Job summary
About the National Infrastructure Commission
The National Infrastructure Commission was established in 2015 to provide government with impartial, expert advice on major long-term infrastructure challenges. The Commission advises government on all sectors of economic infrastructure (energy, transport, water and wastewater, waste, flood risk management and digital communications), as well as on cross-cutting issues, including planning, regulation and financing/funding.�
By joining the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), you�ll be playing a key role in delivering independent advice to government on the UK�s long-term infrastructure needs. We do this to help support sustainable economic growth across the whole of the UK, improve competitiveness and ultimately improve the quality of life of UK citizens.
We are a collaborative team of civil servants and industry secondees working to support the Commissioners in offering forward-thinking recommendations based on a rigorous approach to evidence and consultation � and to monitor government�s progress in implementing those plans.
The Commission�s core responsibilities include:
� producing a National Infrastructure Assessment once every five years, setting out the Commission�s assessment of long-term infrastructure needs with recommendations to government on how to meet them;
� carrying out in-depth studies into the UK�s most pressing infrastructure challenges, making recommendations to government; and
� monitoring the government�s progress in delivering infrastructure projects and programmes recommended by the NIC.
Job description
The National Infrastructure Commission is looking for a fixed term Head of Governance to deliver good governance and compliance, support its boards and committees and manage a small team. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your skills and breadth of experience, and drive strategic and operational change as a key leader within the NIC�s Operations Team. This is an exciting time to join the NIC. The Government has an intention to merge the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) and Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) into a new body and this role will support that work and the transition. The interim Head of Governance will report directly into the COO.
The Interim Head of Governance will be expected to:
1. Lead corporate governance policies and processes, championing and enforcing them to office holders and officials across the organisation.
2. Act as Secretariat for NIC boards and committees, ensuring they are administered efficiently and effectively.
3. Support any transitional arrangements for a new body announced by Government
4. Review and redesign (where appropriate) key governance processes to ensure we maximise efficiency and offer a quality service to the business, for example gifts and hospitality.
5. Lead corporate reporting for the NIC, including the annual report and corporate plan. �Support the Chief Operating Officer and the Senior Management Team.
6. Act as the Data Protection Officer and lead knowledge and information policies and processes.
7. Represent the NIC to HM Treasury and other external stakeholders.
8. Identify, lead and deliver on areas for improvement in the Operation Team�s current service provision to meet what is required to support the business effectively.
9. Support the wider delivery of projects and initiatives across the Operations Team.
10. Effectively manage, support and develop two staff members, ensuring that they are providing the best service to NIC�s senior staff.
Person specification
A successful Interim Head of Governance should have:
11. Working knowledge of public sector / civil service corporate governance
12. Proven experience in a governance role within the Public Sector / Not for profit sector
13. Or be working towards a Corporate Governance qualification (CGI or equivalent). This would be desirable but not essential.
14. Knowledge of data protection laws and regulations would be an advantage.
Essential Role Behaviours:
1.Making effective decisions: can analyse and accurately interpret data and information from various sources, including grasping technical detail. Uses this information to effectively identify options and drive forward evidence-based decision making.
2.Communicating and influencing: You communicate in a clear, confident, and enthusiastic fashion, explaining complex issues in a way that is easy to understand. You consider the impact of the language you use, and continually monitor the effectiveness of your own and your team�s communications, taking action to improve them where needed.
3.Delivering at pace: You ensure everyone understands what you need from them, providing honest, motivating messages about priorities, objectives and expectations. You maintain your performance in challenging circumstances and support others to do the same.
4.Seeing the Big Picture: You ensure that your work reflects your organisation�s strategic priorities and take the initiative to influence future approaches. You can seek and represent the views of a range of stakeholders to understand and communicate issues.
The sift will be based on the candidates CV and will be assessed against CS Success Profile Criteria, Experience and Ability, which will include:
15. Corporate Governance experience in public sector / not for profit
16. Experience of leading a governance function
17. Worked/engaged directly with board/senior stakeholders
Interviews for this role will be assessed against the above Behaviours.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
18. Making Effective Decisions
19. Communicating and Influencing
20. Delivering at Pace
21. Seeing the Big Picture
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �56,207, National Infrastructure Commission contributes �16,283 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Benefits
22. 25 days� annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King�s birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant)
23. Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours)
24. Access to a generous Defined Benefit with an employer contribution of
25. Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving
26. Access to a retail discounts and cashback site
27. A Rental Deposit Advance Scheme to help meet the total costs of deposits for privately rented homes