Non-Executive Board Member and Board Chair
Office of the Public Guardian

Location: Most meetings now take place online, but the successful candidate will be expected to travel to OPG’s Birmingham or Nottingham offices for in-person meetings where necessary

Salary:£10,400 for 20 days a year, including six OPG Board meetings per year

Closes:12 Noon, Friday 5th April 2024

Job Function:Non-Executive Director (NED)

Industry: Civil Service

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is an agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and was established in 2007. We support and enable people in England and Wales to plan for their health and finances to be looked after should they lose mental capacity, by registering Enduring and Lasting Power of Attorney applications. We safeguard the interests of people who may lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves, through our supervision of court-appointed deputies. Critically, we also carry out investigations when concerns are raised.

The Organisation

The OPG supports the Public Guardian in her duties of the registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA), Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) and the supervision of deputies appointed by the Court of Protection. The Public Guardian also has a significant safeguarding role, which includes investigating concerns about the actions of registered attorneys and deputies. Her responsibilities apply to England and Wales only. (Separate arrangements exist for Scotland and Northern Ireland.)

Our mission is to support everyone to take the decisions they need to and to protect the interests of those who are unable to make decisions. We protect the vulnerable and put our customers at the heart of everything we do, by enabling people to plan ahead and make decisions for their health and finances while they still can. We safeguard the interests of people who are unable to take decisions, through the supervision of court-appointed deputies and by investigating concerns when they are raised.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting time to join OPG and the wider Ministry of Justice family as we embark on a significant transformation programme. The recently passed Powers of Attorney Act 2023 will allow us to transform the service through a new digital application process and improved paper pathway. At the same time, we are introducing new data and internal management systems to enable more effective and efficient ways of working.

We are currently seeking to appoint a new, non-executive Chair to lead the Board. Our Non-Executive Board Members contribute to and participate in the work and effective running of OPG’s Board by scrutinising and challenging how well the agency is achieving its objectives. As we embark on our transformation journey, we are looking for someone with the knowledge and expertise to provide independent advice, and constructive, effective challenge and support, as we innovate to deliver for our customers.

The Role

We are looking for exceptional candidates to help OPG with the significant transformation programme we are delivering over the next three years. Experience of working in an operational delivery environment would be welcome.

Any significant change impacts the people of an organisation. As a diverse, values-led, purpose-driven organisation, that prides itself on being a great place to work, the successful candidate will understand that success will not just be operational.

It is expected that applicants can demonstrate experience of management or governance at a senior level, working effectively in partnership with multiple stakeholders, and strong communication and interpersonal skills.

As well as leading the Board, you will use your external knowledge and expertise to provide constructive and effective advice and challenge to help inform decision-making.

You will have regular meetings with the Chief Executive to reflect on the organisation’s direction.

Eligibility

• There must be no employment restrictions, or time limit on your permitted stay in the UK.
• You should not be employed in the UK Civil Service.

Essential criteria:

• Genuine interest in public service and the successful running of OPG.
• Experience of management, as the Chair will be responsible for other OPG Non-Exec Board Members.
• Sound judgement and a high level of integrity (including when dealing with confidential or sensitive issues).
• Knowledge, skills or experience in finance, health, welfare, or social care.
• Experience of leading and building the right culture to help ensure the Agency is the best place possible for its staff and to drive the delivery of excellent customer service.
• Experience of leading major projects from initiation - through development and to delivery (especially implementation of change) - using sound evidence to inform decisions.

Desirable criteria:

• Digital, data and technology: experience of using data and digital technology to drive transformation in a large organisation and/or to innovate and create new opportunities.
• Largescale processing within operational environments and/or large organisations.
• The ability to contribute and inspire confidence with a wide range of stakeholders in formal and informal professional environments.
• Executive-level oversight of strategic communications.
• Experience of risk, performance, and financial management.

All applications should be received by 12 noon on 5th April 2024.