What nationality do I need to hold in order to apply?
This role is open to UK nationals only.
Is security clearance required?
Yes, the successful applicant will be required to go through Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks which will include Employment and Right to Work Checks. You will also need to apply for SC (Security Clearance).
Are there any other eligibility requirements?
You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:
- You are disqualified from acting as a company director (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986).
- Have an unspent conviction on your criminal record.
- Your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.
When you apply, you should declare if:
- You are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this.
- You are subject to a current police investigation.
You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points.
When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members.
Management of Outside Interests
Before you apply you should consider carefully:
- Any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government.
- Any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made.
- And/or – any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.
You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to Ministers or the Approving Authority.
Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies.
Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment but must be declared).