House of Lords Commission External Member

The House of Lords is a crucial part of the United Kingdom’s political system. Its role is to scrutinise legislation, investigate, debate and influence policy areas in the public interest, and hold the government to account. The Commission provides high-level strategic and political direction for the House of Lords Administration, whose role is to support the UK’s parliamentary democracy by delivering excellent services to the House and its members. Through this work the Commission ensures that the House and its members are appropriately supported by the Administration to fulfil the role of an effective second Chamber.

We are looking for an External Member for the House of Lords Commission. The Commission is supported in its work by the Services Committee, the Finance Committee, the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, and the Management Board. This is an exciting position where you will be able to bring your expertise, experience and external perspective.

House of Lords Commission

The House of Lords Commission provides high-level strategic and political direction for the House of Lords Administration on behalf of the House. It agrees the annual Estimate, supervises the arrangements relating to financial support for members and works with the Management Board to develop, set and approve the strategic business plan, the annual business and financial plans for the Administration and monitors the performance of the Administration against agreed targets.

Person Specification

It is essential that in your covering letter you give examples of proven experience against each of the criteria set out below in Part One of the person specification.

These responses will be developed and discussed with you if you are invited for interview, together with the other criteria in Part Two.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

Part One:

Essential:

• Experience of leading and managing a complex major organisation or programme.
• A board-level record of achievement within a complex organisation in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors.
• Experience of non-executive work on public or private sector boards or working closely with non-executive directors.
• Excellent analytical skills combined with strong decision-making skills that have been tested and proven on complex and sensitive issues.
• Extensive experience of successfully managing relationships with a range of senior stakeholders, which demonstrates the ability to work in a complex political environment.
• Independence from political affiliation and with no commercial link to Parliament

Desirable:

• Understanding of and interest in the workings of the House of Lords, and Parliament more generally.
• A willingness to engage with and learn about the wider governance of the House of Lords.

Part Two:

• The highest levels of personal integrity, fairness and independence.
• The ability to inspire confidence and respect.
• Tact, discretion and excellent interpersonal skills.
• The ability to forge relationships of trust while retaining independence of thought.
• Respect for Parliament's Behaviour Code (available online) and a commitment to inclusive working practices.

Time commitment

It is expected that the Commission will meet every six weeks except for August, with further occasional ad hoc meetings throughout the year. Meetings are held in person and it is expected that this will be the default, although virtual participation can be supported when necessary

Terms of Appointment

Appointment will be for three years, with the possibility of extension for a maximum of a further three years, and subject to a review 12 months after the initial appointment. The maximum term for a NED is 6 years.

Remuneration

This is a remunerated non-executive position currently paying £10,761 p.a. (£633 per day) for up to 17 days work per annum, including time spent preparing for and in meetings. It is expected that around 11 of these will be dedicated to the Lords Commission, and that around six will be dedicated to the Restoration & Renewal Client Board.

Reasonable expenses are paid, up to an annual cap of £1,500.

The candidate pack provides more details about the role and what we are looking for.

How to apply

If you wish to apply for this vacancy, please submit the following by 23:55 on Sunday the 27th of April

• A CV (maximum two pages) with your full employment history as well as any unpaid or community achievements.
• A covering letter, of no more than three pages, giving evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the criteria for the role.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact: