UNCLASSIFIED
PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS VACANCIES WEBSITE
FIELD / EXPLANATION /Post / Chair
Appointing Body / Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC)
Department / Sector / Ministry of Defence
Number of vacancies / 1
Location / East of England
Vacancy Description /
The Minister for Defence Welfare and Veterans is seeking to make an appointment of Chairperson for the East of England VAPC Committee. If you think you are the person we need to carry out this important role, then please apply as below:-
Functions
Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committees are Non-Departmental Public Bodies whose main functions are to:· act as advocates for implementing the Armed Forces Covenant (https://www.gov.uk/the-armed-forces-covenant) and associated measures at a local level
· raise awareness, within their areas, of the Armed Forces Covenant and associated measures, the War Pension Scheme, Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and the Veterans Welfare Service.
· assist serving personnel, veterans and their families in accessing local support services, provide assistance and guidance on the War Pension Scheme and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
· act as a conduit for local consultation by Ministers, the Ministry of Defence and the Veterans UK on issues affecting recipients of pension from the War Pensions Scheme and Armed Forces Compensation scheme.
Responsibilities and Skills
The VAPC Chairperson and members play a central role in promoting the interests and welfare of Veterans and their families. The committees meet between 2 and 4 times per year and members are expected to be involved in a wide ranging agenda of issues relating to the functions of the committee set out above. Suitable candidates may come from a wide range of backgrounds and whilst knowledge of service life would be useful it is not necessary.A Public Appointment will give you a chance to:
· help make decisions that affect all our lives
· help make a difference and change things for the better in the public interest
· contribute your skills, expertise and experience for the benefit of society
· develop new skills, learn about new subjects and enhance your confidence
· meet a new range of people in different walks of life
· develop your career, for example, by gaining public sector board experience
· refocus your career, for example, if you have returned from a career break or maternity leave
· generally give something back and contribute to the delivery of the highest quality of public services in the public interest.
Person Specification / Candidates will need to demonstrate the following skills:
Essential:
· effective leadership and management of meetings and promoting a team approach
· good all round communication skills
· ability to consider complex issues.
· ability to look ahead and work with others to develop practical plans.
Desirable
Some experience in the following areas would be helpful but is not considered as essential as training and mentoring will be available:
· an understanding of the Government’s commitment to veterans as set out in the Armed Forces Covenant.
· experience in provision of welfare and support and knowledge of the support environment in England.
Time Requirements / At least 2 – 4 days per year plus other functions as described above
Remuneration / The position is an unpaid appointment but travelling expenses and loss of earnings allowances will be paid.
Additional Information / The Ministry of Defence is committed to equality of opportunity for all and the principle of appointment based on merit following an open and transparent process and independent assessment. An interview access scheme is available (for disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for appointment). PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A PUBLIC APPOINTMENT NOT EMPLOYMENT.
Closing Date / 17th OCTOBER 2014.
Interviews / 27th OCTOBER 2014
How to apply / If you think you have the qualities required and would like an application pack (which are available in large type, Braille or disc) please email or call on 030679 84917 or 030679 85048 quoting reference 10036a.
When applying we would ask that you do NOT use Firefox or Google Chrome based applications as these are not compatible with MoD systems and may mean that your application or email does not reach us.
NHS appointment? / No
Regulated by OCPA? / Yes
Ministerial appointment? / Yes
UNCLASSIFIED