Non Executive Directorships

UK Atomic Energy Authority, Non-Executive Board Member

Location: Various

Date Posted: 25/04/2023

Closing Date: 09/05/2023

£15,000 pa 12 days/pa

The challenges of climate change are some of the most urgent and demanding issues that the world is facing. We need to work now to deliver solutions for the long term. Fusion has the potential to be the ultimate clean power solution, representing a low carbon, safe, continuous, and sustainable source of energy. The UK is widely recognised as a world leader in the most promising fusion technologies. We have the potential to capitalise on our vast scientific and technical expertise and lead the future commercialisation of fusion energy.

The UKAEA is vital in realising the UK’s high potential and delivering the UK government’s ambitious fusion energy programmes. It is the largest fusion organisation in the world and one of the world’s leading fusion research laboratories. It aims to amplify the scientific and economic benefit of fusion R&D for the UK.

UKAEA is at a crucial turning point in its history with the record-breaking JET facility approaching decommissioning, the transfer of the STEP fusion power plant programme into a new subsidiary limited company, and the implementation of an ambitious set of opportunities to develop the fusion sector in the UK. These are challenging, multi-year programmes that require an exceptional leader to guide UKAEA as it delivers on its mission.

We are looking for individuals with a keen interest in fusion energy and world-leading experience across science, technology, and R&D related sectors who can provide strategic challenge, guidance, and support to the organisation. This is a tremendous opportunity to be involved in leading a world leading research and development organisation.

My Ministerial colleagues and I are committed to fair and open recruitment processes across all public appointments that we make. We proactively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented groups.

Should you need any further assistance, my officials would be happy to talk to you about this and other senior roles in the public sector.

If you believe you have the experience and qualities we are seeking to contribute to this important organisation, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

Andrew Bowie ? MP Minister for Nuclear and Networks

Role description

Purpose of the role

Our Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) support the effective governance of the UKAEA. They ensure high standards of propriety and promote efficient and effective use of staff and other resources throughout the organisation.

They also advocate on behalf of UKAEA across the nuclear and technology sectors and to the general public and help to secure sustainable funding to support the UKAEA’s work.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of the NEDs will be:

· To oversee the strategic aims and objectives of UKAEA consistent with its overall strategic direction and within the policy and resources framework determined by the Secretary of State.

· To ensure that effective arrangements are in place to provide assurance on risk management, governance and internal control.

· To maintain the reputation and profile of UKAEA, including in aspects relating to values, equality, diversity and inclusion.

· To serve the interests of stakeholders, both internal and external, and to bring independent judgement to issues of strategy and performance.

· Advocacy on behalf of UKAEA across the nuclear and technology sectors and to the general public.

Organisation description

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The UKAEA leads the UK fusion programme at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE), which is one of the world’s leading fusion research laboratories. UKAEA works with partners around the globe to lead commercial development of fusion energy and related technologies, with the aim of positioning the UK as a world leader in sustainable nuclear energy.

UKAEA’s mission is to:

1 – Maintain the UK’s position as a world leader in fusion research & development;

2 – Enable economic growth & new high-tech jobs in UK industry;

3 – Grow the UK’s nuclear technology capability;

4 – Design the first fusion power plants; and

5 – Develop Harwell and Culham sites as Science and Innovation Centres.

Regulation of appointment

This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website

Person specification

Essential criteria

1. LEAD CRITERIA: It is expected that you will have previously held a senior role in a science or R&D-oriented organisation. ?

2. Experience working in large international collaborations.

3. Ability to think logically and objectively in analysing complex financial and non-financial (such as scientific) information to identify key issues/implications and make balanced judgements and effective decisions.

4. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly.

5. Ability to exercise judgement across a broad spectrum of policy and management issues.

6. An ability to build relationships with executive colleagues and a clear understanding of the differences between roles of executives and non-executives.

Desirable criteria

1. A strong network within the UK and international scientific, research, technology, and/or engineering communities and experience of joint programmes between science-oriented organisations.

2. A track record in increasing diversity and inclusion within an organisation

3. Experience of industrial innovation, and/or the development and use of Intellectual Property and technology transfer.

4. Strong support for fusion R&D, and interest in the transfer of fusion technology expertise to adjacent sectors.

5. Management experience and knowledge of effective governance at a senior level in complex organisations in the private, public or voluntary sectors.

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Date Posted: 01/12/2023

Closing Date: 21/12/2023