Non Executive Directorships

Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Climate Change Committee x 2

Location: Various

Date Posted: 11/04/2025

Closing Date: 11/05/2025

£550/day 3 days/month

About the appointment

Introduction

Are you passionate about ensuring the UK is ready to deal with the impacts of climate change? Do you want to be part of the leading independent body that provides advice to the UK and devolved governments on preparing for climate change?

The Adaptation Committee has two statutory roles under the UK Climate Change Act 2008. The first is to advise the UK government and devolved governments on its assessment of the risks and opportunities from climate change. The second is to report to Parliament on its evaluation of the quality and implementation of actions in the UK government’s National Adaptation Programme (England and matters reserved to the UK government only). In addition, the devolved governments can make requests to the Adaptation Committee for evaluation of their national adaptation programmes under the Climate Change Act 2008 and other relevant devolved legislation.

Additional information: About the Climate Change Committee and the Adaptation Committee.

Introduction from the Minister

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Adaptation Committee (AC).

The UK average surface temperature has already warmed by at least 1.2°C since the pre-industrial period.??This means we not only need to tackle the climate and nature emergencies but also adapt to the changes they will bring.?Climate change adaptation is fundamental to delivering many of the government’s five missions.

The AC has a crucial role to play in informing and driving our efforts to prepare for the challenges that a changing climate will bring. It provides independent, expert advice to the UK and devolved governments on assessing and responding to climate change impacts. This includes informing the Climate Change Risk Assessment and providing reports to Parliament on Government progress in adapting to climate change. Its scope spans across multiple interconnected sectors, including economics, conservation, public health, business and infrastructure.

One of the successful candidates will provide expertise and advice on supporting nature to thrive in a changing climate and maximising its contribution to resilient growth in the UK through natural capital. The other will inform and drive government’s approach to ensuring a resilient built environment, bringing experience from a practical delivery or regulations background.

If you think that you can take on this rewarding role, then I strongly encourage you to apply. I particularly encourage applications from talented people from all backgrounds to ensure the Committee reflects our diverse society and takes an inclusive and?equitable?approach. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of the society they serve, and this is part of the Government’s agenda.

MP Emma Hardy

Minister of State for Water and Flooding

Appointment description

Defra is seeking to appoint at two new members to the Adaptation Committee (AC).

The AC is currently comprised of seven members (including the Chair); one of the AC members also sits on the Climate Change Committee (CCC). The AC is chaired by Professor Dame Julia King (The Baroness Brown of Cambridge). As a Committee member you will be responsible for establishing its strategic direction and providing impartial input into its work.

The AC members have collective responsibility for:

· Attending around 12 AC meetings a year and formulating decision-making procedures for the AC. Members are required to sit on certain CCC Committees such as the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee and other CCC ad-hoc working groups, such as on land use;

· Collaborating closely with, and providing support to, the Secretariat in delivering the work programme;

· Ensuring that the Committee discharges statutory requirements under the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and other relevant climate change legislation;

· Providing impartial, strategic input to discussions;

· Providing expert input and advice into reports to UK Ministers, UK Parliament and the respective Devolved Governments and legislatures;

· Assisting the Chair in their representative role across the UK; and

· Ensuring close working relationships with the Devolved Governments, private and voluntary sectors, key academics and professional and other bodies.

We particularly welcome applications from, women, disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates. We are committed to improving employment opportunities for ethnic minorities across the UK and ensuring that our institutions reflect society at large. We also welcome applications from LGBTQ+.

Person specification

Essential criteria

Candidates should be able to demonstrate all the following essential criteria:

· Ability to deliver results within a multi-disciplinary team and contribute to the AC’s strategic work, such as the development of its goals, priorities and management of outcomes;

· Proven analytical skills with the capacity to examine issues and provide advice (or manage the provision of advice) at a strategic level in ways which are impartial, creative, unbiased and solutions-focused, and propel the adaptation agenda across the UK;

· A collaborative style, with the ability to communicate and build relationships at all levels, including Ministers in the UK and devolved governments, fellow Committee members, the secretariat and stakeholders in all sectors; and

· A good understanding of the range of the AC’s work including the varying climate risks, opportunities and adaptation priorities across the United Kingdom.

For the two specific roles, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

1. Member with expertise in nature, natural capital and climate change issues

Demonstrable expertise in the impacts that the natural environment faces due to climate change and the adaptation options that can address them. Additional expertise in the economics of climate change and approaches to natural capital.

Experience with standard government appraisal methodologies (for example, the HM Treasury Green book guidance) would be desirable as well as demonstrated experience in economic appraisal techniques regarding environmental issues such as biodiversity).

2. Member with expertise in practical delivery and/or regulation within a built environment/infrastructure context

Expertise in addressing climate change impacts on the built environment and infrastructure sectors. Demonstrable experience of delivery and implementation challenges in relation to adaptation project implementation and/or understanding of the role of regulation in supporting climate change resilience is particularly sought after for this role to complement the Committee’s existing expertise.

The successful candidates must abide by the Nolan principles of public service and the 12 Principles of Governance for all Public Body NEDs (attached at Annex A and Annex B) and the Code of Conduct for Board members.

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Other Positions Available:

Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Climate Change Committee x 2

Location: Various

Date Posted: 11/04/2025

Closing Date: 11/05/2025

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Non Executive Directorships

Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Climate Change Committee x 2

Location: Various

Date Posted: 11/04/2025

Closing Date: 11/05/2025

£550/day 3 days/month

About the appointment

Introduction

Introduction from the Minister

Appointment description

Person specification

Essential criteria

Other Positions Available: