Strategic Chair - Civil Service Pensions Board

The Cabinet Office is seeking to appoint a new Non‑Executive Board Chair for the Civil Service Pensions Board (CSPB). The primary objective of this recruitment is to increase the diversity of the group. The Chair will provide professional expertise and direction to the board while ensuring compliance with the Public Service Pension Scheme Act 2013 and the Code of Practice issued by the Pensions Regulator.

Key responsibilities include:

• Chairing the four annual CSPB meetings, preparing for and leading those meetings.
• Collaborating with the Chair, Chief Executive, and Senior Management Team to evolve the strategic direction of the body.
• Supporting the Scheme Manager in ensuring the CSPS is effectively administered and meets all governance, financial management, and efficiency standards.

Time commitments are approximately 20 days per year, covering four official meetings, interim and informal meetings, and the time required to read board papers. Remuneration is £20,000 per annum on a three‑year contract.

In particular, the Chair will:

• Represent the best interests of scheme members, employers and the taxpayer.
• Offer advice and intelligent challenge to any scheme manager proposals.
• Actively prepare for and lead board meetings, acting collaboratively and directing meetings when appropriate.
• Act in accordance with the seven principles of public life and relevant laws and regulations.
• Balance the views and needs of the scheme stakeholders and the scheme members.
• Provide the necessary commitment and time to the role and undertake appropriate training.
• Ensure financial probity, adequate quality controls and effective governance systems are in place.
• Understand the board’s role within the wider scheme governance arrangements and act accordingly.
• Always keep scheme members’ interests at the heart of what the board does.

The Cabinet Office welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds. All candidates must demonstrate, in their CV and supporting letter, how they meet the criteria below and offer a commitment to the 7 principles of public life.

Essential Criteria

• Experience operating at board level or equivalent in the public or private sector, preferably in a non‑executive pension/reward scheme capacity.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capability to manage stakeholder relationships in a collaborative way.
• Ability to ensure the board successfully delivers against its objectives, particularly where differing or conflicting views arise.
• Knowledge of pensions or a similar industry.
• Ability to analyse complex information, understand options presented and assist others in understanding issues and differing views, and provide constructive feedback and seek clarity as required.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in the pension administration industry and the challenges facing unfunded pension schemes.
• Capacity to bring a fresh, external view, independence of judgment, and the ability to lead and negotiate, with an understanding of how government works.

A person cannot be appointed as a CSPB member if they are employed in the civil service of the state at the date of taking up appointment, have unspent criminal convictions, are subject to bankruptcy, or are disqualified as a company director. There must be no employment restrictions or limitations on your permitted stay in the UK. Appropriate due diligence checks will be carried out.