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- Tasks: Lead the Advisory Council on drug misuse, advising the Government on prevention and harm reduction.
- Company: Join a key expert body influencing drug policy in the UK.
- Benefits: Flexible commitment of up to 30 days a year with potential for re-appointment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and safety while shaping government policy.
- Qualifications: Experience in government, committee leadership, and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Diversity and equality are valued; applications close on 14 July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Time Commitment: The expected time commitment is up to 30 days per year, depending on the ACMD’s work programme.
Do you want to play a leading role in advising the Government on a range of issues relating to drug misuse? The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is one of the most important expert advisory non-departmental public bodies in Government. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 the ACMD has a statutory duty to keep drug misuse under review in the UK and to advise the Government on measures for preventing misuse and measures to mitigate social harms connected with drug misuse.
We are seeking a new Chair with the ability to set the strategic direction of the ACMD and oversee the development and delivery of independent and expert advice to Government. This is an exciting role in an important, high-profile post. The successful candidate will need to bring scientific authority, knowledge and breadth to gain and maintain the confidence of stakeholders including ministers, senior government officials, the scientific community and law enforcement.
A track record of working with Government and an understanding of political and policy is essential. Similarly, a successful candidate will need to have Committee experience at a senior level, including strong organisation and communication skills and the ability to effectively chair multi-disciplinary meetings; and, experience of negotiating between conflicting expert opinions through to agreed conclusions.
You will need to possess the ability to think logically and objectively in analysing complex information in order to identify key issues and make effective decisions, including excellent judgement under pressure. Therefore, a clear understanding of the role of scientific advice in informing policy in an area of political and public attention and sensitivity is essential.
This will be a four-year appointment with the possibility of re-appointment. The closing date for applications is 23:00 on Monday 14 July 2025. We value and promote diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all and appointments made on merit. This appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs employer: HOME OFFICE-2
Contact Detail:
HOME OFFICE-2 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of drug policy and public health. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet current members of the ACMD or similar organisations. Building these connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current issues related to drug misuse and government policies. Familiarise yourself with recent reports and publications from the ACMD and other relevant bodies. This knowledge will not only prepare you for discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership and negotiation skills through examples from your past experiences. Think about specific instances where you successfully chaired meetings or navigated complex discussions, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your suitability for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the importance of scientific advice in shaping public policy. Be ready to articulate how you would approach the integration of scientific evidence into policy-making, especially in sensitive areas like drug misuse, to show that you can bridge the gap between science and government.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, ensure you have a thorough understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. Familiarise yourself with the ACMD's work and its impact on drug policy.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your experience in working with government bodies, your committee experience at a senior level, and any relevant scientific authority. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: Showcase your leadership and communication skills in your application. Provide examples of how you have effectively chaired meetings, negotiated between conflicting opinions, and made decisions under pressure.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the position. Use keywords from the job description to align your application with what the ACMD is looking for in a candidate.
How to prepare for a job interview at HOME OFFICE-2
✨Demonstrate Your Expertise
Make sure to showcase your scientific authority and knowledge during the interview. Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your understanding of drug misuse and your ability to provide expert advice.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As the Chair, you'll need to set strategic direction and oversee meetings. Be ready to discuss your experience in leading committees and how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams in the past.
✨Understand the Political Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current government policies and the role of scientific advice in shaping them. Be prepared to discuss how you can navigate political sensitivities while providing sound recommendations.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions that require you to analyse complex information and make decisions under pressure. Practice articulating your thought process and how you arrive at conclusions when faced with conflicting expert opinions.
