Non Executive Directorships

Vacancy Description

ACRE is a non-departmental public body (NDPB) composed of leading scientists. It is sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs. ACRE provides statutory advice to the UK Government, and the Devolved Administrations of Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland on the potential risks to human health and the environment from the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for research or marketing purposes. ACRE also has a role in evaluating new research findings and any science-based GM matter, as well as providing advice on releasing non-native animals and plants into the environment as bio-control agents.

The aims, and responsibilities of the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment are to:

advise the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Scottish and Welsh Ministers, and other bodies as appropriate, on the exercise of powers under Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990;

advise Ministers, and other bodies as appropriate, on releases into the environment of Great Britain of animals and plants covered by sections 14 and 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981;

advise the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, (Northern Ireland) on releases of genetically modified organisms into the Northern Ireland environment for the purposes of the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994;

provide as requested by Ministers, scientific advice on GMOs, including advice to the Health and Safety Executive in respect of the human health aspects of releases to the environment;

advise Ministers, and other bodies as appropriate, on research needs.

A non-departmental public body has a role in the processes of national government, but is not a government department, or part of one. NDPBs operate, to a greater or lesser extent, independently from Government Ministers.

NDPBs have different roles. ACRE’s role as an NDPB is to advise Ministers, and other bodies that carry out regulatory functions. ACRE works within the strategic framework set by Ministers, and in accordance with appropriate legislation.

As a member, you will contribute to ACRE’s overall effectiveness, and support the Committee as a whole in fulfilling its statutory functions and conducting its affairs with probity. You will take personal responsibility for helping ACRE deliver its objectives, achieve value for money, and deliver high standards of regularity and propriety.

As a member you will be responsible for:

contributing to a cohesive and focused Committee and work collaboratively with industry, Government, delivery bodies and researchers, among others; meeting statutory duties and deadlines; taking proper account of evidence in reaching decisions; delivering high standards of propriety, contributing efficiently and effectively and conduct ACRE business in an open and transparent manner.

The successful candidate must abide by the Nolan principles of public service (attached at Annex A) and the Code of Conduct for Board members.

Person Specification

We are looking to recruit 4 members to ACRE. Candidates must demonstrate the general essential criteria outlined below, and one of the specific areas of expertise. Your expertise will be applied to the formulation of ACRE advice, particularly on the potential risks to human health and the environmental risks posed by the use of GM products in trials or in commercial use, and non-native species used as bio-control agents.

The following general essential criteria applies to all 4 roles:

The ability to assimilate complex information and participate fully in Committee deliberations, including offering contributions and challenges outside the area of your main expertise;

Possess strong analytical skills and the capacity to examine issues and evidence relevant to GMO safety considerations, in an impartial way, with the ability to apply this when ACRE is assessing applications to use GMOs;

Effective interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and identify key issues and communicate conclusions to a non-specialist audience, if necessary.

Skills in risk assessment, or an ability to develop these skills, in order to help ACRE advise on the potential environmental risks (including risks to human health) associated with the use of GMO products in clinical and field trials, and commercial use.

Specific areas of expertise are being sought as follows:

Post 1 – Veterinary medicine:
A proven track record of achievement in research and scholarship relating to veterinary medicine and, in particular, biotechnology-derived veterinary medicinal products and vaccines.

Post 2 – Risk assessment:
A proven track record of achievement in research and scholarship relating to the assessment of agricultural products of new biotechnologies. The successful applicant will also have expertise in plant population biology, agricultural ecology, and semi-natural ecosystems.

Post 3 – Functional plant genomics:
A proven track record of achievement in research and scholarship relating to plant genetics and genomics, particularly in the context of trait improvement. The successful applicant will have expertise in bringing plants through GMO authorisation processes, particularly in relation to the use of new genomic techniques.

Post 4 – Functional animal genomics:
A proven track record of achievement in research and scholarship relating to animal genetics and genomics, particularly in the context of trait improvement. The successful applicant will have expertise in bringing animals through advanced trials, particularly in relation to the use of new genomic techniques.

Additional Information

Applications are invited for four scientific experts to join the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment

If you have any questions about the appointments process, please email the Public Appointments Team at publicappts@defra.gov.uk.

For an informal discussion about the role please email the ACRE Secretariat at ACRE.Secretariat@defra.gov.uk.

How to Apply

Please click here to apply: https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/6225/apply

You will need to create an account or sign in to apply for Public Appointment Service gov.uk by the deadline of 12:00 on 22 March 2023.

Once logged onto your account, click on ‘apply for this role’ and follow the on-screen instructions. To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

• a CV of no more than two sides of A4 with the e-mail addresses of two referees;

• a supporting statement of no more than 1,000 words, setting out how you meet the essential criteria and the area of expertise you are applying for – make sure you refer to the contents of this document and provide specific examples;

• equality information;

• information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues;

If you have any questions about the appointments process, please email the Public Appointments Team at PublicAppts@Defra.gov.uk.

If you have any questions about the role, please email the ACRE Secretariat at ACRE.Secretariat@defra.gov.uk