£8,250 per annum 15 days/annum
About the appointment
Additional introductions
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the Non?Executive Director position at the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD). GAD is an independent, non-ministerial department dedicated to providing specialist actuarial and analytical services to Government. GAD is self-funded through the fees it charges to clients across the public sector.
Established in 1919, throughout its history GAD’s focus has shifted in response to client needs – we now carry out more work, across more government departments and public sector organisations than ever before. The activities range from public sector pensions, policy support, investment, insurance, disaster risk finance, data analytics, climate analysis, quality assurance, and more. Many of these issues occupy high-profile positions on the government’s balance sheet.
GAD is embarking on an exciting new chapter, with a recently appointed Government Actuary and a new strategic plan to support the delivery of the government’s growth mission and policy objectives. Our strategy is designed to develop the organisation we need for the future: embracing innovation and modern technology and developing a diverse workforce with the skills to deliver across an even wider range of government challenges. We’re looking for a forward-thinking Non-Executive Director with experience in digital innovation and growth to play a key role in shaping our future success.
If you have the skills and experience we are looking for, are passionate about making an impact, and are motivated to help GAD continue to develop its important contribution to the stewardship of public sector finances, then we look forward to hearing from you and wish you every success with your application.
Les Philpott (Chair) and Fiona Dunsire (Government Actuary)
Appointment description
As a Non-Executive Director, you will provide expert advice based on your extensive knowledge and experience and bring valuable external perspective to the department. You will bring oversight, support, and constructive challenge to the work of GAD and its Board. You may also be involved in working groups or offer advice and support to individual directors, in addition to ad hoc pieces of work across the department. You will contribute to the development of GAD through:
- Attending Board meetings (currently 8 a year, including up to two Management and Leadership Away Days per year) and quarterly Audit and Risk Committee meetings. Meetings are primarily in-person, with at least one taking place in Edinburgh;
- Providing an external perspective to the Government Actuary and Executive team on the strategic direction of the GADs work;
- Applying oversight to the Government Actuary and Executive team in managing the organisation, and delivery of the strategic vision
- Playing a role in representing the Board and GAD in communications with key stakeholders and clients and acting as an ambassador for GAD outside of the organisation;
- Attending GAD events from time to time, such as annual All-Staff meetings and client conferences;
- Undertaking occasional specific tasks such as assisting with the recruitment of senior management and providing support to senior management.
Organisation description
The Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) employs approximately 220 people across 2 offices in London and Edinburgh, and generates around £25 million of fee income. It is headed by the Government Actuary, Fiona Dunsire. To find out more about the department, watch this Introduction to the Government Actuary’s Department.
GAD applies the actuarial profession’s technical skills, consultancy discipline, high standards of professionalism and industry sector knowledge to help solve financial challenges faced by the UK public sector, helping our clients to understand and analyse financial risk and uncertainty for a wide range of contemporary issues.
GAD has progressively modernised its systems and tools, diversified its workforce, adopted innovative techniques and broadened the areas in which actuarial advice and analysis is provided to government and public bodies. Our areas of expertise continue to evolve and include:
- Social Security
- Pension schemes
- Insurance and contingent liabilities
- Assets, Financial models and QA.
- Health and Social Care
- Climate Change
GAD’s vision and values
Vision for 2030: Bold and trusted partners on risk and finance. Enhancing decision-making for lasting benefits to society
Our values: Expert | Collaborative | Inclusive | Innovative
For further information about GAD visit the department’s website
Board composition
Board of GAD
From 1 April 2025, GAD’s Board will comprise 5 executive members, including the Government Actuary, and 3 non-executive members. The Board supports the Government Actuary in providing leadership to GAD, framing the overall strategy and exercising oversight over the performance of the department including its identification and management of risks.
For further information about the board visit the department’s website at http://www.gad.gov.uk
Person specification
Essential criteria
- Board-level experience, either as an executive or non-executive director, with a strong ability to shape long-term corporate vision, strategy, and governance.
- Proven leadership in digital innovation, with experience of guiding organisations in adopting emerging technologies (e.g., AI), enhancing digital infrastructure, and leveraging data analytics to drive strategic decision-making and improve client service
- Commercial and growth expertise, particularly in identifying and capitalising on opportunities that align with GAD’s role in supporting government growth objectives – such as market expansion, investment strategies, or fostering innovation to enhance revenue streams.
- Strategic and analytical mindset, with excellent leadership, influencing, and communication skills, and the ability to provide constructive challenge to senior leadership.Track record of overseeing change and transformation programmes, from inception to delivery, including the development of clear strategies to drive business performance and innovation.
- Experience in financial scrutiny and risk management, ensuring robust oversight of financial performance, governance, and corporate risk at the Board level.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to represent GAD externally with authority and credibility.
Desirable criteria
- Commercial experience in professional services, particularly in specialist advisory or consultancy roles.
- Understanding of the public sector environment, with a demonstrable commitment to the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles).
- Experience in chairing meetings or the potential to develop strong chairing skills.