Non-Executive Directors, Criminal Cases Review Commission

Information Pack

Non-Executive Directors, Criminal Cases Review Commission

NED Candidate Information Pack FINAL 20-09-2017 .doc / 22-Sep-17

Criminal Cases Review Commission

Non-Executive Board Member

(Chair of Audit and Risk Assurance Committee)

Reference number:CCRCNED2017

Closing date for these posts is: noon, Friday 20 October 2017

Applications should be submitted via:ternative format versions of this candidate information pack are available on request from the Criminal Cases Review Commission

Contents

Page

1. A message from the Chair...... 3

2. Diversity and equality of opportunity ...... 3

-Flexible working practices

-Arrangement for candidates with a disability

-Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

3. About the Criminal Cases Review Commission ...... 4

4. Role of a Non-Executive Board Member and Chair of the Audit and Risk

Assurance Committee……… ...... 5

5. Person specification and eligibility criteria ...... 6

6. Terms and Conditions...... 7

7. Indicative timetable and how to apply ...... 9

8. Complaints Process...... 10

Appendix 1

The seven principles of public life...... 11

1. A Message from the Chair

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Non-Executive Board Member of the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

The Commission is an independent body, set up by Act of Parliament, to investigate possible miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The right to a fair trial is fundamental to the rule of law. We help safeguard the rights of the individual and the integrity of the trial process by considering whether convictions are safe and sentences appropriate and, where we judge they may not be, referring them back to the courts so that injustices can be rectified. We are an important part of the system of constitutional checks and balances.

We are replacing one of our three Non-Executive Board Members who is coming to the end of their term, a person who will also Chair our Audit and Risk Assurance Committee. We are looking for someone who is committed to our purpose of remedying miscarriages of justice, who understands the importance of what we do and who shares our absolute commitment to ensuring a fair and open system of justice for all. We want a Non-Executive Board Member who can complement the skills and knowledge of the others, who combines independence of mind with the ability to work as part of a team and who is financially qualified with recent experience of audit committees.

This is not a job for the fainthearted requiring an individual capable of independently and objectively challenging a large board comprising all Commissioners, the Chief Executive, two executive Directors and the Non-Executive Board Members. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and from all walks of life.

I do hope you will consider applying for this important position.

Richard Foster

Chair, Criminal Cases Review Commission

2. Diversity and equality of opportunity

Diversity of opportunity is something the Criminal Cases Review Commission care passionately about.

We encourage applications from all candidates regardless of ethnicity, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability and gender identity. We particularly welcome applications from women, those with a disability and those from a black or ethnic minority background.

We would also particularly welcome applications from those currently working in, or with experience of, the private sector, and those who have not previously held appointments in the public sector. We want to explore the widest possible pool of talent for this important appointment.

Equal opportunities monitoring form

The information you provide on the form is for monitoring purpose only and is not part of the assessment process. By collecting and analysing the data of those applying and obtaining an appointment we can improve our diversity strategy. This form is not part of the selection process and will be treated in confidence. It will be kept separate from your application and will not be seen by the selection panel.

Arrangements for candidates with a disability

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If there are any reasonable adjustments or arrangements we can make if you are invited to interview or on appointment please contact Robin Davis at the CCRC (by email at ) or on 0121 233 1473.

Adjustments

If you have a disability and require adjustments to help you if you are called to attend an interview, please contact:

• Robin Davis at the CCRC (by e-mail at or on 0121 233 1473)

To discuss any adjustments that you may require if appointed please contact:

• Robin Davis at the CCRC (by e-mail contact the switchboard on 0121 233 1473).

3. About the Criminal Cases Review Commission

The Commission’s role is to investigate and review cases where it is alleged that a miscarriage of justice may have occurred in relation to conviction, sentence or both.

The Commission was the first statutory body in the world created to investigate possible miscarriages of justice and, where appropriate, to refer cases back to the appeal courts. The Commission remains one of only three such bodies in the world and covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The others are in Scotland and Norway.

Created by Parliament in 1997, the Commission’s role is to look into cases involving individuals where a miscarriage of justice is alleged or suspected and to decide if there is any new evidence or new argument which raises a real possibility that an appeal court would quash a conviction or reduce a sentence. The Commission also carries out investigations at the instigation of the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.

The Commission is entrusted with the exercise of wide-ranging, and sometimes intrusive, statutory powers.

The Commission is at an exciting time in its development. In 2017 the Commission celebrates its 20th anniversary. In that time there have been many changes at the Commission in respect of how it works; and in light of the current economic climate the Commission continues to challenge itself hard in respect of how it works and what it could do differently, always with its applicants and good quality casework at the core of what it does.

During 2015 we undertook a complete review of how we work and we have just finished implementing the changes agreed. This has involved some fundamental changes to how we work – and to the importance we attribute to timeliness - whilst retaining at its core our determination to produce high quality reviews and high quality decision-making.

We are collegiate in our approach to our work; we work in an open plan environment and although we are a way off from being a paperless office we are increasingly adopting the digitalisation agenda.

Size and composition of the Commission

The board currently comprises 20 members. Members of the Board are listed below and biographical information for each Commissioner can be found on the CCRC’s website.

• Richard Foster (Chair)
• Karen Kneller (Chief Executive)
• Liz Calderbank
• Rachel Ellis
• Jill Gramann JP
• Celia Hughes
• Stephen Leach CB
• Linda Lee
• Alexandra Marks
• Dr Sharon Persaud
• Jennifer Portway
• Andrew Rennison MSc.
• David James Smith
• Ranjit Sondhi
• Robert Ward CBE QC
• Ian Brooks (Director of Finance & Corporate Services)
• Sally Berlin (Director of Casework Operations)
• Mr Jonathan Baume (NED)
• Mrs Caroline Corby (Non-Executive Director (NED)
• Dr Maggie Semple OBE, FCGI. (NED)

Further information on the CCRC and its activities, including its most recent annual report can be found on the CCRC’s website:

4. Role of the Non-Executive Board Member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee

You will provide external perspective and challenge to the Commission’s work, strengthen governance by supporting the Chair in securing good governance and supporting the Chief Executive in the effective and efficient management and leadership of the Commission and its staff.

The Board is responsible for determining and overseeing the overall strategic direction of the Commission. Non-Executive Board Members have corporate responsibility to ensure the CCRC complies with any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds and ensure high standards of corporate governance are observed at all times.

As Chair of the Audit Committee you are expected to:

• Uphold the highest ethical standards of integrity and honesty, and demonstrate that you have an understanding of, and are committed to, the value and importance of the Seven Principles of Public Life;
• Use personal and professional skills, experience and judgement with integrity and independence to scrutinise the short and long term performance of the Commission;
• Play a full part in enabling the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee to arrive at balanced and objective decisions.

5. Eligibility criteria

Eligibility

The successful candidate must hold a recognised CCAB qualification, or equivalent;

The successful candidate cannot be employed as acivil servant of the state.

Person Specification

We are looking for an individual who is able to demonstrate experience of working at Board level with Audit Committees (as a member or an attendee) in either the justice sector, a large delivery organisation in the public sector or the private sector. The successful candidate must have a proven track record of enabling change in a customer facing business and a sound knowledge and experience of good governance at senior levels in a large private or public sector organisation and/or an understanding of working with governmentalong with undisputed personal integrity.

The successful candidate will possess an understanding of the Commission and Arm’s Length Bodies (knowledge of the justice sector would also be beneficial but is not essential), and will be a robust, resilient strategic thinker able to innovate and motivate promoting new thinking achieving change and continuous improvement in the delivery of services.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate authority, commitment and consistency whilst acting as an effective team member motivating and empowering others and inspiring trust and confidence.

Essential Criteria

Candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Exceptional communication skills, high level of personal impact, the ability to provide constructive and independent challenge and support to the Board and advice and direction to the Commission, Ministers and key stakeholders that inspires confidence and respect;
• Independence of judgment, the capacity to bring a fresh, external view to decision-making, and an outstanding track record of board level career achievement;
• Broad business management experience at board level in a major delivery organisation in the private, public or third sector, and of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders including the ability to respond to and reconcile the differing needs of those stakeholders;
• Ability to understand and deal with issues of a high-profile sensitive casework based organisation and to hold and defend a positon, questioning proposals and reaction to them in a strategically challenging, open manner;
• Proven ability to scrutinise and make decisions on finance, ensuring value money;
• Ability to seek, challenge and analyse complex information to reach practical decisions and to think strategically; and
• Demonstrable commitment to and an understanding of diversity and equality.

6. Terms and Conditions

The appointment will be for a term of three years.There is the possibility of re-appointment subject to satisfactory performance and subject to a maximum of sixyears’ service. Any decision on re-appointment is for the Chair/Chief Executive with the agreement of the Ministry of Justice’s Permanent Secretary.

Location

The CCRC is based in Birmingham so the post holder is expected to spend most of his/her working time in Birmingham. However, there may be occasional meetings in London and other locations.

Remuneration

Remuneration for the post will be a non-pensionable fee of £300 per day with an expected time commitment of 15-20 days per year, which includes reading and preparation. The exact time commitment is to be agreed with the Chair.If you receive a full salary from the public purse, then you will not receive any remuneration for this appointment; this will be abated.

Tax position of non-executives

Non-Executive Board Member fees will be subject to National Insurance Contributions and Tax via the CCRC payroll. The CCRC cannot appoint a company to the position of Non-ExecutiveBoard Member, so the appointment is an individual one and shall be taxed as an office holder.

Disclosure

The remuneration given to Non-Executive Board Members will be disclosed in the Commission’s annual report and accounts, in accordance with the HM Treasury Resource Accounting Manual.

Expenses

Reasonable travel expenses and subsistence will be reimbursed in accordance with the CCRC’s policies.

Performance appraisal

Non-Executive Director’s performance will be appraised annually as part of the Commission’s formal appraisal process. This will be carried out by the Chair in each year of their appointment.

Standards in public life, political activity and conflicts of interests

Standards in public life

Candidates must also confirm that they understand and uphold the standards of conduct required of public appointees outlined in the “Seven Principles of Public Life” drawn up by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (see Appendix 1).

Public bodies are expected to maintain a register of members’ interests to avoid any danger of a Non –Executive Board Member being influenced - or appearing to be influenced – by their private interests in the exercise of their public duties. Candidates invited to interview will be questioned about any real or perceived conflicts of interest. These do not constitute an automatic bar to appointment, but they must be manageable.

Political Activity

Members of the CCRC will need to show political impartiality during their time on the CCRC and must declare any party-political activity they undertake in the period of their appointment.

Due to the nature of the CCRC it is not appropriate for members of the CCRC to occupy paid party political posts or hold sensitive, senior or prominent positions in any political organisation. Nomination for election to political office, for example the House of Commons, the Northern Ireland Assembly, Scottish Parliament, the European Parliament, is not considered compatible with membership of CCRC.

Subject to the foregoing, members are free to engage in political activities, provided that they are conscious of their general responsibilities and standards for public life and exercise proper discretion.

The Political Activity Declarationwill be kept separate from your application and will only be seen by the selection panel prior to interview.

If you are successfully appointed to the post, details of your response to the Political Activity Declaration will be included in any announcement of your appointment.

Conflict of Interests

You will be required to declare any conflict of interest that arises in the course of CCRC business and must declare any relevant business interests, positions of authority or other connections with commercial, public or voluntary bodies. Any actual or perceived conflicts of interest will be fully explored by the panel at short listing or interview stage.

More generally, there are five issues most frequently encountered that could lead to real, or apparent, conflicts of interest:

• Financial interests or share ownership –for example, holding shares in a firm that is considering applying or has licensed body status in relation to Alternative Business Structures could be a particular area of concern
• Expertise or activity in particular areas, that whilst not precluding appointment may be perceived by the public as a conflict of interest –for example, it is especially important that associations with legal firms are explored fully
• Membership of some societies or organisations –for example, dealings with the legal and financial sectors will need to be explored fully
• Rewards for past or future contributions or favours
• The activities, associations and employment of relatives or partners.

Further advice about conflicts of interest can be obtained by contactingRobin Davis at the first instance.

7. Indicative timetable and how to apply

Timetable

How to Apply

To apply, please send:

A copy of your C.V. and a supporting letter of no more than two sides that evidences how you meet all the criteria. Please provide examples of where your knowledge and experience matches the essential criteria required for the role. Your supporting letter should provide specific and detailed examples to demonstrate how you meet the criteria (including what you did to achieve a specific result).

Please ensure you include preferred daytime, evening and mobile telephone numbers, as well as a preferred e-mail address, which will be used with discretion.

You should also complete the separate supporting documents providing any political activity, conflicts of interest, public appointments currently held and the names and contact details of two referees. Please note referees will be contacted if you are shortlisted for interview.

Applications should be sent to: Robin Davis at

Your personal information

We will process your application in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Ministry of Justice’s Information Charter, which can be found at

How we will handle your application

The selection panel will include:

• Mike Driver, Chief Financial Officer, Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
• Richard Foster CBE, Chair of the CCRC
• Karen Kneller, Chief Executive of the CCRC
• Liz DohertyMoJ Non-Executive Director

We will deal with your application as quickly as possible.

• We will acknowledge receipt of your application;
• If, in the view of the panel you have the skills for the post and are appointable, your name will be amongst those recommended to the Permanent Secretary who will decide on the appointment.
• If your application is unsuccessful you will be contacted by e-mail by the CCRC.

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