Lead Non-Executive Board Member – HM Treasury

Non-Executive Board Members provide advice and bring an external perspective to the business of government. They give advice and support on the operational implications and effectiveness of policy proposals, focusing on getting policy translated into results. Policy will be decided by ministers alone, with advice from officials. The Board is responsible for ensuring that the Department fulfils the specific aims and objectives set out by the Permanent Secretary.

The successful candidate will have experience in financial scrutiny, risk management, delivering change, and talent management. The Lead Non-Executive Board Member will:

• Contribute effectively to discussions on the leadership and performance of the business at Treasury Board Meetings, chaired by the Chancellor and usually held at HM Treasury’s office in central London.
• Chair the Treasury Board Sub-Committee meetings, which have delegated authority from the Treasury Board.
• Direct a team of three to four other Non-Executive Board Members to provide collective strategic leadership and objective challenge on key issues facing the Department.
• Work with the Permanent Secretary, Directors Generals, and senior leaders to scrutinise the Department’s management information, to ensure that performance and delivery of the Department’s Outcome Delivery Plan and other key objectives are ambitious and achievable.
• Attend cross-Government Lead Non-Executive Board Members monthly meetings, chaired by the UK Government Lead NED.
• Bring an independent perspective to the work of the Treasury Board, as well as providing independent scrutiny for the Department upon request.

HM Treasury (HMT) is responsible for public spending, including departmental spending, public sector pay and pensions, annually managed expenditure (AME), welfare policy, and capital investment. The department is also responsible for financial services policy, including banking and financial services regulation, financial stability, and ensuring competitiveness in the City. HMT has strategic oversight of the UK tax system, including direct, indirect, business, property, personal tax, and corporation tax, and the delivery of infrastructure projects across the public sector and facilitating private sector investment into UK infrastructure. The department also ensures the economy is growing sustainably.

Objectives: The Department’s objectives are to place the public finances on a sustainable footing, ensure the stability of the macro-economic environment and financial system, enabling strong, sustainable, and balanced growth. Increase employment and productivity, ensuring strong growth and competitiveness across all regions of the UK through a comprehensive package of structural reforms.

Our Non-Executive Board Members are appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Non-Executive Board Members serve for an initial term of three years, with the opportunity of reappointment for a second term of three years. Non-Executive Board Members appointments are regulated by the Office for Commissioner for Public Appointments (OPCA). We are committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. Taking equality considerations into account in our work is an important and integral part of our approach as both an employer and a policymaker. We promote equality of opportunity in employment to ensure our workforce is representative of the community it serves and that we attract and retain talented employees.

Information on the diversity of the Treasury’s employees is also published in the Treasury’s Annual Report and Accounts.

Board composition: The Treasury Board is chaired by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in their role as lead minister in the Department. The Board is made up of all Treasury Ministers, Non-Executive Board Members, and some Executive Board Members (the Permanent Secretary and Principal Accounting Officer; the Second Permanent Secretaries, the Group Finance Director, and the Head of the Government Finance Function). The Board considers the long-term strategy for the Department and draws together ministerial and civil service leaders with experts from outside government to form a collective strategic and operational leadership group. The Board draws on the experience of attendees to provide advice, support, and challenge on the Department’s performance and risk management, and progress against delivery of its objectives and priorities. The Board does not decide policy or exercise the powers of Treasury ministers; it does however advise on the operational implications and effectiveness of policy proposals and reflect on strategic plans.

Proven main board-level experience as an Executive or Non-Executive in large and complex organisations in the private, public, or voluntary sectors. Proven experience in capability building or related areas such as training and development, or organisational development. An understanding of the key challenges faced by the public sector (particularly around the efficiency and growth agenda) and the ability to bring their experience to bear on these challenges. Experience of monitoring and managing risk, performance, and financial management. Strong communication skills, including an ability to offer challenge in a constructive, straightforward, and open manner. Experience of leading major projects from initiation, through to development and delivery, using sound evidence to inform decisions. Genuine interest in contributing to the effective running of the Department, at the Board, elsewhere in the Department and (as appropriate) across Government.

To apply, all candidates are required to provide: a supporting statement, equality information, and information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues. We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate. You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.