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- Tasks: Join the ORR Board as a Non-Executive Director, focusing on finance and strategic oversight.
- Company: The Office of Rail and Road regulates Britain's railways and England's strategic road network.
- Benefits: Earn £20,900 per annum for a commitment of 42 days a year, with potential for re-appointment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transport in the UK while promoting inclusivity and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or economics is essential; regulatory knowledge is a plus.
- Other info: Diversity is key; fresh perspectives are highly encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 20900 - 20900 £ per year.
Organisation: Office of Rail and Road
Sponsor department: Department for Transport
Location: London
Sectors: Transport
Skills: Business, Change Management, Regulation
Number of vacancies: 1
Time commitment: 42 day(s) per annum
Remuneration: £20,900 per annum
Length of term: An initial term of 5 years, with the possibility of re-appointment
Application deadline: 11:55pm on 29 April 2025
About the appointment:
This is an important time for the Department for Transport. We are prioritising investments in infrastructure and public transport to improve journeys, enhance connectivity, drive economic growth, and ensure a fairer distribution of opportunities across the country. Our mission is delivering a transport system that works for everyone, fostering equality and inclusivity in every community.
We are recruiting for a Non-Executive Director to join the Board of ORR. ORR is driving improvements to train service performance; focusing on the efficiency of Network Rail; working with the rail industry to ensure safe operations; holding Network Rail to account for delivery of the Periodic Review 2023 settlement (covering the five years from 2024-2029) as the industry undergoes significant reform; and advising on the third Road Investment Strategy.
The position requires your skills and experience to contribute to the development of rail and road as well as the delivery of a strategy that will help shape the future of transport in the UK. The government’s programme of rail reform will significantly impact ORR over the coming years, as passenger services are brought back into public ownership, and we establish Great British Railways and the Passenger Standards Authority, modernising working practices and improving the deal for both passengers and taxpayers.
As a Board member, you will have a crucial role in supporting those changes and steering the organisation through transformation, whilst ensuring it continues to drive improvements to today’s railway. We strongly welcome applications from all backgrounds. As part of the Department’s commitment to diversity, we believe our public appointments should reflect our customers - the travelling public – who come from all walks of life and have different experiences.
This includes people who may have never applied for a public appointment – but could bring new ideas, insights and energy. If you are interested in the role and work of ORR, I would like to encourage you to apply. Our dedicated DfT Public Appointments Team would be happy to talk through the process and answer your questions.
Appointment description:
Our Board sets our strategic direction and approves policy approaches to support that direction. Within that, non-executive directors play a particularly important scrutiny and challenge role in holding our executive to account for delivery against the strategy and agreed business plan. The Board also takes important regulatory decisions, consistently applying the principles of good regulation through an approach that is risk-based, targeted, proportionate and transparent.
Non-Executive Directors are expected to:
- Demonstrate the ORR values: we aim to be inclusive; professional; ambitious; and collaborative;
- Exhibit resilience, independence and openness – prepared to constructively challenge and take public responsibility for decisions;
- Maintain a personal and professional demeanour, integrity and credibility which commands the confidence of our staff and stakeholders;
- Adopt a flexible, collaborative style;
- Distil key issues out of complexity;
- Be highly motivated and able to motivate others.
Essential criteria:
- The ability to critically analyse complex and sensitive information, providing clear, objective, and evidence-based recommendations to support organisational objectives, alongside sound judgement and professional leadership at board level on strategic matters.
- Hold a strategic outlook – able to identify, debate and oversee long term plans and monitor progress while being realistic about short-term pressures and industry concerns;
- Excellent communication and stakeholder skills - ability to accept challenge and constructively challenge with clarity and respect. Building effective stakeholder relationships, including with Ministers, Senior Government officials and external stakeholders while at the same time preserving the independence of the Board.
- Financial or economic skills and experience, particularly in a complex organisational setting.
- An appreciation of how to relate the safety and economic regulation roles of ORR to each other and the importance for public finances of doing so, would be a particular advantage;
- Experience of leading complex, large-scale projects and programmes, including through organisational change.
Application deadline: 11:55pm on 29 April 2025
Sifting date: 15 May 2025
Interviews expected to end on: 24 July 2025
For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.
Office of Rail and Road Non-Executive Director - Finance employer: ACCA Careers
Contact Detail:
ACCA Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Office of Rail and Road Non-Executive Director - Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and reforms in the rail and road sectors. Understanding the context of the Office of Rail and Road's work will help you engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the transport sector, especially those with experience in regulatory roles. Building relationships can provide insights and potentially valuable recommendations that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic outlook and how it aligns with the ORR's mission. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex projects or organisational changes in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion in decision-making processes. Be prepared to articulate how your unique perspective can contribute to the ORR's goals and enhance its effectiveness.
We think you need these skills to ace Office of Rail and Road Non-Executive Director - Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Non-Executive Director at the Office of Rail and Road. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and current challenges in the transport sector.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in finance or economics, as well as any leadership roles you've held. Emphasise your ability to analyse complex information and provide evidence-based recommendations, which are crucial for this position.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are interested in the role and how your skills align with the essential criteria outlined in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your suitability.
Highlight Diversity and Inclusion: Given the emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the application process, mention any experiences or perspectives that contribute to these values. This could include your approach to teamwork, collaboration, or any initiatives you've been part of that promote inclusivity.
How to prepare for a job interview at ACCA Careers
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you have a clear understanding of the Non-Executive Director role at the Office of Rail and Road. Familiarise yourself with their mission, current challenges, and how your financial expertise can contribute to their strategic objectives.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Outlook
Be prepared to discuss your ability to think strategically. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully overseen long-term plans while managing short-term pressures. This will show that you can balance immediate needs with future goals.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and respectfully, especially when discussing complex issues. Be ready to demonstrate how you've built relationships with stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
While rail or road experience isn't essential, emphasise any relevant financial or economic skills you've acquired in complex organisational settings. If you have experience in regulatory strategy, make sure to highlight this as it aligns well with ORR's objectives.
