£16,000 – 15 days pa
About the role
Introduction
About Harwich Haven Authority
Established in 1863, Harwich Haven Authority is one of the UK’s largest Trust Ports with approximately 40% of the country’s container traffic travelling through the area.
Based on the North Essex coast, its jurisdiction covers an area across the River Stour, the lower part of the River Orwell, Harwich Harbour and an area seaward extending 12 nautical miles from the harbour entrance. The Authority provides service for shipping using the commercial ports of Felixstowe, Ipswich, Harwich International, Harwich Navyard and Mistley and also pilot boarding and landing services for the rivers Thames, Medway, Blackwater, Colne and Crouch. The Authority is responsible for navigational safety and protecting and improving the Haven for future generations. This enabled through its continuous and close dialogue with The Department for Transport, local authorities, local industry, environmental groups, sailors, residents, community groups and its employees, ensuring the Authority meets the needs of all its stakeholders.
The Authority has recently completed a series of major strategic initiatives, including deepening the Haven’s harbour and approach channel, allowing for a level of access for the biggest modern vessels unequalled anywhere in the UK. Now the Authority is looking to drive further forward by identifying new opportunities for innovation, greater levels of environmental protection, and deeper engagement with and growth for the local community.
Introduction from the Secretary of State
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in this Non-Executive Director on the Board of Harwich Haven Authority.
This is an important time for the Department for Transport. We are investing heavily in infrastructure and public transport to improve journeys, boost connections, level up the country and support economic growth. Central to our mission is delivering transport that works for everyone in our society.
We are recruiting for a Non-Executive Director to join our team on the Board of the Trust Port at Harwich Haven Authority. As well as having a large jurisdiction in North Essex, the Authority is responsible for navigational safety and improving the Haven for future generations.
The position requires a Non-Executive Director to join their board, providing guidance, strategic and governance oversight.
We strongly welcome applications from all backgrounds. As part of the Department’s commitment to diversity, we believe our public appointments should reflect our customers – the travelling public – who came from all walks of life and have different experiences. We very much welcome fresh talent, expertise, and perspectives, to help us better understand the needs of the communities we serve and support better decision making for all. This includes people who may have never applied for a public appointment – but could bring new ideas, insights, and energy.
If you are interested in the role and work of Harwich Haven Authority, I would like to encourage you to apply.
Our dedicated DfT Maritime Sponsorship & Appointments Team would be happy to talk through the process and answer your questions.
Rt Hon Mark Harper MP
Secretary of State for Transport
Role description
Harwich Haven Authority seeks a new Non-Executive Director to join their board at an exciting moment for their future strategy. This board member could bring one of a range of expertise from health & safety, to civil engineering, to a deep knowledge of the public sector.
As a Non-Executive, you will provide guidance and strategic & governance oversight to Harwich Haven Authority, ensuring the organisation achieves its objectives and remains a leading example of commercial, environmental and marine safety best practice for the Trust Port sector. In particular, the Authority are keen that Non-Executives play a support and constructively challenging role for the Authority’s executive, providing guidance and mentorship where required.
The responsibilities of a Non-Executive will include:
- Governance & scrutiny: Ensuring appropriate scrutiny and the highest standards of governance, transparency, and accountability.
- Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the rest of the Board and the Executive to develop and implement the strategic vision for Harwich Haven Authority, and support the executive in setting clear objectives and performance metrics.
- Financial and Risk Oversight: Work closely with the executive to oversee the financial health of the organisation, ensuring prudent financial and risk management, sustainability, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Advocacy and Representation: Act as an ambassador for Harwich Haven Authority, representing the organisation with stakeholders within the organisation and with partners where relevant.
- Support and Evaluation: Provide guidance, mentorship and support to the senior leadership team, where appropriate and beneficial based on your skillset and experience.
- Statutory responsibilities: To act as Duty Holder ensuring compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code
Board composition
Board NED Composition
- Debbie Franci OBE (Chair)
- Keith Winstanley MBE
- Flemming Dalgaard
- Nicola Hancock
- Alan Dowokpor (Deputy Chair)
- Jerry Wedge
- Jonathan Gibbard
- Dame Lin Homer
Person specification
Essential criteria
Harwich Haven Authority are looking Non-Executive Directors that can demonstrate the following essential skills & experience.
- Passion for and demonstrated interest in Harwich Haven Authority and its core responsibilities – marine safety, environmental protection, local economic growth, and trade & prosperity.
- High emotional intelligence and the ability to act as a critical friend to the executive and wider board.
- Ability and willingness to engage with the Authority at all levels, travelling to Harwich when appropriate and engaging with employees at all levels on the ground.
- A commitment to diversity and inclusivity within the boardroom and the wider organisation.
It would also be desirable for candidates to have experience in one or a number of the following:
- Knowledge of the marine sector, either in a trade & shipping, environmental, military or wider capacity.
- Strong understanding and/or previous experience of health & safety in a regulated environment.
- Strong previous experience in civil engineering or a related field.
- Knowledge and experience working for/with central and local government.
- Strong understanding of the local region & community.
- Previous experience working closely with unions and regulators.
- Strong experience using, visualising and interpreting data in a business context.