Non Executive Directorships

Vacancy Description

The ONR has been established, under Part 3, Section 77 of the Energy Act 2013, as a statutory body to support the Government’s strategic aims and objectives for regulation of the nuclear industry.

ONR’s mission is: ‘To protect society by securing safe nuclear operations.’

ONR’s statutory purposes fall into five categories:

• Nuclear safety;
• Nuclear site health and safety;
• Nuclear security;
• Nuclear safeguards; and
• Safety of transport of nuclear and radioactive materials.

Further details of ONR’s purposes are set out in Part 3 of the 2013 Act.

ONR’s strategy 2020-2025 sets out its vision for ONR ‘to be a modern, transparent regulator delivering trusted outcomes and values’.

More details can be found on our website www.onr.gov.uk

ONR is seeking to appoint an independent member to serve on its Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.

About the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee

The Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) is responsible for providing assurance to the Board on the maintenance of appropriate and adequate audit processes, for the governance of the internal audit and external audit programmes.

The committee has a particular remit of ensuring that all necessary reassurances can be provided to the Chief Executive/Chief Nuclear Inspector (CE/CNI) for those areas the CE/CNI is responsible and accountable for as detailed in the DWP/ONR Framework Document. On behalf of the ONR Board, the committee has oversight of ONR’s risk management processes.

It is a standing committee of the ONR Board and it is chaired by a non-executive member of the Board.

The Committee is a non-executive committee and has no executive powers, other than those specifically delegated within its Terms of Reference.  It has particular engagement with the work of internal audit (provided by the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA)) and ONR’s external auditor (National Audit Office).

The Committee is currently comprised of 3 non-executive members of the ONR Board, one of whom serves as Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, and 1 independent member.

The Committee’s Terms of Reference can be found on our website https://www.onr.org.uk/documents/corporate-governance.pdf

About the role

The Board wishes to appoint an independent member of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee holding a CCAB qualification or similar with a strong background in finance, performance and risk management to complement the skills and experience of the existing Committee members and to add an additional perspective to the Committee’s oversight.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in the Committee’s business and will be expected to attend each meeting of the Committee, usually at least four per annum.

An annual time commitment of around 10 days is envisaged which will include preparation for and attendance at meetings, travel and reviewing any reports by correspondence.  A time commitment for induction into the role and also the work of ONR will also be required.

Person Specification

Essential requirements: The successful candidate will have a high level of strategic financial and commercial awareness and also possess knowledge of effective risk management techniques to support business delivery. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience of engaging with senior leaders with an ability to challenge supportively.

In addition, experience in the following areas is essential:

• Value for Money Assessment;
• An understanding of accounting, the audit process and annual reporting requirements;
• Modernisation and Transformation Programmes;
• Assurance mapping;
• Performance and Risk Management; and
• Securing maximum value from external and internal audit resources.

Desirable requirements: It would be desirable for the successful candidate to have a broad understanding of the public sector environment, specifically in relation to audit and its role in effective corporate governance.

The successful candidate will need to already have or obtain security clearance (to SC level) prior to appointment and is required to conduct themselves in keeping with the principles set out in the Seven Principles Underpinning Public Life. (Please see the attached candidate Pack)

Additional Information

This appointment will be for an initial three-year period commencing 01 July 2023 with the possibility of one renewable term thereafter.

£5000+ pa – 10 days approx

How to Apply

Please submit your application through the ONR recruitment portal.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 03 March 2023 at 23:45.

Your application should include:

• A full record of your education and professional qualifications and a full employment history     (CV).
• A personal statement that describes your suitability for the role, providing specific                    evidence/examples of how you demonstrate the essential criteria as detailed above.

Your ability and skills will be assessed at an in-depth interview if you are invited to the next stage of the recruitment process. An initial sift of applications is made against the above criteria and failure to address any or all will affect your application.

ONR is committed to being an inclusive employer and we welcome and encourage applications from all applicants. We will make reasonable adjustments and adaptations to ensure the recruitment process is inclusive and barrier-free.  For example, providing job descriptions in alternative formats, and providing communication support and accessible venues. If you would like to discuss how we can support you, please contact (ONR.Human-Resources@onr.gov.uk) who will be able to provide further information and discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process. We will offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

ONR recognises it has a role to play in helping those leaving the Armed Forces (veterans) and have introduced a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for veterans. This is part of a government initiative known as the ‘Great Place to Work for Veterans’. Veterans are officially defined as anyone who has served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve). All veterans who meet the minimum criteria for a role will be invited to interview and they have the choice to opt into this scheme when completing their application. To be eligible to apply for roles under the initiative, veterans must meet certain eligibility criteria below;

• have served for at least one year in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (as a Regular or Reserve);
• be in transition from, or ceased to be a member of, Her Majesty’s Armed Forces; and,
• not already be employed by ONR. 

Interviews will be conducted with shortlisted candidates on 30 March 2023.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Nikki Howard, Governance and Compliance Manager, Nikki.howard@onr.gov.uk Tel: 0203 028 0296