NDPB-Info Pack 2018 DEFENCE NUCLEAR SAFETY COMMITTEE-U

Defence Nuclear Safety Committee

The recruitment and selection of3 Members

Information pack for applicants

All applications must be returned by23:00 hrs on 31st January 2018

Please quote reference 10072on all correspondence

ADDRESS FOR RETURN OF APPLICATIONS:

Email:(preferred method)

Postal Address

DBS NSAT

Oak level 2 # 6030-8

East Wing

Abbey Wood North

New Road

Stoke Gifford

Bristol

BS34 8QW

Tel: 030 679 84917

Contents

About the Defence Nuclear Safety Committee
Introduction
Terms of Reference
Members of the Defence Nuclear Safety Committee
Person Specifications – Experience and Competencies required
Role ofMembers
Terms and Conditions of Appointment
Public Service Values
The Seven Principles of Public Life
Applying for a post
The Commissioner for Public Appointments
How to respond
Selection process
How we will handle your application
Equal Opportunities
Data protection
Dealing with any concerns

Enclosures

Expression of Interest form

Monitoring Information form

About the Defence Nuclear Safety Committee

Introduction / The Ministry of Defence is looking to appoint three members. You will be independent of the Ministry of Defence operational activities and have the ability to apply intellectual rigour
Terms of Reference / Mission: The Defence Nuclear Safety Committee is the primary source of independent external expert advice to the Secretary of State for Defence on all nuclear safety issues associated with the defence nuclear programmes.
Role: To provide unbiased, independent, expert advice to the Secretary of State for Defence and senior officials on all safety matters pertaining to the DNP (and security and environmental issues, where such issues have the potential to impact upon nuclear safety). This includes equipment and facility design, development, manufacture, and storage, in service support, handling, transport, operational training, operations, decommissioning and disposition, support facilities and capabilities, and the safety of workers and the public. The DNSC focus lies in providing assurance about the soundness of the safety practices and safety management arrangements relevant to the defence nuclear programmes.

Members of the DNSC

Post 1 - Nuclear Weapons Expert

Role

The role of the Defence Nuclear Safety Committee (DNSC) is to provide the Secretary of State for Defence and senior officials in MOD with advice on the safety of the Defence Nuclear Programme. The primary role of this post holder is to provide the DNSC with expertise in the area of the safety of nuclear weapon manufacture, maintenance, transport and storage. The post holder, as a Member of the Committee’s Nuclear Weapons Sub-Group, will be required to work as part of a team of eminent experts to scrutinise the work of the Atomic Weapons Establishment, its contractors, MOD and the nuclear safety regulators (both statutory and Internal) in order for the Committee to gather evidence on the safety of nuclear weapons and provide any necessary advice. The post holder will be expected to contribute to the development of the Committee’s Annual Work Programme and the production of the Committee’s Annual Report.

Essential Qualities

Held a senior position in nuclear weapons industry
Understanding of the safety of nuclear weapons during manufacture, storage and maintenance
Knowledge of the safety of nuclear weapons throughout the lifecycle
Ability to effectively communicate with Committee Members, senior officials in MOD and senior managers in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise

Highly desirable qualities

Capacity to absorb and analyse large volumes of complex information
Ability to understand the inter-relationships between a series of large, technically sophisticated, organisations
Awareness of what it is to represent the public interest
Ability to be an effective member of a team of highly skilled and professional individuals

Desirable Qualities

Ability to communicate complex technical issues with clarity

Commitments

The post holder will be expected to commit to up to 20 days per year, attend meetings at MOD offices in London and other locations in the UK, visit Naval Bases and establishments across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

Term of office

The DNSC is a Non-Departmental Public Body and Members of the Committee will be appointed under the Public Appointment rules. Members will be appointed for 3 years and, subject to performance, can be reappointed for up to a maximum of 10 years.

Post 2 - Nuclear Submarine Propulsion Expert

Role

The role of the Defence Nuclear Safety Committee (DNSC) is to provide the Secretary of State for Defence and senior officials in MOD with advice on the safety of the Defence Nuclear Programme. The primary role of this post holder is to provide the DNSC with expertise in the area of the safety of naval nuclear propulsion plant operations. The post holder, as a Member of the Committee’s Nuclear Propulsion Sub-Group, will be required to work as part of a team of eminent experts to scrutinise the work of MOD, the nuclear safety regulators (both statutory and Internal) and the Defence contractors (primarily Rolls-Royce, Babcock and BAE Systems) in order for the Committee to gather evidence on the safety of naval nuclear propulsion plant design, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning and provide any necessary advice. The post holder will be expected to contribute to the development of the Committee’s annual Work Programme and the production of the Committee’s Annual Report.

Essential Qualities

Held a senior strategic position in the Royal Navy submarine service with responsibilities across the submarine enterprise.
Experience in the operation of naval nuclear propulsion plant at sea
Detailed knowledge of design and safety of the naval nuclear propulsion plant
Ability to effectively communicate with Committee Members, senior officials in MOD and senior managers in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise

Highly desirable qualities

Capacity to absorb and analyse large volumes of complex information
Ability to understand the inter-relationships between a series of large, technically sophisticated, organisations
Awareness of what it is to represent the public interest
Ability to be an effective member of a team of highly skilled and professional individuals

Desirable Qualities

Knowledge of the interface between nuclear safety and conventional submarine safety

Commitments

The post holder will be expected to commit to up to 20 days per year, attend meetings at MOD offices in London and other locations in the UK, visit Naval Bases and other establishments across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

Term of office

Post 3 - Nuclear Security Expert

Role

The role of the Defence Nuclear Safety Committee (DNSC) is to provide the Secretary of State for Defence and senior officials in MOD with advice on the safety, and security where it impacts on nuclear safety, of the Defence Nuclear Programme. The primary role of this post holder is to provide the DNSC with expertise in the area of nuclear security, primarily focusing on physical protection of nuclear facilities and installations that is necessary to prevent sabotage and the theft of nuclear materials. This will include reviewing the nuclear security arrangements at operating facilities and the delivery of nuclear security through design in new facilities. The post holder will also be expected to focus on the security of the transport of nuclear weapons and other nuclear materials. The post holder, as a Member of the Committee’s Nuclear Safety and Security Sub-Group, will be required to work as part of a team of eminent experts to scrutinise the work of MOD, the MOD’s nuclear security regulator, the Royal Navy, and the Defence contractors AWE, Rolls-Royce, Babcock and BAE Systems, in order for the Committee to gather evidence on nuclear security in the Defence Nuclear Programme and provide any necessary advice. The post holder will be expected to contribute to the development of the Committee’s annual Work Programme and the production of the Committee’s Annual Report.

Essential Qualities

Held a strategic leadership role in the nuclear industry
Understanding of armed and physical protection of nuclear facilities and installations
Experience of the design and delivery of nuclear security at civil or defence related establishments
Ability to effectively communicate complex technical issues

Highly desirable qualities

Capacity to absorb and analyse large volumes of complex information
Ability to understand the inter-relationships between a series of large, technically sophisticated, organisations
Awareness of what it is to represent the public interest
Ability to be an effective member of a team of highly skilled and professional individuals

Desirable Qualities

Knowledge of the IAEA Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material
Knowledge of the IAEA Nuclear Security Guides
Knowledge of UK Nuclear Industry Security Regulations

Commitments

Term of office

Role of Members / Members of the DNSChavea collective responsibility for the operation of the Committee. They must:

engage fully in collective consideration of the issues, taking account of the full range of relevant factors, including any guidance issued by the sponsor department or the responsible minister;

ensure that the code of Practice on Access to Government Information (including prompt responses to public requests for information) is adhered to;
agree and produce an Annual Report.

respond appropriately to complaints, if necessary with reference to the sponsor department; and

ensure that the committee does not exceed its powers or functions.

Communications between the board and Ministerwill generally be through the Chair, except where the board has agreed that an individual member should act on its behalf. Nevertheless, any committee member has the right of access to the Minister on any matter which he or she believes raises important issues relating to his or her duties as a committee member. In such cases the agreement of the rest of the committee should normally be sought.
Terms & Conditions of Appointment / Time Commitment and Remuneration
Location / The Member posts require a time commitment of approximately 18-20 days a year, for which the daily fee is amount.
Members are expected to spend typically 1-2 days per month on Committee business, attend 6-10 full DNSC briefing sessions per year and participate fully in any subgroup activities.
In addition, reasonable travel and subsistence expenses (2nd class travel is encouraged) will be reimbursed
Meetings are usually held at MOD London or Abbey Wood. Occasional travel to other locations may be required.
Period of Appointment
Termination of Appointment / Appointments are made by Secretary of State for Defence. Successful candidates will be appointed initially for a period of 3 years and the aim is to make these appointments by March 2014.

Extensions to appointment, renewable every three years, will be approved by Secretary of State for Defence; the maximum total term shall be no more than 10 years, in any one post.

The Committee will be assisted by MoD officials inlcuding those from DG Nuclear. The Chair will review membership/performance annually.

The Committee members are appointed in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice.

Committee members may resign at any time by notice in writing to Secretary of State for Defence.
Individual committee members can be removed from office by the Secretary of State for Defence. if they fail to perform the duties required of them in line with the standards expected in public office
You should note that this post is a public appointment and not an offer of employment. Such appointments are not normally subject to the provisions of employment law.
Public Service Values / On appointment / Candidates for these posts will need to be British Citizens
If appointed you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and go through developed vetting.
Candidates are expected to inform Secretary of State for Defence.if they intend to accept a prominent position in any political party and to understand that the appointment may be terminated if it is felt that the positions are incompatible.
Members of the DNSCmust at all times:
Observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity in relation to the advice they provide and the management of this public body;
Be accountable to Parliament through Secretary of State for Defenceand the public more generally for its activities and for the standard of advice it provides; and
Comply fully with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, in accordance with Government policy on openness.
Members are also expected to adhere to the seven principles governing conduct in public life.
The Seven Principles of Public Life / Selflessness / Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends
Integrity / Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties
Objectivity / In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit
Accountability / Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness / Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands
Honesty / Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising, in order to protect the public interest
Leadership / Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example

Applying for a Post

The Commissioner for Public Appointments / The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates and monitors ministerial appointments to public bodies to ensure that they are made on merit after fair and open competition. More information about the role of the Commissioner and the Code of Practice is available from
How to respond / All candidates are required to submit the following forms in full:

Monitoring Form
Expressions of Interest Form
CV

Your completed forms should be returned to the following address by the closing date: 23:00 hrs on 31st January, 2018.
Email:(preferred method)
Postal address
DBS NSAT
Oak level 2 # 6030-8
East Wing
Abbey Wood North
New Road
Stoke Gifford
Bristol
BS34 8QW
Telephone: 030 679 84917
Selection Process / Selection Panel –
The panel will consist of; a representative from MOD, one external member independent of department and Board and the Chair of the Board.
Short-Listing – the short-listing panel will determine which candidate best demonstratesthe specified qualities and experience, who will then be invited for interview.
It is therefore essential for your application to give full but concise information/evidence relevant to the post. Please make sure you have read the post description and list of qualities before completing your form and preparing your supporting documentation. Your application will be assessed on the strength of the information provided within your expression of interest and CV. Please keep a copy of all forms and any additional information you may send us for your own reference.
Interviewing– interviews are likely to take place 19th, 20th oand 23rd Februaryat MoD London. The interview should last in the region of 45 minutes.
Candidates will be able to claim for reasonable expenses incurred travelling to and from interview. Claim forms will be provided with invitations to interview.
How we will handle your application / The advertisement and this information pack will give you details of the specific vacancies for which you can apply.

We will acknowledge receipt of your application
Candidates will be notified in writing whether or not they have been shortlisted
The proposed sift date is in the week commencing 5th February
References will be taken up if candidates are selected for interview Youshould ensure that they have given their permission for their names to be used.
Interviews are likely to take place from 19th Februaryin MoD London.
All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.

Equal opportunities / These appointments will be governed by the principle of public appointment based on merit with independent assessment and transparency of process. Candidates may come from a wide range of background and experience although the successful candidates will need to demonstrate that they meet all the criteria for these appointments. We are keen to see people with diverse experience and backgrounds holding public appointments and hopeto receive applications from all sections of the community. Applications from women, ethnic minorities and disabled people will be welcomed.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme / The Ministry of Defence operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled people. The Equality Act 2010 defines a person as disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment and the impairment has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Under the GIS a disabled candidate will be selected for interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the role decided by the selection panel at sift. To ensure fairness, the panel will not be informed of who has applied under the GIS until they have set the minimum criteria at the start of the sift meeting. If you wish to apply for consideration under the scheme, please tick the Guaranteed Interview Scheme Box at Part D of the Monitoring Information Form
Data Protection / The Ministry of Defence is required by the Commissioner for Public Appointments to retain information about the people who apply for public appointments, and make this information available to him or audit purposes, if requested to do so. The Ministry of Defence’s data protection policy in relation to the information we collect is set out below.
Your initial contact details, including your name and address will be held by the Ministry of Defence for a period of up to 2 years.
If you submit an application, that and any supporting documentation, will be retained by the Ministry of Defence for up to 2 years. Information held electronically, including your contact detailsand the monitoring information provided will also be held for up to 2 years.
If you would like these details to be removed from our records as soon as this recruitment exercise is complete, please write or e-mail the Ministry of Defence at the address on the front of this information pack.
Dealing with your concerns / In the first instance
For queries about your application, please telephone Ruth O’Grady at Defence Business Services on 030 679 84917 or e-mail

If you are not completely satisfied

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy. If you feel that you have any complaints about the way your application has been handled, we would like to hear from you.
Please contact the Civ HR Contact Centre on:
Email:
Tel: 0800 345 7772
quoting reference Public Appointments - NSAT
Taking it further
The Commissioner for Public Appointments, Sir David Normington, regulates and monitors Ministerial appointments to public bodies.
If, after receiving a comprehensive response you are still concerned, you can write to the Commissioner for Public Appointments at the address below:
Commissioner for Public Appointments, and
Civil Service Commission
Room G/8
Ground Floor
1 Horse Guards Road
London SW1A 2HQ
Process Feedback / The Commissioner for Public Appointments would like to find out what you think of the public appointments process. When you have completed the process, the Commissioner would appreciate a few minutes of your time to complete this survey:

Your response will be anonymous and will inform the Commissioner's ongoing work with Government Departments to improve the public appointments process.