Non Executive Directorships

The Pensions Ombudsman – Non-Executive Director

Location: London

Date Posted: 09/11/2020

Closing Date: 04/12/2020

£6000 pa – 12+ days/year

Vacancy Description

The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) investigates and determines complaints and disputes about the way that occupational and personal pension schemes are run. The Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman considers decisions made by the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) Board under the PPF’s internal procedures and decides on appeals against decisions by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Financial Assistance Scheme. Although the roles are provided for separately in legislation, they are held by one post holder, supported by a single organisation. Throughout this document the term ‘TPO’ will therefore cover both roles.

TPO provides a free and accessible service for dealing with pensions complaints. Determinations are final and binding on all parties, subject only to appeal in the High Court on a point of law.

In recent years TPO has seen a steady increase in business which also includes the transfer of the Early Resolution Service, from The Pensions Advisory Service to TPO in March 2018.

TPO is a statutory tribunal and Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored by the DWP.

The Pensions Ombudsman Board

Following the recommendations from the 2019 Tailored Review of The Pensions Ombudsman governance structure, DWP Ministers agreed to implement a full Board structure consisting of four Non-Executive Board members (including a Chair), and two Executive Directors (the Pensions Ombudsman and the Chief Operating Officer), in line with Cabinet Office principles for effective and proportionate governance. There is currently an interim Board structure which has been tasked with setting up the new board.

The Role of the Non-Executive Directors

Each Non-Executive Director will:

• Participate in TPO Board meetings and may be required to chair or participate in a Board sub-committee, drawing on their breadth of expertise and experience;

• Contribute to and review the strategic direction of TPO;

• Scrutinise the performance of the Ombudsman/Chief Operating Officer in ensuring that TPO’s functions are exercised efficiently and effectively;

• Monitor the extent to which TPO is meeting its statutory objectives, KPIs, KOIs and other targets;

• Monitor the TPO’s reporting of its activities to the Secretary of State in the annual report;

• Evaluate the effectiveness of TPO’s internal financial and risk controls;

• Contribute to setting the remuneration of senior executives;

• Act as a confidant and sounding board to the Chair;

• Contribute through ad hoc involvement with the executive team and other TPO staff on specific areas of interest/priority;

• Where appropriate, represent TPO externally, and help it build relationships with key stakeholders;

• Contribute their own professional experience to guide the development of the TPO in a way that is supportive, collegiate and adds value; and

• Demonstrate a commitment to the Seven Principles of Public Life.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

We are seeking candidates with the right skills and abilities to complement the existing Board members. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate:

• The ability to effectively and strategically contribute to Board activity including an aptitude for analysing and resolving complex issues across the economic, social and political landscape, whilst maintaining independence of view;

• Ability to effectively contribute to Board activity, challenging and supporting the executive team to lead the organisation;

• Ability to quickly develop and maintain relationships with groups with disparate views and agendas;

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of audiences and to work together with executives and other NEDs to solve collective problems;

• Results and outcome orientation, including drive, energy, resilience, and a detailed focus on targeted performance metrics.

In addition, candidates must also demonstrate significant expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Pensions Administration with an understanding of the political and economic structures in which pension schemes operate.

• Organisational culture change. Knowledge and experience of developing, strengthening and maintaining an effective organisational culture to support effective outcomes.

• Governance / Risk including knowledge of corporate governance, gained from either the private or public sector. One post will be expected to chair the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, so a finance qualification would be desirable but not essential.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous Board experience is desirable but not essential.

• Willingness to develop an understanding of the environment within which the public sector operates including a good understanding of parliament.

• An understanding of working with and motivating volunteers.

How to Apply

In order for us to progress your application please submit the following completed documentation:

1. A CV (maximum 2-3 pages) with your education and professional qualifications and full employment history.

2. An accompanying Supporting Statement (maximum 2 pages, font 12) – this is your opportunity to demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria set out in this information pack. You should aim to provide specific examples that demonstrate how your knowledge and experience matches each of the criteria, and which describe what your role was in achieving a specific result.

Please ensure your full name and the post for which you are applying are clearly noted at the top of your CV and Supporting Statement.

3. Personal Information Form Most of the information requested is not seen by the panel assessing your application (though the panel may consider your declaration of interests).

4. Diversity Monitoring Form. Collecting and analysing candidate data will help us improve our diversity strategy. It will allow us to run more successful recruitment exercises in the future and ensure that competitions are fair for all. This form is not part of the selection process and will be treated in strictest confidence. It will be kept separate from your application and not be seen by the selection panel.

Please email your application to: alb.publicappointments@dwp.gov.uk

The vacancy closes at 17:00 on 4/12/20

If you have any difficulty in sending your application or need the application pack in an alternative format (e.g. Braille, large print, audio CD, tape or e-text), please contact the ALB Public Appointments Team by e-mail to alb.publicappointments@dwp.gov.uk

Apply here

Click to share this position via email

Other Positions Available:

National Portrait Gallery – 2x Trustees

Location: London

Date Posted: 25/01/2021

Closing Date: 25/02/2021