Chair of the Engineering Construction Industries Training Board (ECITB)

Information for applicants

Closing date is Friday 29th September 2017 at 1600

Contents Page

About the ECITB 3

About the skills sector 3

About the role 4

Person Specification 5

Terms of Appointment 7

How to apply 7

The Appointment Process 8

Complaints 10

Appendix 1 – The Seven Principles of Public Life 11

Appendix 2 – Declaration of Interests 12

Appendix 3 – Political Activity Questionnaire 14

Appendix 4 – Diversity Monitoring Form 15

Appendix 5 - Guaranteed Interview Scheme 18

Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) - Role of Chair

About the ECITB

The ECITB is the statutory skills body for the engineering construction industry in Great Britain. It works closely with employers and the Government to attract develop and qualify engineering construction personnel in a wide range of craft, technical and professional skills and disciplines.

It raises some £30m annually via a statutory training levy. The training levy enables the ECITB to collect funds from the industry’s employers and then re-invest those funds back into industry in the form of training grants and other products and services required by the industry.

The ECITB is accredited as an Awarding Organisation by the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator and the Scottish Qualifications Authority for the delivery of vocational qualifications. In addition to commissioning a national network of training providers to deliver training for individuals and employers in the UK and abroad it also provides a range of other services:

Provide careers information and advice for employees. Attract new entrants to the industry. Quality assures training and qualifications. Represent the industry’s skills needs to Government. Define and maintain the industry’s occupational standards.

For more information see: https://www.ecitb.org.uk/

About the skills sector

The Secretary of State for Education, Justin Greening made clear in her speech to the British Chambers of Commerce on 5th July the Government is committed to creating the world-beating technical education system that the country needs, especially if we are to fully exploit the opportunities provided by exiting the EU.

Engineering construction is a key part of the UK’s economy and includes the oil and gas, power and offshore sectors as well as other major projects. It is vital that the sector has a workforce with the right range of skills and expertise at all levels and can offer proper training and qualifications to those looking for careers in engineering construction, be this degree, profession/technical or vocational.

The Government is working with employers and education/training providers to ensure the provision of high quality skills and training is available to meet the needs of industry. Key within this is the Government’s ambitions for Further Education. Apprenticeships remain one of the top Government priorities, along with a reformed FE sector able to deliver high quality training and education that meets the needs of industry and the economy.

The ECITB has this vital role for engineering construction. By raising a levy and redistributing it via grant it overcomes the problems caused by the inherent short term, project based nature of the sector. This allows individuals to train throughout their career and provides the sector with a pipeline of trained, qualified personnel.

About the role

Position of Chair

Reports to: The Secretary of State for Education, the role is non-executive.

Purpose

1. The Chair will ensure that ECITB policies and actions support the wider strategic policies of the Secretary of State and that its affairs are conducted with probity. The Chair will lead the ECITB Board and be a champion for the work of the ECITB and its role within the engineering construction industry in England, Scotland and Wales. S/he will ensure the organisation’s governance system works to benefit ECITB in effective delivery of public service in compliance with regulation and best practice. The Chair will maintain contacts with the Government and the industry on matters relating to the Board. Through leadership s/he will build trust and confidence with Trustees, Council, Executive and wider stakeholders.

2. The Chair assesses the performance of the Trustees and undertakes a formal appraisal annually on them. The Chair, in consultation with the Board of Trustees, is also responsible for undertaking an annual appraisal of the performance of the Chief Executive.

Stakeholder engagement

3. The Chair must have the personal credibility to allow them to access and interact with stakeholders at all levels and to ensure the interests of the ECITB are properly represented.

4. Key stakeholders include:

Internal. The Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive, Executive management and the ECITB Council

External. Secretary of State for Education and/or delegated political representatives, the DfE sponsorship team, Chairs, Executives and directors of in-scope and other industry companies, associated organisations and other groups as necessary.

Time Commitment and Tenure

5. The role will be for 84 days per year (up to 2 days/week). Appointments are for 4 years, renewable for a second term, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State.

Accountability

6. The Chair is accountable to the Secretary for State and, in common with any individual with responsibility for devolved functions, may also be held to account by Parliamentary Committee. Communications between the ECITB Board and the Ministers will normally be through the Chair. S/he is responsible for ensuring that the ECITB’s policies and actions support national governments’ strategic policies.

Tasks and Responsibilities

7. In leading the ECITB Board the Chair is responsible for the following:

a. Ensuring ECITB policies and actions support the wider strategic policies of the Secretary of State, the further and higher education sector and the needs of the engineering construction industry.

b. Providing leadership in setting the strategic framework for the organisation, holding the Executive and CEO to account, monitoring and reviewing the strategic objectives and requirements as well as the strategic risks and risk appetite.

c. Ensuring the ECITB meets its statutory, legal and regulatory obligations, and delivers against its core purposes.

d. Ensuring the future development of the ECITB, so that it remains a leading skills body for the engineering construction industry.

e. Reviewing the performance measures of the organisation and challenging where performance or delivery is not on track.

f. Conducting regular self-assessments and assessments of Board and Council effectiveness.

g. The Board has a balance of skills appropriate to the strategic direction of the ECITB, in accordance with recognised good practice in corporate governance.

h. Board Trustees are fully briefed on terms of appointment, duties, rights and responsibilities and adherence to the Code of Conduct.

i. Board Trustees, together with the Chair, receive appropriate training, including on strategic, financial and audit management and reporting requirements.

j. Trustees support and promote the work of the ECITB, acting as ambassadors for the organisation in the industry.

k. Performance review of Trustee’s are conducted on an annual basis and that the Board monitors the performance of its Committees, the Executive and the workings of the Council.

l. That all public appointees uphold the standards of conduct set out in the Committee on Standards in Public Life’s Seven Principles of Public Life.

Person specification

8. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

a. Essential.

i. A proven track record of delivering high performance in a rapidly changing and uncertain environment.

ii. Strong interpersonal communication and influencing skills together with the political acumen and personal impact to successfully engage and influence a range of senior stakeholders. iii. An ability to think strategically, analytically and to address complex challenges. iv. An ability to challenge, influence and facilitate the making of difficult decisions. v. The ability to perform as an effective and authoritative Board Chair and build a positive working relationship with the Chief Executive Officer, Council members, Trustees, the Executive and stakeholders. vi. An inspiring leader who demonstrates credibility and gravitas in their actions and behaviours. vii.Behaviours that reflect the values of integrity, honesty and high ethical standards and demonstrate understanding of, and commitment to, the public service values of accountability, probity, openness, equality and diversity.

b. Desirable.

Board level, or other senior strategic level, commercial experience. A sound understanding and knowledge of the strategic challenges that emanate from the economic, political and technological environment in England, Scotland and Wales. A good knowledge and understanding of the employment needs and emergent trends and developments within the engineering construction industry. An understanding of the working of a non-departmental public body and the associated governance requirements.

Terms of Appointment

Remuneration

£30,000 pa

Appointment and tenure of office The appointment will be for a period of four years from 1 January 2018.

Time commitment Up to 2 days per week, 84 days per year.

Location Board and Committee meetings are usually held in London. Meetings are also held in Wales and Scotland to reflect the scope of the ECITBs work and the post carries an expectation of some travel around the UK.

Standards in public life You will be expected to demonstrate high standards of corporate and personal conduct.

Applicants must also confirm that they understand the standards of probity required by public appointees outlined in the “Seven Principles of Public Life” set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life, the ‘Nolan principles’ (see Appendix 1).

How to apply

To apply, please send:

• A copy of your CV;

• A supporting statement, of no more than three sides, that evidences how you meet all the criteria in the Person Specification. It is important that you provide as much detail as possible, within the space limit;

• You should also provide details of any political activity, conflicts of interest and details of any public appointments held currently (Appendix 2 and Appendix 3);

• You should complete and return the diversity monitoring form (Appendix 4);

• If you are applying under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please complete and return the form at Appendix 5.

Please ensure you include a preferred telephone number, as well as a preferred e-mail address, which will be used with discretion.

Applications should be emailed to:

publicappointments.DFE@education.gov.uk

Please include ‘ECITB Chair’ in the subject heading.

If you are unable to apply online, please post applications to:

Public Appointments (HR) Ground Floor Church Side Bishopsgate House Darlington DL1 5QE

Appointment Process

Campaign Timeline

Competition Launched - 21/08/2017

Closed for Applications - 29/09/2017 at 1600

Panel Sift – w/c 09/10/2017

Final Interview Date – Subject to panel and candidate availability, we would expect to interview candidates in the week commencing 23rd October 2017.

The interviews will be held in London or Sheffield, depending on candidate/panel availability.

Following panel interviews, appointable candidates may be invited to meet Anne Milton, Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, Minister for Women.

Announcement - TBC

Subject to appropriate checks and the individual circumstances of the successful candidate, we would want the candidate to commence their role wef 1st January 2018.

Assessment Panel

- Anne Frost - Director, Careers and Further Education (DfE Representative) - Paul Morrell - Adviser to the ITB Review (Independent Panel Member)- Nicola Mason - Vice President of AMEC Foster Wheeler Asset Management (Industry Representative)

Diversity and Equality of Opportunity

All applicants are asked to complete an anonymised Diversity Monitoring form used for data gathering information only in order for the Commissioner to check whether departments are recruiting from the widest possible pool.

The Department for Education is committed to the principle of public appointments on merit with independent assessment, openness and fairness of process and to providing equal opportunities for all.

If you are a disabled applicant (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) you have the option to request a guaranteed interview. 

To request a guaranteed interview, you need to make a Guaranteed Interview Scheme declaration.  If you meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be selected for a preliminary interview.

Making a Guaranteed Interview Scheme declaration both confirms your eligibility for the scheme and your request for a guaranteed interview. You will not be offered a guaranteed interview unless you make a Guaranteed Interview Scheme declaration (Appendix 5).

If you have any difficulties completing the Guaranteed Interview Scheme declaration on the form, please include your request for a guaranteed interview in your covering letter.  As with the Guaranteed Interview Scheme Declaration on the form, we will take a request for a guaranteed interview in a covering letter as confirmation of your eligibility for the scheme (that is, you are a disabled applicant as defined under the Equality Act 2010).   

The Guaranteed interview Scheme declaration is completely separate from the diversity monitoring form.  The Diversity Monitoring form plays no part in the selection process.  Instead, it simply allows the Department to monitor the diversity of the field of applicants responding to this campaign.

Disqualification for appointment

There are circumstances in which an individual will not be considered for appointment. They include: People who have received a prison sentence or suspended sentence of 3 months or more in the last five years; People who are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order; In certain circumstances, those who have had an earlier term of appointment to another public body terminated; Anyone who is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986; Anyone who has been removed from trusteeship of a charity.

Conflict of Interests

You are required to declare any business interests, positions of authority or other connections with organisations that may be relevant to the business of ECITB. If the selection panel is concerned that such interests may represent a conflict of interests with the work of the ECITB, they will discuss their concerns with you if you are invited for interview (Appendix 2).

Political activity

In the light of recommendations made by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (the Nolan Committee), candidates are required to declare any significant activity undertaken in the past five years. This information will be used for monitoring purposes. However, if your application is successful the information may be released into the public domain (Appendix 3).

Complaints

If you are not completely satisfied about the way your application has been handled at any stage, please raise any complaint in the first instance with:

Michael KlymFE Corporate SponsorshipDepartment for EducationSanctuary BuildingsGreat Smith StreetLondon SW1P 3BT

We will reply to your complaint within 20 days. If, after receiving our response you are still not satisfied, you may contact the Commissioner for Public Appointments:

The Commissioner for Public AppointmentsRoom G/8, Ground Floor1 Horse Guards RoadLondon SW1A 2HQ Tel: 020 7271 0849

The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates and monitors appointments to public bodies to ensure procedures are fair. More information about the role of the Commissioner and his Code of Practice is available from http://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/.

Information about the Commissioner’s policy and manner in which complaints are investigated are set out in the Commissioner’s leaflet Your Guide to Making a Complaint about a Public Appointments Process which can be found at: http://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/.

Appendix 1: The seven principles of public life

All applicants for public appointments are expected to demonstrate a commitment to, and an understanding of, the value and importance of the principles of public service. The seven principles of public life are:

1. Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2. Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3. Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4. Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5. Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Appendix 2 – Declaration of Interests

Please complete this form and send with your application:

POSITION APPLIED FOR: Chair of ECITB

SURNAME FIRST NAME INITIAL(S) TITLE

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE

CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)

EMAIL ADDRESS

LATEST EMPLOYER (ORGANISATION)

LATEST JOB TITLE SALARY

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.

Appendix 3 - 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.1 ☐

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 personal statement.

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

Appendix 4 - ECITB Chair Recruitment Diversity Monitoring Form

Public appointments are made on merit in accordance with the Cabinet Office Governance Code and the Public Appointments Order in Council. By completing the attached diversity monitoring form you will be helping us meet our public sector equality duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2012.

Your personal data will always be treated in confidence and when anonymised with data from other applicants will help compile the Annual Statistical Bulletin of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Your responses to sections 1 – 9 will never be made available to the panel considering your application.

1. Gender

What is your gender?

[ ] female [ ] male[ ] I prefer to describe myself as _________________________________[ ] I prefer not to say

2. Disability

Do you consider yourself disabled?

[ ] no[ ] yes If yes, how would you describe your disability? ___________________________________________________________________________[ ] I prefer not to say

3. Ethnicity

Please mark the box that most accurately describes your ethnicity:

Asian Black

[ ] Bangladeshi [ ] African[ ] Chinese [ ] Caribbean[ ] Indian [ ] Other Black origin[ ] Pakistani [ ] Other Asian origin

Mixed Ethnic White

[ ] Of more than one ethnicity [ ] British, Irish or other White Background

[ ] I prefer not to say

4. Age

Please tick the age band you fall into:

[ ] 18-25 [ ] 26-35 [ ] 36-45 [ ] 46-55 [ ] 56-65 [ ] 66 or older[ ] I prefer not to say

5. Sexual Orientation

What is your sexual orientation?

[ ] bisexual [ ] gay man [ ] heterosexual [ ] lesbian [ ] other[ ] I prefer not to say

6. Religion or belief

What is your religion or belief?

[ ] Buddhist [ ] Christian [ ] Hindu [ ] Jewish [ ] Muslim [ ] Sikh[ ] Other [ ] No Religion or Atheist [ ] I prefer not to say

7. What is your principal place of residence?

Please enter the County or City that you live in along with the first part of your postcode e.g. Dyfed SY23; /London SE18

County/City_____________________ Post Code [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

8. What is your principal employment, if any?

Please describe your main employment and tick the occupational sector box that best describes you:

Employment __________________________________________

[ ] Mostly Civil Service [ ] Mostly Private Sector [ ] Mostly Third Sector [ ] Mostly wider Public Sector [ ] Mixed [ ] Other [ ] I prefer not to say

9. Do you hold any other public appointments?

[ ] 0 [ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5-9 [ ] 10 or more [ ] prefer not to say

Only the information provided in section 10 (Political Activity) below will be made available to the panel if you are called for interview.

10. Political Activity

Have you undertaken any political activity for a political party in the past five years?

[ ] No

[ ] If yes, please indicate the activity undertaken and for which party/parties:

[ ] held office/employment [ ] public speaking [ ] stood for election [ ] made donations to a party (if so, please say how much _______________)[ ] any other political activity (if so, please specify ______________________)

Party/Parties___________________________________________________

Appendix 5

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 under each of the specific qualities and skills sought.

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.

DECLARATION

I consider myself to have a disability as defined above and I would like to apply under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

Name: Date

Signature*

*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