Non Executive Directorships

UK Member of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment(PAT 160011)

Location: Ministry of Justice

Date Posted: 07/12/2020

Closing Date: 04/01/2021

Unremunerated – +expenses

Vacancy Description

The UK member of the Committee will be expected to:

Ensure that protection of persons deprived of their liberty against torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment is strengthened by non-judicial means through visits and preventive measures;
Contribute to the successful achievement of the objectives of the Committee and its role within the Council of Europe;
Contribute to drawing up reports on the facts found during visits, taking account of any observations that may have been submitted by the State Party concerned;
Maintain confidentiality of the facts and information of which the Committee becomes aware during discharge of its functions; and
Liaise regularly with the members of the UK PACE Delegation.

Person Specification

Candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential:

Professional skills and experience in an area relevant to the work of the CPT, such as:

policing and administration of places of deprivation of liberty, including police stations, prisons and psychiatric institutions;
forensic science;
relevant medical issues (e.g. psychiatry or mental health, clinical psychology, clinical forensics, paediatric or geriatric medicine, or public health and infectious diseases);
international human rights law, humanitarian and refugee law, or administrative law; or
the administration of justice (e.g. former prosecutors or judges, or experts in juvenile justice)

Evidence of high moral character, impartiality and independence, including an understanding and commitment to the Nolan Principles;
Ability to impartially identify, collect and analyse evidence in context of the work of the CPT, including sometimes distressing evidence, and to understand and communicate the limitations of evidence sources;
Ability to develop reasoned conclusions and/or recommendations from evidence, and to present these findings in written reports in English and/or French (the working languages of the CPT);
Strong skills in communication, negotiation and working as part of a team, with the ability and confidence to gain respect, influence others and challenge opinions where necessary; and
Availability to participate fully in the work of the CPT, including by attending meetings and taking part in at least two visits each year.

Desirable:

Experience of visiting, monitoring or inspecting detention facilities; and
Proficiency in other European languages, in addition to the working languages of English and French.

Additional Information

Tenure: The appointment will be made by the Council of Europe for a period of four years.

The incumbent may not be reappointed, but may apply in open competition to be re-nominated as one of the three candidates, and may be re-elected twice (i.e. to a maximum of three terms in office)

Time Commitment:

The member of the CPT will need to commit approximately 40 days per year;
Three plenary meetings per year in Strasbourg in March, July and November from Monday to Friday (3 x 5 days);
One or two visits per year – approximately eight to 13 days each;
Delegation (post-visit) meetings (1 to 2 days) (usually in Paris); and
Preparation for plenary meetings and visits – drafting notes on visits.

How to Apply

To make an application, please send:

A CV (maximum two sides of A4) detailing your qualifications, employment history and any appointments or offices you hold. Please also provide your preferred contact number and email address.
A personal statement (maximum two sides of A4) providing evidence against the role criteria and your suitability for the post. Please consider the role and criteria carefully in preparing your statements. Information from Advisory Assessment Panels indicates that applications which offer specific and tailored examples against the criteria, making clear the candidate’s role in achieving an outcome are often the strongest. Structuring the statement around the criteria using relevant headings also aids clarity.

Guidance on how to write a successful application is provided at (Appendix 2 of the Candidates Information Pack).

Supporting Documents (attached separately on cabinet office website)

Please also complete and return the following supporting documents:

Diversity Monitoring Form via the link below:

DIVERSITY MONITORING FORM

Potential conflicts of interest: If you have any interests that might be relevant to the work of the CPT and which could lead to a real or perceived conflict of interest if you were to be appointed, please provide details in your supporting documents.

Referee details: Please give names/contact details of two referees (who will be contacted if you are shortlisted for interview);

Please send your CV, personal statement and supporting documents to: PublicAppointmentsTeam@justice.gov.uk quoting reference PAT 160011 in the subject line of your email. We will acknowledge receipt.

If you have any questions about any aspects of this post, you are welcome to contact Elspeth Rainbow on 07580 931 051

Apply here

Click to share this position via email

Other Positions Available:

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board – Vice Chair (Welsh Desirable)

Location: Abercynon, in Rhondda Cynon Taf, with travel

Date Posted: 18/01/2021

Closing Date: 08/02/2021