Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Climate Change Committee x 2

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.

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

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+.