At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the HSE Board to influence health and safety direction in Great Britain.
- Company: HSE is the national regulator for workplace health and safety, ensuring safe work environments.
- Benefits: Earn £15,100 annually with travel expenses covered; flexible commitment of 30 days a year.
- Why this job: Shape public health policy while collaborating with key stakeholders in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in local government and strong stakeholder relationship skills required.
- Other info: Meetings held in Bootle or regions; fixed term of up to 4 years.
The predicted salary is between 15100 - 15100 £ per year.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a Crown Executive Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). HSE is the national independent regulator for health and safety for those at work and those affected by work activities. Its wide range of activities includes overseeing major hazard safety regimes (including offshore oil and gas and onshore chemical processing), workplace inspections, accident investigations, policy development, and publishing guidance and research.
DWP is seeking one Non-Executive Director (NED) with a range of established skills and competence to join HSE’s Board. We are looking for candidates who can provide experience from other organizations with challenges on a similar scale to HSE.
The Role of the HSE Non-Executive Director
The successful candidate will contribute to the Board’s role in leading HSE, with the opportunity to influence the future direction of health and safety in Great Britain. Key responsibilities include:
- Helping lead the work of HSE by operating effectively as a Board Member and contributing to Board meetings and discussions;
- Chairing or participating in the activities of Board Committees;
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships with a broad range of networks and stakeholders;
- Providing guidance on financial management and ensuring the effective scrutiny of HSE's financial practices, in line with public sector accountability standards;
- Representing HSE externally, acting collectively in representing its decisions to stakeholders and the general public;
- Acting as a critical friend to HSE’s senior staff, particularly in their area of expertise;
- Demonstrating a commitment to the Seven Principles of Public Life.
Essential Criteria
We are seeking a candidate with the right skills and abilities to complement the existing Board members. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:
- A clear understanding of the work, priorities, and challenges of the organization and the context within which it operates;
- A strong track record of delivery at a senior level in local government;
- The ability to build strong stakeholder relationships, including with Ministers and Senior Government officials, and external stakeholders;
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, accept challenge, and constructively challenge others in discussions with clarity and respect;
- Decision-making skills with the ability to critically analyze a wide range of information and make clear and objective evidence-based recommendations to support the organization’s objectives;
- The ability to work closely with the Executive Board and other key stakeholders, providing support, constructive challenge, and assurance as appropriate.
Desirable Criteria
The following criteria are desirable; candidates would not need to demonstrate all of these below:
- Experience of working in finance and/or risk management, with the ability to ensure effective governance and risk management frameworks are in place;
- The ability to chair or be a member of an Audit and Risk Committee;
- Willingness to develop knowledge of the public sector environment, including a good understanding of Parliament.
Additional Information
Location: The meetings take place at HSE’s headquarters in Bootle, Merseyside, or in the regions and will involve an overnight stay. Reasonable travel expenses and subsistence will be reimbursed in accordance with HSE’s travel policy.
Number of Roles: 1
Remuneration: Non-Executive Directors are entitled to an annual remuneration of £15,100. There is no bonus or pension scheme.
Time Commitment: A minimum of 30 days per year.
Length of Term: Fixed term of up to 4 years.
The vacancy closes at 17:00 on 12/05/25. For more information and to apply for this role, please click apply.
Non Executive Director employer: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Contact Detail:
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Non Executive Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety Executive's current priorities and challenges. Understanding their recent initiatives and how they align with your experience will help you engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Non-Executive Directors or Board members of similar organisations. They can provide insights into the role and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your application and interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your understanding of public sector accountability standards. Be prepared to discuss how your previous experiences align with these standards, as this will show your readiness to contribute effectively to HSE's governance.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to articulate your decision-making process and how you analyse information critically. This is crucial for a Non-Executive Director role, so think of examples where you've made evidence-based recommendations in your past positions.
We think you need these skills to ace Non Executive Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of a Non-Executive Director at HSE. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and the challenges they face in health and safety regulation.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in local government and any previous board roles. Emphasise your skills in stakeholder relationship building, decision-making, and financial management, ensuring they align with the essential criteria outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your understanding of HSE's work and how your background can contribute to their objectives. Use specific examples to illustrate your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Review and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to review and edit your documents. Check for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Ensure that your application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, as these are crucial for a board-level position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
✨Understand the Organisation's Context
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of HSE's role, priorities, and challenges. Familiarise yourself with their recent initiatives and how they impact health and safety in Great Britain.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in building relationships with various stakeholders, including government officials. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments.
✨Showcase Your Decision-Making Abilities
During the interview, be ready to provide examples of how you've critically analysed information and made evidence-based recommendations. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to the Board's discussions.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Strong communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and respectfully, especially when discussing challenging topics. Show that you can listen actively and engage constructively with others.