Appointment of up to two additional Commissioners

Information pack

Thank you for your interest in the work of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom (CSC). In this information pack, you will find:

  1. Background information about the work of the CSC
  1. Job descriptions and person specifications for the role of Commissioner
  1. The application process
  1. Application form
  1. Political activity questionnaire, and equal opportunities monitoring and additional information form(please note that this information is used for monitoring purposes only)
  1. The Seven Principles of Public Life (the Nolan Principles)

We hope that the above will meet your initial questions, but in the event that you would like further information, please donot hesitate to contact (a discussion by telephone can be arranged if necessary).

Dr John Kirkland

Executive Secretary

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom

  1. Background Information about the work of the CSC

The Secretary of State for International Development is looking to appoint up to two new members of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC).

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK

The CSC is a non-departmental public body, responsible for delivering the UK’s contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. It achieves this through awarding over 850 scholarships and fellowships for postgraduate study and professional development to Commonwealth citizens each year. The CSC also nominates UK citizens for Commonwealth Scholarships to study in other Commonwealth countries. The CSC receives funding from the Department for International Development, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Scottish Government, and most UK universities.

As with all non-departmental public bodies, the CSC is subject to regular reviews by independent assessors. A recent cross-government cluster review considered the role of the three major HMG international scholarship schemes – Commonwealth, Chevening and Marshall Scholarships. It confirmed that each maintains distinct and valuable identities. The Government has responded by confirming that the CSC will continue as a separate body, while encouraging collaboration between the schemes.

There are 15 Commissioners (including a Chair), drawn from a range of academic, development, diplomatic, and private sector backgrounds. Their main roles are to:

  • Provide policy direction and oversight
  • Monitor the effectiveness of awards
  • Ensure appropriate structures for governance and accountability
  • Select recipients of awards through selection committees held in February and March of each year

Candidates are encouraged to find out more about the work of the CSC from its website at

Roles and responsibilities

The pages that follow containdetailed job descriptions and person specifications for the position of Commissioner.

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  1. Job descriptions and person specifications for the role of Commissioner

Background

The CSC seeks to appoint up to two new Commissioners, to take up office on 1 January 2017. Commissioners are appointed by the Secretary of State for International Development, following a recruitment process carried out in line with the code of practice issued by the Commissioner of Public Appointments. Each appointment is for a term of three years, from the specified start date, with with the possibility of renewal for one further term. The maximum number of Commissioners at any one time is 15, including the Chair. The current vacancies have arisen through the retirement of Commissioners who have completed their maximum terms of office.

Job description

Commissioners areexpected to contribute to a range of functions which help to ensure that the CSC makes a relevant, high quality, and efficient contribution. The main functions are as follows:

Collective functions

Commissioners have corporate responsibility for ensuring that the CSC fulfils the aims and objectives set by its sponsoring department, DFID, and for promoting the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources. In particular, Commissioners are expected to:

  • Establish the overall strategic direction of the CSC within the policy and resources framework determined by DFID
  • Ensure that DFID and other relevant funding bodies are kept informed of any changes which are likely to impact on the strategic direction of the CSC or on the attainability of its targets, and determine the steps needed to deal with such changes
  • Ensure that any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds are complied with; that the CSC operates within the limits of its statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with DFID, and in accordance with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds; and that, in reaching decisions, the CSC takes account of guidance issued by DFID;
  • Ensure that mechanisms are in place to review regular financial information concerning the management of the CSC; and that the CSC has sufficient information to perform its functions and is able to provide positive assurance to DFID that appropriate action has been taken on any concerns which it has expressed on the activities of the CSC
  • Act in a way that promotes high standards of public finance, including the promotion of regularity, propriety, value for money and feasibility
  • Demonstrate high standards of corporate governance at all times, including by using the independent audit committee to help them to address the key financial and other risks facing the CSC
  • Ensure that individuals are selected for Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships on merit, and on the basis of clear criteria which reflect the objectives of DFID and, where appropriate, other sponsoring departments.

Individual functions

In addition to the above, Commissioners are expected to contribute expertise and judgement, and to fulfil their role in a manner consistent with the standards expected of public office holders. In particular, they are expected to:

  • Participate in CSC policymaking and strategy development, though participation in full Commission meetings (currently three half days per year)
  • Contribute actively to at least oneCommission committee(currentlyfinance, awards policy, evaluation and monitoring, and audit and risk management), or take on a ‘Lead Commissioner’ role, as agreed with the Chair
  • Participate in the selection of award holders, in particular though participation in selection committees (typically three to four days per year, plus three to fourdays reading and preparation time)
  • Attend an initial briefing with the Chair and/or CSC Secretariat, and meet at least annually with the Chair as part of the CSC’s appraisal process
  • Attend occasional events with award holders and other stakeholders, such as the annual Welcome and Farewell Events and other activities as part of the Scholar engagement programme
  • Comment and contribute to CSC policy, and actively promote the work of the Commission, between formal meetings, as the opportunity arises and in accordance with their particular areas of expertise.
  • Comply at all times with the CSC Code of Conduct, and with relevant rules relating to the use of public funds and to conflict of interest
  • Not misuse information gained in the course of their public service for personal gains or for political profit, nor seek to use the opportunity of public service to promote their private interests or those of connected persons or organisations
  • Comply with the CSC’s rules on the acceptance of gifts and hospitality, and other appointments
  • Act in good faith and in the best interests of the CSC at all times

Person and skills specification

The CSCrequires a range of skills and knowledge at its disposal, and appreciates that the balance between these will vary amongst Commissioners. However, in order to fulfil the above functions, Commissioners will need to draw on some or all of the following:

Essential

It is expected that all successful candidates will demonstrate:

  • Ademonstrable interest and expertise in higher education issues (it is anticipated that in the current round,some priority will be given to candidates with a distinguished academic background.
  • Expertise/clear interest in international development issues, and the challenges faced by countries whose academic systems and research culture is still emerging
  • Skills and experience to contribute to the selection of candidates for scholarships and fellowships
  • The ability to think strategically, contribute to team discussions, and challenge assumptions in a constructive manner

Desirable

The CSC has identified a number of skills gaps amongst its current membership. Candidates who could address these, in addition to the essential skills described above, would be particularly welcome. Areas that are particularly sought include:

  • At least one place will be offered to a candidate with a background in science, technology, or allied subjects)
  • Marketing and communications expertise, and the ability to increase the profile of the CSC amongst key stakeholders
  • Legal knowledge and expertise
  • Knowledge of governance issues, and the ability to understand their application to the legal and administrative environment in which the CSC works
  • Experience of administration and budget management
  • Strong affinity with the principles and values of the Commonwealth

Other information

The CSCis committed to providing equal opportunities for all and encourages applications from candidates irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, transgender or working patterns. The founding legislation of the CSC requires that Commissioners should be UK citizens.

Commissioners are expected to devote a minimum time commitment of 12-15 days per annum to the role, and this may be higher in the case of those who chair Committees. The role of Commissioner is unremunerated, although out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed in line with CSC policies. Commissioners also receive an honorarium, currently £250, in respect of each selection committee meeting in which they participate.

Successful applicants should be willing to travel to London (and occasionally elsewhere in the UK) to attend Commission and other meetings and events.

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  1. The application process

All forms should be completed and returned to the following address:

Dr John Kirkland

Executive Secretary

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK

Woburn House

20-24 Tavistock Square

London, WC1H 9HF

Applications should arrive by no later than 22 September 2016 (23.00 GMT)

Applications may be sent by email to by post to the above address.

Appointments will be made by the Secretary of State for International Development, following an interview processinvolving DFID staff, current Commissioners, and an independent panel member appointed in accordance with OCPA regulations. Interviews for short listed candidates are provisionally expected to take place on the 2 November 2016. It is anticipated that shortlisted candidates will be notified at least two weeks in advance. Where candidates are unable to attend in person, reasonable efforts will be made to facilitate telephone interviews.

Appointments to the CSC are made in line with the Code of Practice of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA – – please see Section D for further information. Applicants are particularly asked to note that, under the terms of the code, their forms may be passed (in confidence) to the Commissioner, or the Commissioner’s auditors, as part of the review process.

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  1. Application form

Please note that the boxes will expand as you type into them.

How did you learn of the vacancy? (Please specify name of publication/website where appropriate)

  1. Personal details

Full name
Title
Address
Postcode
Home telephone number
Work telephone number
Email address
  1. Current employment details(if applicable)

Position
Name and address of employer
Date of appointment
Main responsibilities
  1. Educational background(degree level and above only)

Dates / Educational establishment attended (most recent first) / Full-time/part-time / Subject(s) studied / Level / Result/grade

Please note that you will be asked to provide proof of qualifications if appointed.

  1. Work experience

Please list the previous positions that you consider most relevant to the work of the CSC.

Dates / Name and address of employer (most recent first) / Position held and main duties / Reason(s) for leaving
  1. Other activities

Please list any other activities – for example, consultancy work, voluntary work, publications, membership of other public or professional bodies, or previous awards – that you consider relevant to the role(s) for which you are applying.

  1. Supporting statement

You are invited to provide us with further relevant information in support of your application. Please provide details that demonstrate how you meet the person specification. Particular attention should be paid to experience or skills which you feel would be beneficial to the post applied for.

Statements should contain a maximum of 300 words.

  1. Potential conflicts of interest

Please give details of any business or other interests or any personal connections which, if you are appointed, could be misconstrued or cause embarrassment to the CSC. These could include financial interests or shared ownership, membership of societies, activities, or the associations of a partner or friend in the particular field in which the CSC operates.

Any potential conflicts of interest detailed here will not prevent you going forward to interview but may, if appropriate, be explored with you during your interview to establish how you would address the issue(s) should you be successful in your application.

If you are successful, a brief summary of your career/experience and details of your response to the political activity questionnaire will be included in the press release announcing your appointment.

  1. References

Please supply the name, address and telephone number of two referees who you consider to be well placed to assess your suitability for the role of Commissioner.

Name
Status
Address
Telephone number
Email

May we contact this person before interview?

Yes / No
Name
Status
Address
Telephone number
Email

May we contact this person before interview?

Yes / No

If no, please note that your referees may be approached after interview, with your consent.

  1. Declaration

Please ensure that you have fully completed all sections of this application form, including the additional information and equal opportunities monitoring form.

I declare that the information given on this form is, to the best of my knowledge, true and complete. I understand that any false statements may be sufficient cause for my rejection or, if appointed, dismissal.

Signature
Date

Our recruitment and selection procedures follow the data protection principles in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.Appointments to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK are regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). More information on the OCPA and its complaints procedure is available at Please note that application forms may be passed, in confidence, to the Commissioner and the Commissioner’s auditors for the purposes of complaints, investigation and audit.

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  1. Political activity questionnaire, equal opportunities monitoring and additional information form

This form is for monitoring purposes only and will therefore be detached from your application and will not be seen by any selection panels.

  1. Political activity

All applicants for a public appointment should complete the question below. This question is asked as it enables the monitoring of political activity of candidates for a public appointment in so far as it is already in the public domain. Neither activity nor affiliation is a criterion for appointment (except where statute dictates specific representation).

Although this form is for monitoring purposes only and will not be seen by any selection panels, it is appreciated that such activities may have given you relevant skills, including experience gained from committee work, collective decision-making, resolving conflict, and public speaking. If, therefore, you have had such experience and you consider it relevant to your application for this post, you should include it separately in the main body of your application form. You should not, however, identify the relevant political party in the application form.

If you are successful, the information provided will be included in the press release announcing your appointment.

Please indicate which of the following activities you have undertaken during the past five years by marking the appropriate box and by providing details of your involvement. Please name the political party or body for which you have been active. If you have been or are an Independent or have sought or obtained office as a representative of a particular interest group, you should state this. You should tick all relevant categories.

I

Obtained office as a Local Councillor, District Councillor, MP, MEP, MLA etc
Stood as a candidate for one of the above offices
Spoken on behalf of a party or candidate

II

Acted as a political agent
Held office such as Chair, Treasurer or Secretary of a local branch of a party
Canvassed on behalf of a party or helped at elections
Undertaken any other political activity which you consider relevant

III

Made a recordable donation to a political party[1]

IV

None of the above activities

Name of political party or body for which activity undertaken:

Please give details of your involvement (including dates):

Name
Signature
Date
  1. Equal Opportunities

Policy

The CSCis committed to the principle of equal opportunities in employment. All Commissioners are recruited, trained and promoted according to their ability to fulfil the requirements of their post. There will be no discrimination on the grounds of, for example, race, colour, creed, ethnic or national origins, nationality, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or family responsibility in any matter relating to the role of Commissioner.