Commission Members: Social Mobility Commission

Commission Members: Social Mobility Commission

Appointing Departments: Work and Pensions, Education and Cabinet Office

Number of vacancies: Up to 4 members

Vacancy Description

The Social Mobility Commission is an Advisory Non Departmental Public Body, established to:

• Promote social mobility in England;
• On request, provide advice to Ministers about how to improve social mobility in England;
• Report on the progress being made towards improving social mobility in the United Kingdom.

These high-profile appointments will include the following responsibilities:

• Steer the best use of the Commission’s research to enable the Commission to carry out its functions;
• Contribute to and assist with the preparation of the Commission’s annual report;
• Provide advice – at the request of Ministers – concerning issues relating to improving social mobility in England;
• Contribute to the Commission’s role to be an advocate for the improvement of social mobility;
• Work with experts who have practical, professional and academic experience and knowledge of analysing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating policies relating to social mobility.

The members of the Commission will support the Chair and the Deputy Chair in ensuring that the Commission’s remit is fulfilled promptly and properly.

Applications will be welcomed from people who can demonstrate:

• A strong interest and expertise in relation to social mobility or an aspect of the issue;
• An ability to contribute to driving change in relation to the Commission’s remit with non-government bodies such as employers, professional firms, universities, schools and third sector organisations;
• Ability to work with a variety of organisations that promote the Commission’s functions or represent disadvantaged groups, for example in housing, education, or family support; and
• The ability to work well as part of a team.

All members of the Commission are appointed by a Minister of the Crown although they will not be a servant or agent of the Crown or enjoy any status, privilege or immunity of the Crown.

Appointments will be for no longer than five years, subject to a satisfactory annual review.

Commissioners should work to the highest personal and professional standards. They will promote the values of the Commission and of good governance through their conduct and behaviour. All members must agree to follow the Cabinet Office Code for members of Public Bodies, which includes adherence to the Seven Principles of Public Life. These are included at Annex A. They must also sign a register of business interests. Both these documents will be published and available to the general public.

The Chair and the other Commission members are part-time appointees. Members will be expected to commit 1 day per month to the post, including meeting between 4 – 6 times a year. They are supported by a Secretariat based in London.

This position is not remunerated, although travel and other reasonable expenses directly related to Commission work are reimbursed.

Diversity

To ensure our public bodies better represent the communities we serve, we positively welcome applicants from all walks of life.

Commission members are independent appointments made through open competition.

Equal opportunities

The UK Government has a policy of equality of opportunity. We aim to promote equal opportunity policies whereby no one suffers unfair discrimination either directly or indirectly, or harassment, on grounds such as race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or age.

Closing date

27April 2016

Interviews start

June 2016

How to apply

An Information Pack and Application Form can be obtained from the Office of Public Appointments websiteor by contacting the Child Poverty Unit by email at: telephone on 020 73407951 or020 7227 5338

This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

About the Social Mobility Commission

The Social Mobility Commission (the Commission) is an advisory non-departmental public body established under the Life Chances Act 2010.It previously monitored the progress of the Government and others on child poverty and social mobility as the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission.

The name and remit of the Commission was amended by the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 to focus on social mobility. The changes focus much of its work on England. However the Commission will still report on progress in improving social mobility across the UK.

The Commission is currently made up of 4 Commissioners and is supported by a small secretariat team based in London.

The board comprises:

Role / Name
Chair / The Rt. Hon. Alan Milburn
Deputy Chair / The Rt. Hon. Baroness Gillian Shephard
Commissioner / Paul Gregg
Commissioner / David Johnston

The functions of the reformed Social Mobility Commission will be to:

• Promote social mobility in England;
• Provide adviceto Ministers, if requested, on how to improve social mobility in England.
• Report its views on progress in improving social mobility in the UK and publishing this report annually.

The Commission has its own research budget (£100K last year) and publishes research throughout the year.

Each year it will publish an annual report setting out its views on progress made in improving social mobility in the UK. Commissioners play an active role in determining the focus and content of the report.

The Commission also act as an advocate for social mobility beyond government by challenging employers, the professions and universities amongst others to play their part in improving life chances.

Commissioners will be expected to commit 1 day per month to the post, including meeting between 4 – 6 times a year.

The post is not remunerated, although travel and other reasonable expenses directly related to Commission work are reimbursed.

You can find more information about the Commission on their webpage on Gov.UK. Candidates should note that the webpage describes the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission. The reformed name and remit of the Social Mobility Commission come into effect in May 2016.

How to apply

If you wish to apply to become a Commissioner you will need to email your C.V with a covering letter to:

Alternatively you can send your application by post to:

Joel Weston

Child Poverty Unit

Department for Education

Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street,

London, SW1P 3BT

Late applications will not be accepted.

In your application you should demonstrate:

• A strong interest and expertise in relation to social mobility or an aspect of the issue;
• An ability to contribute to driving change in relation to the Commission’s remit with non-government bodies such as employers, professional firms, universities, schools and third sector organisations;
• Ability to work with a variety of organisations that promote the Commission’s functions or represent disadvantaged groups, for example in housing, education, or family support; and
• A high level of personal integrity and the ability to work well as part of a team.

Applications will be sifted by the selection panel and successful candidates will be invited for interview.

How we will handle your application

Wewill acknowledge receipt of CVs and your statement. Candidates will be contacted again after the closing date and once the panel have considered all applications.

Data protection

The Department for Educationis committed to protect your privacy and to process your personal information in a manner which meets the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Annex A

The Seven Principles of Public Life

Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.