Chair of the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA)

Information Pack

Closing date: 12pm Friday, 12th July 2019

Reference: 931264

Contents

Page

Welcome message 3

Background to the Department and the Trade Remedies Authority 4

Job Description 6

Person Specification 8

Terms of Appointment 9

How to Apply 11

The Recruitment Process and Indicative Timeline 12

The Selection Process 13

The Seven Principles of Public Life 15

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Welcome Message

Dear Candidates,

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair of the UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA).

As you may be aware, the TRA will be among the first non-departmental public bodies to be set up in response to the UK’s withdrawal from the European

Union. It will perform a priority economic function by ensuring UK domestic industries have a safety net to protect them against injury caused by unfair trading practices, such as dumping and subsidies, and unforeseen surges in imports.

It is imperative that the TRA has the leadership necessary to direct this period of immense change and opportunity for the UK economy. The TRA will review the suitability of existing EU trade remedies measures relevant to the UK to enable a smooth transition to the new framework, and will also undertake new investigations and reviews on behalf of UK domestic businesses.

The Chair will have substantial responsibilities to provide leadership to the Board and hold the executive team to account for delivery, including the effective conduct of trade remedies investigations, and recommending fair and objective trade remedies measures. For the right candidate, the role offers considerable scope to develop the TRA’s corporate governance structures and formulate its strategic vision.

This is a high-profile and dynamic role. We are looking for someone able to operate in a politically sensitive environment and work under intense media scrutiny. This person will need to have experience of, and be resilient in, facing the challenge of creating a new, independent function which has the trust of a wide variety of stakeholders.

If you believe you have the experience and qualities we are seeking to lead this important organisation, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

The Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP

Secretary of State, Department for International Trade & President of the Board of Trade

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Background to the Department and the Trade Remedies Authority The Department for International Trade (DIT) is a Department for the whole of the UK. We have overall responsibility for promoting UK trade across the world and attracting foreign investment to our shores, under the leadership of the Secretary of State and President of the Board of Trade, The Rt. Hon Dr Liam Fox MP.

DIT is an international economic department working across the government and its extensive overseas networks to help UK businesses win valuable deals. DIT supports UK businesses to take advantage of the global appetite for British goods and services, as well as to assist international companies to collaborate with UK suppliers. We are building significant new trade negotiating capacities and bringing a new Government focus on the way businesses access international markets, taking on the responsibilities of UK Trade & Investment, along with the relevant trade functions of the former Department for Business Innovation and Skills. We also have oversight of DIT’s Defence and Security Organisation and UK Export Finance, the UK’s export credit agency.

To deliver an outward-looking trade diplomacy strategy, the Department’s key priorities are:

To promote UK exports of goods and services, to support a growing economy that creates wealth for all, supports jobs and meets our wider national interests;

To deliver the best international trading framework for the UK outside the EU, including through building our capacity to negotiate and administer a national trade policy;

To maximise opportunities for wealth creation through supporting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with a renewed focus on outward FDI (overseas direct investment) to support the Current Account;

Through UK Export Finance, to ensure that no viable UK export fails for lack of finance and insurance.

UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA)

The UK is a full and founding member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and has consistently supported its efforts to liberalise trade and enforce international trade rules. The UK is already a powerful pro-trade advocate and proponent of the multilateral system. When we leave the European Union (EU), we will regain our independent seat at the WTO. As an independent member and one of the largest economies in the world, we will be in a position to intensify our support for robust, free and open international trade rules which work for all, and to help to rebuild global momentum for trade liberalisation.

The WTO allows its members to provide a safety net to protect domestic industries against injury caused by unfair trading practices such as dumping and subsidies, and unforeseen surges in imports. This safety net usually takes the form of an increase of

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duty on imports of specific products following an investigation. Collectively, these are known as trade remedies measures.

Trade remedies are currently an EU competence. Investigations, decisions and monitoring of trade remedy measures are performed by the European Commission on behalf of all EU member states. DIT is preparing an independent UK trade remedy framework to investigate cases and propose measures. This is to ensure the UK can continue to provide a safety net to domestic industries after the UK has left the EU.

That is why we are creating the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) as a new arm’s-length body responsible for investigating alleged unfair trading practices. This new trade remedies regime is being legislated for by two Bills. The Trade Bill will establish the TRA as a new non-departmental public body.1 The Taxation (Cross-Border Trade) Bill sets out the trade remedies framework that the TRA will be responsible for delivering. 2 This body will operate independently and will be responsible for conducting investigations and recommending measures to the Secretary of State, ensuring that trade remedies are used to address unfair trading practices and unexpected surges in imports and remove injury suffered by UK industry. The Secretary of State will then be responsible for making a final determination on whether to accept or reject recommendations to impose measures.

The TRA is currently operating as the Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate (TRID) awaiting the establishment of the TRA as an Arms-Length Body. We are recruiting an interim Chair in the meantime before the TRA is created.

Governance of the TRA

The Trade Bill also sets out the TRA’s governance framework. This includes setting out:

How members of the TRA’s Board and TRA staff will be appointed How their terms of appointment and remuneration will be determined How the TRA will report to Parliament on its accounts and performance The circumstances in which the Secretary of State can issue guidance to the TRA The circumstances in which the Secretary of State can seek the TRA’s assistance

In particular, the TRA Board will consist of no more than nine members. This will include a non-executive Chair, a Chief Executive, other non-executive members and other executive members.

1 https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2017-19/trade.html 2 https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2017-19/taxationcrossbordertrade.html

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The Secretary of State is responsible for appointing non-executive members, including the non-executive Chair. In making these appointments, we will follow the Governance Code for Public Appointments set out by the Office for the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

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Job Description

Body:  Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) Appointing Department:  TRASectors:  Trade, Business, Industry Location:  ReadingSkills Required:  Business/Commercial, Governance, Change Management Time Requirement:  50 days per annum for the first year, with 45 days per annum

in the second and third year Remuneration:  £32,000 for the first year and £29,000 for the second and third

year Term: Three years  The Context 

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) allows its members to provide a safety net to protect domestic industries against injury caused by unfair trading practices such as dumping and subsidies, and unforeseen surges in imports. This safety net usually takes the form of an increase of duty on imports of specific products following an investigation. Collectively, these are known as trade remedy measures.

Trade remedies measures are key to ensuring an effective rules-based system for international trade. They can level the playing field and restore the competitive balance. The European Commission is currently responsible for undertaking trade remedies investigations – and imposing measures – on behalf of the UK. Once we leave the EU, we will no longer be part of this process.

Therefore, the Government is establishing a UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA). It will ensure the UK can continue to provide a safety net to domestic industries after the UK has left the EU.  The TRA will be set up as a non-departmental public body. It will be responsible for conducting trade remedies investigations under a statutory framework to make recommendations to the Secretary of State on how the UK should use trade remedies to remove the injury suffered by UK producers because of dumped, subsidised or surges of imports. The TRA will also be responsible for providing support and assistance to the Department for International Trade on matters relating to trade.  The Role  This is an exciting and high-profile role for a candidate with the right skills to lead this new dynamic body. The position will suit a candidate interested in creating real impact by delivering a priority new function, and to someone seeking an opportunity which offers both intellectual challenge and considerable stakeholder engagement. We are interested in candidates with experience of developing new public bodies successfully. Candidates will benefit from possessing a knowledge of international trade.  The Chair will have responsibility for delivering the Government’s commitment to ensuring the TRA is able to investigate and recommend trade remedies measures when

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the UK leaves the EU. The TRA Chair will lead on a number of critical areas, including developing the TRA’s corporate governance structures and setting its strategic vision.

The Chair will also be responsible for overseeing the TRA’s relationship with the Secretary of State for International Trade and the Department for International Trade.

As the Chair, you will have the following responsibilities: 

Take a leading role in the ongoing development of the TRA, including working with the Department to develop the body’s governance frameworks, setting a strategic vision, and providing input into staffing and resource allocation.

Formally appoint executive members to the TRA Board. The Chair will also be consulted on the appointment of non-executive members to the TRA by the Secretary of State for International Trade.

Determine remuneration and terms and conditions for executive members.  

Following the formation of the TRA, provide effective leadership and strategic direction to form a cohesive and focused Board, which is able to ensure the TRA fulfils its statutory duties and functions. 

Enable the Board to exercise its functions in a consistent, proportionate and fair manner – bearing in mind the economic conditions in all parts of the UK. The Chair must pay particular attention to the need to set up the TRA in a way that ensures it operates objectively across the whole UK.   

Work with the Board to ensure the TRA maintains its operational independence, impartiality and expertise to deliver its mandate and meet the UK’s obligations under the WTO Agreements.

  Act as the public face of the organisation alongside the Chief Executive.  

  Develop and maintain effective relationships with the Devolved Administrations, all

external stakeholders and the public. External stakeholders may include relevant parliamentary bodies, international industries, UK manufacturing industry and other UK producers, consumer groups, trade associations and trade unions, where appropriate.  

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Person Specification  

It is essential in your supporting statement that you provide, in so far as you are able to, evidence and proven examples against the selection criteria below. PART ONE – Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

Significant track record of board-level leadership and proven ability to set effective strategic direction and develop a long-term vision in a changing environment;

Experience of successfully leading and representing an organisation under external challenge and scrutiny;

A track record of developing and managing robust corporate governance arrangements, ensuring the development, sustainability and high performance of a Board;

Experience of successfully applying intellectual rigour and analytical abilities whilst dealing with complex issues and making evidence-based decisions to meet strategic needs;

Successful commercial experience gained in a complex domestic and international trade-focused environment accompanied by astute business awareness;

Desirable criteria

An understanding of the Civil Service, how it operates and the best value use of public money;

Experience and knowledge of trade policy in a domestic and international context;

An understanding of cross-sector dynamics and supply chain complexity.

PART TWO – Skills and Abilities

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An ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, find consensus and drive forward a clear strategic vision across an organisation working in a politically sensitive area;

An ability to deliver results with vigour and pace and demonstrating resilience during periods of uncertainty with high media interest;

An ability to incorporate a wide range of perspectives into Board discussions, including where appropriate those of the Devolved Administrations, all external stakeholders and the public;

Demonstrable ability to exhibit astute business and commercial awareness;

An ability to operate in the public eye and represent the body effectively on national and international forum;

A strong commitment to equal opportunities, diversity of skills and experience, and public service values;

A good understanding or willingness to understand the decision-making processes within public sector organisations.

Note: Detailed knowledge of trade remedies is not essential as the key focus of this role is the set up and effectiveness of the TRA. The Chair Designate will be supported to gain appropriate trade remedies expertise to enable them to fulfil the role.

Length of Appointment – Subject to Contract:  The successful candidate will be appointed for a term of 3 years.  

The Chair must demonstrate a high standard of corporate and personal conduct and should particularly note the requirement to declare any conflict of interest that arises in the course of the office’s operations and the need to declare any relevant business interests, positions of authority or other connections with commercial, public or voluntary bodies. These will be made public alongside details of all Board Members' remuneration. 

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How to Apply

DIT have appointed Veredus, an executive search agency, to assist with this appointment.

To apply for this post, you will need to submit the following documentation to us by no later than 12pm on Friday, 12th July 2019:

1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years;

2. A Supporting Statement of around two pages of A4 paper explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the criteria in the person specification;

3. A completed Diversity Monitoring form (Annex B). All monitoring data will be treated in the strictest confidence. Only the information provided in section 10 (Political Activity) will be made available to the panel if candidates are called for interview. The completion of the Diversity Monitoring Form is mandatory and includes the option ‘prefer not to say’;

4. A completed Candidate Supporting Information form (Annex C).

Failure to submit both documents (CV and Statement of Suitability) will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.

Applications should be sent via Veredus’ website - www.veredus.co.uk, quoting reference number 931264.

All submissions sent to the above email address will receive an automated response. In the event that you do not receive confirmation of receipt when submitting your application please contact us on 0207 932 4236.

At Veredus, we take care to protect the privacy of our candidates and clients. To read more about how we collect, store and share your data please read our privacy notice which can be accessed here: https://www.veredus.co.uk/privacy-and-cookies

Further information

If you have any questions about the role or would like to discuss the post further, please contact our advising consultants at Veredus: Nataliya Starik-Bludova on 020 7932 4265, Rob Naylor on 07701 317 733 or James Greengrass on 020 7934 4286.

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The Recruitment Process

This role is being competed in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments (January 2017), which sets out the regulatory framework for public appointments processes. The Code is based on three core principles – merit, openness and fairness.

When you submit your application, you will receive an acknowledgement. Veredus will update you once the selection panel have reviewed all the applications after the closing date.

All applications will be reviewed by the panel to select those which demonstrate the best fit with the post against the criteria set out in the person specification. Please ensure you keep this in mind when writing your CV and supporting statement.

Full details of the selection and assessment process will be made available to shortlisted candidates once the shortlist has been completed.

The final selection panel interview will be held in a central London location.

Where possible, Veredus will provide feedback.

Arrangements for interview

Expenses incurred by candidates during the recruitment process will not be reimbursed by the Department except in exceptional circumstances and only when agreed in advance.

If candidates are required to prepare a presentation for their interview, they will be given at least one week’s notice of the subject.

Indicative Timeline

The anticipated timetable is as follows:

Advert Closing Date 12pm, Friday, 12th July 2019

Preliminary Interviews with Veredus w/c 22nd July 2019

Short List Meeting w/c 29th July 2019

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Assessments, Informal Discussions, References Post shortlisting

Final Panel Interviews w/c 5th August 2019

Meeting with the DIT Secretary of State Early – mid August 2019

Appointment Confirmed End August 2019

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change. If you are unable to meet these timeframes, please let us know in your application letter.

The Selection Process

We are operating a four-stage appointment process. This is in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, DIT HR policy and best practice across government.

During the first stage, applicants will be invited to submit a CV and statement of motivation, which demonstrates evidence of the candidate’s suitability for the role in accordance with the job description and person specification.

In the second stage, recruitment consultants will conduct an initial sift, advice will be provided to the Advisor Assessment Panel and the applicants will be shortlisted.

In the third stage, the candidates will undertake a full panel interview and media assessment. A final list of appointable candidates will be produced.

In the final stage, appointable candidates will be given the opportunity to meet the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State may choose to offer the position to one of these candidates, or re-run the competition.

The Governance Code on Public Appointments requires the use of an Advisory Assessment Panel who will oversee the recruitment process and conduct the final

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interview of candidates during the third stage of the recruitment. This is expected to consist of:

John Alty - Director General, Trade Policy Group, DIT Amanda Brooks, Director, Trade Remedies, Access and Controls, DIT; and A Senior Independent Panel Member.

The Advisory Assessment Panel will rely only on the information you provide in your CV and letter to assess whether you have the skills and experience required. Please ensure that you provide evidence to support how you meet all of the essential criteria.

Please note:

your application may be “long-listed”, subject to the volume of applications received, before it is passed to the Advisory Assessment Panel for consideration. You should be aware that in this situation, your application might not be considered in full by all of the panel.

the Advisory Assessment Panel will select for interview only the strongest applicants who it feels have demonstrated that they best meet the criteria set out in the person specification.

if you are invited to interview and if you are unable to attend on the set date then an alternative date can only be offered at the discretion of the Advisory Assessment Panel.

Veredus will email to let you know whether or not you have been invited to be interviewed. It is our intention that interviews will take place in a central London location.

if invited to interview, the Advisory Assessment Panel may invite you to make a brief presentation at the start of the interview and will go on to question you about your skills and experience, including asking specific questions to assess whether you meet the criteria set out for the post.

The Advisory Assessment Panel will also explore with candidates any potential conflicts of interest or any other issues arising from candidate’s personal and professional history which may impact on an appointment decision (see section 2.1 for further details).

candidates who the panel believe are ‘appointable’, will be recommended to the Secretary of State who will make the final decision. The Secretary of State may choose to meet with shortlisted candidates, before or after interview, before making a decision. Candidates should therefore be prepared for a short time gap between

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interview and a final appointment decision being made. Candidates who have been interviewed will be kept informed of progress.

if you are successful, you will receive a letter from the Secretary of State appointing you as the Chair Designate of the TRA which will confirm the terms on which the appointment is offered.

if you are unsuccessful at interview, you will be notified by Veredus by phone. We appreciate it takes a lot of time and effort to apply for roles and that feedback is a valuable part of the process.

This appointment is subject to the establishment of the TRA, which is being legislated for by the Government’s Trade Bill. The successful candidate will initially be appointed as a non-executive TRA Chair Designate engaged by DIT on a fixed-term basis until the Trade Bill receives Royal Assent and the TRA is legally established. This is expected to take place later this year, subject to the will of Parliament. Following this, the intention is that the successful candidate will be formally appointed by the Secretary of State as the non-executive TRA Chair. At this point, their fixed-term appointment to DIT will end.

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Annex A - The Seven Principles of Public Life

In 1995, the Committee on Standards in Public Life defined seven principles which should underpin the actions of all who serve the public in any way.

Consistent with the Commissioner’s Code of Practice, applicants will be assessed on merit, and all candidates for public appointment will need to uphold the standards of conduct set out in the Seven Principles of Public Life. These will be tested as part of the selection process and the selection panel must satisfy itself that all candidates for appointments can meet these standards; which are:

SelflessnessHolders of Public Office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or other friends.

IntegrityHolders of Public Office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.

ObjectivityCarrying out Public Office business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

AccountabilityHolders of Public Office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

OpennessHolders of Public Office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

HonestyHolders of Public Office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

LeadershipHolders of Public Office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

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Annex B

DIVERSITY MONITORING FORM

Public appointments are made on merit in accordance with the Cabinet Office Governance Code and the Public Appointments Order in Council. By completing the attached diversity monitoring form, you will be helping us meet our public sector equality duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2012.

Your personal data will always be treated in confidence and when anonymised with data from other applicants will help compile the Annual Statistical Bulletin of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Your responses to questions 1-9 on this form will never be made available to the panel considering your application.

1. GenderWhat is your gender?

☐ Female ☐ Male☐ I prefer to describe myself as: ☐ I prefer not to say

2. DisabilityDo you consider yourself to be disabled?

☐ No☐ Yes☐ I prefer not to say

3. EthnicityPlease mark the box that most accurately describes your ethnicity:

Asian Black

☐ Bangladeshi ☐ African☐ Chinese ☐ Caribbean☐ Indian ☐ Other Black origin☐ Pakistani ☐ Other Asian origin

Mixed Ethnic White

☐ I am of more than one ☐ British, Irish or other White Background ethnicity

☐ I prefer not to say17

4. AgePlease tick the box that corresponds to your age band:

☐ 18-25 ☐ 26-35 ☐ 36-45 ☐ 46-55 ☐ 56-65 ☐ 66 or older☐ I prefer not to say

5. Sexual OrientationWhat is your sexual orientation?

☐ Bisexual ☐ Gay man ☐ Heterosexual ☐ Lesbian ☐ Other ☐ I prefer not to say

6. Religion or beliefWhat is your religion or belief?

☐ Buddhist ☐ Christian ☐ Hindu ☐ Jewish ☐ Muslim ☐ Sikh☐ Other ☐ No Religion or Atheist ☐ I prefer not to say

7. Where is your principle place of residence?Please enter the County or City that you live in, along with the first part of your postcode. (For example, Dyfed SY23; London SE18)

County/City: Postcode:

☐ I prefer not to say

8. What is your principle employment, if any?Please describe your main employment and tick the occupational sector box that best describes you.

Employment:

☐ Mostly Civil Service☐ Mostly Third Sector☐ Mixed☐ Mostly Private Sector☐ Mostly wider Public Sector☐ Other: ☐ I prefer not to say

9. Do you hold any other public appointments?☐ 0☐ 1☐ 2☐ 3☐ 4☐ 5-9

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☐ 10 or more☐ Prefer not to say

Only the information provided in section 10 (Political Activity) below will be made available to the panel if you are called for interview.

10.Political Activity

Political activity for the purposes of public appointments is defined as an individual being employed by a political party, holding significant office in a party, standing as a candidate for a party in an election, having publicly spoken on behalf of a political party or having made significant donations or loans to a party. The threshold for “significant donations” is defined as those of a size which are reported to the Electoral Commission, as at January 2018 sets the threshold for declaration as over £7,500 in any one year singly or cumulatively.

Have you undertaken any political activity for a political party in the past five years?

☐ No

☐ If yes, please indicate the activity undertaken and for which party/parties:

☐ held office/employment ☐ public speaking ☐ stood for election ☐ made donations to a party (if so, please say how much _______________)☐ any other political activity (if so, please specify ______________________)

Party/Parties___________________________________________________

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Annex C

POSITION APPLIED FOR:REFERENCE NO:

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

SURNAME

FIRST NAME INITIAL(S): TITLE:

PERMANENT HOME ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE (including post code):

MOBILE and/or HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER(S):

WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER:

Can we contact you at work? Yes / NoEMAIL ADDRESS:(personal and/or work)

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

MOST RECENT EMPLOYER (ORGANISATION):

MOST RECENT JOB TITLE:

CURRENT REMUNERATION PACKAGE:

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Candidate – Supporting Information

AVAILABILITY:

PLEASE GIVE ANY DATES THAT YOU ARE UNAVAILABLE TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW:

NATIONALITY:

Please indicate your nationality at birth:Please indicate your current nationality:Are there any restrictions on your continued residence and/or employment within the UK?

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:

Please confirm that you have no conflicts of interest in applying for this role:

Yes / No

If you believe you have any conflicts or potential conflicts of interest, please provide further details.

Please note that we will only provide this information to the Client’s HR team if you have been shortlisted to go forward to interview. This information will not be shared with the panel during the selection process.

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