Vacancy -- Non-Executive Director for Welsh Government Board

Our Non-Executive Directors are members of the Welsh Government Board which is the strategic decision making forum that supports the Permanent Secretary. They also have a role on the sub-committees of the Board.

We will be looking to make one Non-Executive Director appointment as soon as possible.  The appointment is for an initial period of two years with the possibility of extension.

Non-Executive Directors receive a small remuneration on an honorarium basis of £347 per day as well as any travel expenses and are expected to give a time commitment of three working days per month, on average. The pattern of meetings may be spread over a number of days to suit business requirements. Involvement in additional meetings will be subject to agreement between the individual and the Permanent Secretary. 

Non-Executive Directors will be expected to join the monthly meetings of the Board.  Their attendance at one or more of the specialist sub-committees of the Board is likely to be suggested aligned to their particular skills and experience.  They may also be invited to attend bi-annual Board Development events and occasional ad hoc sessions.

Broadly, the Non-Executive Director's contribution includes:

• Contributing an external perspective to Board discussions based on their experience and drawing on their specific expertise and knowledge;
• Offering constructive challenge to the Board on the best way to deliver the Welsh Government’s strategic priorities;
• Providing ad hoc advice to the Board and Permanent Secretary both in and out of committee;
• Acting as a sponsor to particular programmes and projects and/or as a mentor to individuals;
• Acting as a panel member for senior recruitment exercises;
• Input in advance of the First Minister’s annual performance discussion with the Permanent Secretary.

The Non-Executive Director(s) will be expected to devote the necessary time to prepare for and attend Board meetings and the training and development opportunities provided.

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic meetings are currently held virtually and in line with our approach to Smart Working. For any in person meetings in the future our Non-Executive Director(s) would usually be expected to attend meetings in any of the four Welsh Government offices based in Wales, which are located in Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Llandudno Junction and Aberystwyth.  We are supportive of tailoring patterns to suit board members’ individual circumstances. 

The Welsh Government is committed to providing services which embrace diversity and which promote equality of opportunity. This is underpinned by the Equality Act 2010 and will be adhered to at each stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure that these commitments are also embedded in our day-to-day working practices with all our customers, colleagues and partners.

We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and increasing diversity in the Welsh Government by removing barriers and supporting all our staff to reach their potential. We are committed to recruiting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people and disabled people who are currently under-represented in Welsh Government.

We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, marriage and civil partnership (both same sex and opposite sex), impairment or health condition, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, gender identity or gender expression.

We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a Disability Confident Level 3 (Leader) organisation. Key to supporting this work and providing peer support are five Board sponsored Staff Networks (Disability Awareness and Support (DAAS); Minority Ethnic Support Network (MESN); Mind Matters (Mental health and well-being); PRISM (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex +) and Women Together.

Welsh Government accepts the social definition of disability, in which it is recognised that barriers in society act to disable people who have impairments or health conditions or who use British Sign Language. We are committed to removing barriers so that all (or potential new staff) can perform at their best. The Equality Act 2010 uses the medical definition of disability (“a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term impact on a person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities”).

We guarantee to interview anyone who is disabled whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. By ‘minimum criteria’ we mean that you must provide us with evidence in your application which demonstrates that you generally meet the level of competence for the role and any qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential. We are committed to the employment and career development of disabled people.

If you have an impairment or health condition, or use British Sign Language and need to discuss reasonable adjustments for any part of this recruitment process, or wish to discuss how we will support you if you were to be successful, please email SharedServiceHelpdesk@gov.wales as soon as possible and a member of the team will contact you to discuss your requirements and any questions you may have.

The Welsh Government is a bilingual organisation and Welsh language skills are considered an asset to the organisation. We encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills in the workplace. 

The following list of language requirements represents an objective assessment by the line manager on behalf of the Welsh Government of the Welsh language skills required to undertake the duties of this particular post.

In Welsh Government, the relationship between the employer and trade unions is based on social partnership. We believe our goals can best be achieved by management and trade unions working together.

Our 3 recognised trade unions are:
•         PCS
•         Prospect
•         FDA

This relationship is underpinned by a partnership agreement. This sets out how our unions work with Welsh Government on issues such as:
•         pay
•         terms and conditions
•         policies and procedures
•         organisational change.

Our Welsh Government trade union colleagues work together to give their members a real say in the workplace. They make sure that the interests of their members are promoted and protected. They also help reduce inequalities and improve terms and conditions.

The Welsh Government has an excellent track record of working in partnership with its trade unions. We encourage staff to get involved. We support you to join a recognised trade union, to ensure your voice is heard in the workplace. and to learn more about trade unions and partnership working.