled and experienced individual may
apply. In line with the statutory requirements, the First Commissioner is recruited on
merit following a fair and open competition, following the principles set out in the
Commission’s Recruitment Principles, which apply to recruitment to the Civil Service
http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2015/05/RECRUITMENT-PRINCIPLES-FINAL.pdf
The panel
The panel will be chaired by Sir Jeremy Heywood, Cabinet Secretary and Head of
the Civil Service. Other panel members will be confirmed in due course.
Timetable
The deadline for receipt of applications is close of business 2nd December 2015.
It is envisaged that the interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place during w/c
14th December 2015. This post is subject to Parliamentary pre-appointment scrutiny.
A hearing in front of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is
likely to take place in January 2016.
How to apply
Applications should be in writing and should include the following:
● an up to date CV;
● a short (maximum two sides of A4) supporting statement, explaining how
you meet the requirements of the role, set out in the ‘skills and experience
required’ section above;
● a completed diversity and political activity form (see Appendix A) – this will
be kept separate from your application and not considered by those making
selection decisions but will be used to monitor the diversity of the applicant
field;
● two referees, including contact details, whom will be contacted if you are
invited for interview; and
● (if applicable) a statement of conflicts of interest – if you, your partner or
dependents have any business interests or other activities that could be
perceived as a conflict of interest with the work of the Commission, you
should declare this when applying; further information on conflicts of interest
is provided in the Code of Practice at Appendix B.
Applications should be sent to:
By Email: proprietyandethicsteam@cabinetoffice.gov.uk (preferred
medium)
By Post: Amy Bell, Propriety & Ethics Team, Cabinet Office, 70 Whitehall,
London, SW1A 2AS
The deadline for receipt of applications is close of business, Wednesday 2nd
December 2015.
Equality and Diversity
We are strongly committed to supporting the principle that everybody should have
the same opportunities for employment, development and progression. This should
be based on their ability, competence and suitability for the role. We value the wide
range of skills and experience that come with recruiting Commissioners from a
diverse range of career backgrounds and personal circumstances.
This means that no applicant should receive less favourable treatment on grounds of
their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, religion,
transgender status, family or domestic responsibilities. Candidates who have specific
requirements should contact the Secretariat and we will do our best to accommodate
any reasonable adjustments.
Contacts
For further information about the role or application process, including adjustments
for applicants with disabilities or other requirements, in first instance please contact:
Amy Bell
Propriety & Ethics Team
Cabinet Office
70 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2AS
Amy.Bell@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
0207 276 2472
If you feel this competition has not been conducted fairly, openly and with selection
decisions taken solely on merit and you wish to make a complaint, in line with the
Recruitment Principles, you should in the first instance contact:
Helen Ewen
Propriety & Ethics Team
Cabinet Office
70 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2AS
Helen.Ewen@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you remain unsatisfied you do have the further opportunity to raise your complaint
with the Civil Service Commission, using the contact details below:
Clare Salters (Chief Executive, Civil Service Commission)
Clare.Salters@csc.gov.uk
Appendices
A. Monitoring Forms
B. Code of Practice for Civil Service Commissioners
Appendix A
PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS MONITORING FORMS
Application for the post of First Civil Service
Commissioner
Title: (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other - please specify)
Surname:
First name:
For your application to be considered, please complete these forms and return
them to the Cabinet Office with your Curriculum Vitae and supporting
statement.
All Government Departments aim to provide fair and equal access to public
appointments and to ensure that all sectors of society are represented. The
questions set out in this form help us to monitor the effectiveness of this policy by
gaining a picture of all those applying for and obtaining appointments. All applicants
must complete this form.
This form will be kept separate from the supporting statement and will not be
seen by the selection panel. Assessment of your suitability for the post is made
purely on the information you give on the supporting statement and CV and your
performance at the interview should you be invited. Appointments are made strictly
on merit.
Please tick here if you are content for us to share your CV and contact detailswith
the Centre for Public appointments in the Cabinet Office. They will keep this on file
and may contact you about other opportunities that may arise in the future. All
information will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Conflicts of Interest and previous conduct
If applicable, please give details of any business or other interests or any personal
connections which, if you are appointed, could be misconstrued or cause
embarrassment to either the Cabinet Office or the Civil Service Commission.
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 also confirm if you have ever been convicted of, or cautioned for, any criminal
offence or have been found guilty of professional misconduct, or if any such
proceedings are pending. Please give details, including dates and amount of any fine
or other penalty imposed. NB successful candidates’ final confirmation will be subject
to basic clearance checks, covering confirmation of identity and right to work in the
UK, plus a criminal record check.
I confirm I have read and understood the Code of Practice for Commissioners
including in the candidate pack.
Is this your first public appointment?
Yes:
No:
Where did you see this appointment advertised? ……………………………
Public Appointments Currently Held
Please say below if you currently hold any other public appointment posts:
Body
Period of Appointment
Government Department
Requests for referees
Please provide names and contact details of two people who may be asked to act as
referees for you, at least one of whom must have knowledge of your work relating to
your most recent professional and/ or voluntary activity. They will be expected to
have authoritative and personal knowledge of your achievements in a professional
and/or public service capacity.
Reference 1:
Name:
Address:
Telephone:
Email:
Reference 2:
Name:
Address:
Telephone:
Email:
Please note that for applicants called to interview, we may approach your referees
prior to interview.
Declaration
I declare that the information supplied in this application, including
that referring to conflicts of interest and previous conduct, is
complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. I have also read
the information pack and can confirm that I am eligible to be
considered for appointment to this body. I also certify that I will
immediately inform the Cabinet Office of any changes in
circumstances that affect the answers I have given.
(Please tick the above box)
Note: If you are successfully appointed to the post, a brief summary of your
career/experience and details of your response to the Political Activity Declaration
will be included in any announcement of your appointment.
Political Activity Declaration
All applicants should complete the question below. Please indicate which of the
following activities you have undertaken during the past five years by ticking the
appropriate box and 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.
You should tick all relevant categories.
Obtained office as a Local Councillor, MP, Devolved offices, 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 1
None of the above activities apply.
Name of Party for which activity undertaken: ……………………………………
Details of your involvement (please continue on a separate sheet if necessary):
1 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.
Note: this form is for monitoring purposes only and therefore will be detached from your application
and will only be seen by the selection panel if selected for 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 the main body of your application form.
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. The
questions set out in this form 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.
The government’s commitment to widening access to public appointments is set out
in
the
Diversity
Strategy
which
can
be
viewed
at:
www.equalities.gov.uk/news/equality_strategy.aspx
or
obtained
from
the
Government Equalities Office.
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 curriculum vitae and supporting
statement and will not be seen by the selection panel. Assessment of your
suitability for the post is made purely on the information you give on the supporting
statement and your performance at the interview should you be invited.
Appointments are made strictly on merit. We hope that this encourages you to
complete the form.
GENDER:
Male
AGE:
66+
56-65
46-55
36-45
26-35
25 & under
DISABILITY:
Female
Prefer not to say
Prefer not to say
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:
Prefer not to say
ETHNIC ORIGIN:
Which group do you identify with? Please tick one box. The options are listed
alphabetically.
ASIAN OR ASIAN BRITISH
Bangladeshi
Chinese
Indian
Pakistani
Any Other Asian background (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
White
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
RELIGION AND BELIEF - What is your religion?:
None
Christian**
Hindu
Jewish
Muslim
Sikh
Buddhist
(** including Church of England, Catholic, Protestant and all other Christian denominations)
Other (Please state below)
Prefer not to say
SECTORAL BACKGROUND - Is your working background?:
Mixed
Mostly Civil Service
Mostly private
Mostly Third Sector
Mostly wider public sector
Appendix B: CODE OF PRACTICE FOR COMMISSIONERS
Introduction
1. This Code sets out the standards of conduct the Members of the Civil Service
Commission will observe whilst undertaking their public duties as Commissioners.
The Code’s provisions are intended to be proportionate to the Commission’s
functions, as set out in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.
2. The Code was approved by the Civil Service Commission to come into effect from
November 2010. It replaces the Code that previously applied to the Civil Service
Commissioners operating under the Civil Service Order in Council 1995 (as
amended) and the Diplomatic Service Order in Council 1991 (as amended). The
Code has been endorsed by the Cabinet Office as sponsoring department.
3. The Code will be reviewed formally by the Commission at least once every five
years. The Commission may make amendments to the Code at any time prior to a
formal review.
Standards in Public Life
4. Civil Service Commissioners will:
● observe the highest standards of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality
in relation to the management of their affairs and the discharge of their duties;
operate in a way that is open and transparent and in compliance with the
Freedom of Information Act, regularly placing in the public domain information
about their activities, publishing an annual report, and accounting to
Parliament as invited;
● not misuse information gained in the course of their public service for personal
gain or for political purpose, nor seek to use the opportunity of public service
to promote their private interests or those of others;
● not hold any paid or unpaid posts in a political party; publicly support or
criticise a political party; or canvass on behalf of a political party. Where they
wish to engage in political activities, or comment in public on political issues,
Commissioners will be mindful of their independent and impartial public role
and exercise proper discretion.
5. The First Civil Service Commissioner may be consulted by Commissioners where
there are any doubts about the application of these standards.
The Commissioners
6. Civil Service Commissioners take collective responsibility for the discharge of their
functions under the Civil Service Commission. These functions are laid on the
Commission by the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010. In summary,
they are: maintaining the principle of appointment on merit on the basis of fair and
open competition; prescribing and publishing Recruitment Principles; chairing
selection panels and approving appointments at the most senior levels of the Civil
Service; auditing appointing authorities; and hearing and determining appeals under
the Civil Service Code.
7. Collective responsibility means that the Civil Service Commissioners will:
● discharge their duties as members of the Commission’s Board;
● engage fully as individuals in collective consideration of issues that impact on
the discharge of their functions while supporting the Board’s decisions when
decisions have been reached;
● exercise their role as Commissioners in accordance with any protocols,
guides and frameworks they have collectively agreed;
● seek to preserve the good reputation and independence of the Commission;
● ensure that they do not misrepresent the views or actions of the Commission.
The First Civil Service Commissioner
8. The First Civil Service Commissioner:
● is the Chair of the Board of Commissioners;
● provides strategic leadership and encourages high standards of propriety
including adherence by Commissioners to this Code of Practice;
● ensures that the Commission is fit for purpose, undertakes annually an
assessment of the contribution of individual Commissioners and ensures that
there is a proper balance of skills and experience on the Commission;
● seeks annually an assessment from the other Commissioners on his or her
contribution; enables collective consideration and ensures that the
Commissioners have an appropriate forum for deliberation, and that minutes
of meetings accurately record the decisions taken;
● formally represents the views of the Commissioners;
● promotes the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources by the
Commission and provides support and leadership for the Chief Executive,
managing his/her contract and performance, including appointment and
dismissal, and managing the relationship between the Commission and the
Chief Executive and staff;
● ensures that communication between the Commission and staff is good, and
the Chief Executive is managing the Commission in an effective manner.
Conflicts of Interest
9. Civil Service Commissioners are appointed on a part time basis, and may hold
other positions and have other interests in addition to their role as Commissioners.
However in order to operate effectively as Commissioners, there must be public
confidence that they are wholly objective in the exercise of their responsibilities and,
in particular, are free of any party political or governmental influence or favour. The
following provisions are intended to avoid Commissioners being influenced or
appearing to be influenced, by their private interests in the exercise of their duties as
a Commissioner.
Previous appointments
10. Prior to their appointment, Civil Service Commissioners will declare any preexisting appointments and interests which raises or might raise a question about
their independence or impartiality to the First Civil Service Commissioner who will
decide what, if any, actions are needed to ensure compliance with the Code. The
First Civil Service Commissioner will similarly declare to other Commissioners any
pre-existing appointments and interests.
11. Civil Service Commissioners will not be formally linked to, chair competitions for,
or play any part in auditing or dealing with any complaints or appeals in respect of
any department or agency in which they were previously employed or for which they
have undertaken any consultancy work which has, or might appear to have, a direct
relationship to their role as a Commissioner for at least one year from the date they
leave that department’s employment or complete the consultancy.
Concurrent and subsequent appointments
12. Civil Service Commissioners will declare to the First Civil Service Commissioner
any offers of other appointments or work which they receive and are minded to
accept whilst serving as Commissioners, or within one year after stepping down
which raises or might raise a question about their independence or impartiality. The
First Civil Service Commissioner will decide what, if any, actions are needed to
ensure compliance with the Code. The First Civil Service Commissioner will consult
with other Commissioners about similar offers of appointment he or she may receive.
13. Commissioners will not undertake any concurrent appointments or work for a
Civil Service department or agency which has, or might appear to have, a direct
relationship to their role as a Civil Service Commissioner, in particular where they
represent the formal link between the Commissioners and the department or agency.
Other interests
14. Civil Service Commissioners will also declare other relevant interests. A relevant
interest is any interest – whether direct or indirect, pecuniary or nonpecuniary –
which might influence their judgement, or which could be perceived by a reasonable
member of the public to influence their judgement, in the exercise of their duties as a
Commissioner. This will also include such interests of close family members and of
people living in the same household.
15. This may include where a Commissioner knows a candidate or appellant:
● as someone with whom the Commissioner has, or has had – or in his/her
judgement might have – business or professional dealings;
● as a friend or relation;
● as an acquaintance, whether through their personal, business or professional
life;
● having mentored, appraised or acted as their referee.
Reporting
16. The reporting of relevant interests by Civil Service Commissioners will depend on
the circumstances. Where it relates to an individual involved in:
● an appeal under the Civil Service Code or a complaint under the Recruitment
Principles, the Commissioner will declare the interest and consider, in light of
the nature of the interest, whether he/she should withdraw from the process in
question and/or discussion of it. Where there is any doubt the First Civil
Service Commissioner should be consulted;
● a recruitment panel that they are chairing, the Commissioner will declare the
interest to the other panel members and consider, in light of the nature of the
interest, whether he/she should withdraw from the competition or further
consideration of a candidate. Where there is any doubt the First Civil Service
Commissioner should be consulted.
17. Commissioners will declare all other relevant interests and consider with the First
Civil Service Commissioner, in light of the nature of the interest, on any appropriate
subsequent action.
18. The First Civil Service Commissioner will declare any relevant interest which
relates to his or her position to the other Commissioners.
Recording
19. Reports of relevant interests arising out of the circumstances described at para
16 above will be recorded and filed with the papers relating to the appeal, complaint
or competition in question.
20. All other relevant interests will be recorded in the Commissioners’ Register of
Interests. The Register will be available for public scrutiny on the Commission’s
website.
Gifts and Hospitality
21. Civil Service Commissioners will not accept gifts or hospitality or receive other
benefits from anyone which might be seen by a reasonable member of the public to
compromise his or her independence or impartiality as a Commissioner. If
Commissioners are in any doubt about the propriety of accepting a gift and/or
hospitality they will consult the First Civil Service Commissioner. The First Civil
Service Commissioner will discuss similar offers with other Commissioners.
22. Apart from trivial items with a value of less than £25, Civil Service
Commissioners will record all offers of gifts and hospitality related to their work as
Commissioners, whether or not they are accepted, in their Register of Gifts and
Hospitality.
Personal Liability of Commissioners
23. A Civil Service Commissioner, who has acted honestly, and in good faith, will not
have to meet out of his or her personal resources any personal civil liability which is
incurred in the execution or the purported execution of his or her board functions
save where the Commissioner has acted recklessly.