DWP vacancies

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is a public corporation sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). ONR is responsible for the regulation of nuclear safety and security across the UK. 

ONR’s vision is to be a modern, transparent regulator delivering trusted outcomes and value. The nuclear landscape ONR regulates is changing at pace. The recent publication of the Nuclear Roadmap sets out the government’s vision for a dynamic civil nuclear sector, supporting the ambition to achieve net zero by 2050. This roadmap outlines the mix of new industry technologies alongside major investment for the defence nuclear enterprise. 

The Role of the ONR Chair

The Chair’s responsibilities include: 

• Providing clear, strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring its meetings are focused on the organisation’s current and future priorities and that all Board members contribute fully and effectively. 
• Working closely with the Board especially the Chief Executive / Chief Nuclear Inspector, ensuring ONR is managed effectively and that ONR objectives and strategy are translated into clear management objectives. 
• Reviewing and setting the ONR’s strategic direction within a framework agreed with Ministers, ensuring that plans and targets are clear and appropriate. 
• Leading the Board in its scrutiny of the performance of the Executive team in delivering those plans and targets efficiently and effectively. Ensuring ONR provides excellent value for money in a culture of simplification and continuous improvement. Promoting the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources.
• Building and maintaining constructive and effective relationships at a strategic level with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and partner organisations. 
• Securing high standards of governance, including regularity and propriety, in the conduct of the Board’s affairs.  
• Ensuring that the Board, in reaching decisions, takes proper account of guidance provided by the responsible Minister or the department.
• Setting performance objectives for the Chief Executive / Chief Nuclear Inspector; and 
• Representing the views of ONR and its Board to the general public and key stakeholders. 

The Chair has other obligations including ensuring that: 

• there are regular internal and external reviews of board performance and composition; and 
• the Board has a balance of skills and diversity appropriate to directing ONR’s business. 

Essential Criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of regulation in a technical setting (such as high hazard and/or major infrastructure).
• Experience of chairing at senior non-executive board or committee level in a national organisation, demonstrating a sound understanding of the policy, political and environment contexts that it operates in.
• Strong and effective leadership skills with the ability to shape and support the organisation during a period of significant change and innovation in the nuclear sector.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills including the ability to operate sensitively and constructively, build positive relationships to promote and enhance an organisation’s reputation, and develop and sustain trust and credibility with stakeholders.
• Demonstrate an ability to further equality, diversity, and inclusion within the organisation.

Desirable Criteria

• An understanding of the environment within which the public sector operates; and 
• Private sector experience. 

Location:  The Chair will spend significant time in London and Bootle and will be required to travel within the UK

Remuneration: The Chair will be entitled to an annual remuneration of £57,200 based on a day rate of £550. There is no bonus or pension scheme.

Time Commitment: A minimum time commitment of 104 days per year. Additional days may be approved and paid on a pro rata basis

Length of Term: Fixed term of between three and five years.

The vacancy closes on 24/05/24 at 17:00.  For more information and to apply to this role please visit the link below.

Role details – Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) - Chair – Apply for a public appointment – GOV.UK (apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk)