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House of Commons
Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs Committee
Appointment of
Chairman of Natural
England
Eighth Report of Session 2013–14
Report, together with formal minutes relating
to the report
Additional written evidence is available on the
Committee website at
www.parliament.uk/efracom
Ordered by the House of Commons
to be printed 11 December 2013
HC 890
Published on 13 December 2013
by authority of the House of Commons
London: The Stationery Office Limited
£0.00The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and its associated bodies. Current membership Miss Anne McIntosh (Conservative, Thirsk and Malton) (Chair) Richard Drax (Conservative, South Dorset) Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour, Poplar and Limehouse) Mrs Mary Glindon (Labour, North Tyneside) Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (Labour, South Shields) Iain McKenzie (Labour, Inverclyde) Sheryll Murray (Conservative, South East Cornwall) Neil Parish (Conservative, Tiverton and Honiton) Ms Margaret Ritchie (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down) Mr Mark Spencer (Conservative, Sherwood) Roger Williams (Liberal Democrat, Brecon and Radnorshire) Powers The committee is one of the departmental select committees, the powers of which are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, principally in SO No 152. These are available on the Internet via www.parliament.uk. Publications The Reports and evidence of the Committee are published by The Stationery Office by Order of the House. All publications of the Committee (including press notices) are on the Internet at www.parliament.uk/efracom. A list of Reports of the Committee in the present Parliament is at the back of this volume. Committee staff The current staff of the Committee are David Weir (Clerk), Anna Dickson (Second Clerk), Sara Priestley (Committee Specialist—Environment), Phil Jones (Committee Specialist—Agriculture), Clare Genis (Senior Committee Assistant), Alexandra Hunter-Wainwright (Committee Assistant), Sayeda Begum (Committee Support Assistant) and Hannah Pearce (Media Officer). Contacts All correspondence should be addressed to the Clerk of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, House of Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA. The telephone number for general enquiries is 020 7219 5774; the Committee’s email address is efracom@parliament.uk
Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England 1
Contents
Report Page
1 Introduction 3
Pre-appointment hearings 3
2 Background to the post 3
Natural England 3
The role of the Chairman of Natural England 4
3 The recruitment process 5
4 The candidate 6
5 Our questioning 7
6 Conclusion 7
Appendix: Letter from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs 8
Annex A: CV for Andrew Sells 8
Annex B: Natural England Chairman: Role description and outline of
recruitment process 13
Annex C: Job advertisement 17
Formal Minutes 18
Witnesses 19
List of Reports from the Committee during the current Parliament 20Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England 3
1 Introduction
Pre-appointment hearings
1. The post of Chairman of Natural England is one of the positions to which the procedure
for pre-appointment Parliamentary scrutiny applies.
2. The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rt Hon. Owen
Paterson MP, wrote to the Chair on 27 November 2013 to indicate that Andrew Sells had
been identified as the preferred candidate for the post of Chairman of Natural England. We
were pleased to have the opportunity to question Mr Sells prior to his appointment.
2 Background to the post
Natural England
3. Natural England was created under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities
Act 2006. Its remit is to help protect England’s nature and landscapes, for people to enjoy
and for the services they provide, both now and in the future. It is the Government’s
statutory adviser on these matters, and reports to the Secretary of State for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs, who is accountable to Parliament for its activities and
performance.
4. The general purpose of Natural England, which employs around 2,300 people, is “to
ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit
of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development”. 1 This
includes:
• promoting nature conservation and protecting biodiversity;
• conserving and enhancing the landscape;
• securing the provision and improvement of facilities for the study, understanding
and enjoyment of the natural environment;
• promoting access to the countryside and open spaces and encouraging open-air
recreation; and
• contributing in other ways to social and economic well-being through
management of the natural environment.
5. Natural England’s duties and powers under this general purpose are wide ranging. For
example, it may undertake research, give advice to any public authority or person, and
1
Natural England, Corporate Plan 2012-2015, p.24 Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England
publish information about its work. All that work is carried out under environmental
legislation (including EU and international obligations) and within the Government’s
policy framework.
6. For 2012-13, Natural England had a directly controlled budget of £194 million. It also
delivers the Government’s Environmental Stewardship Schemes, which offer over £400 m
each year to farmers to protect and enhance the environment and wildlife.
The role of the Chairman of Natural England
7. The recruitment pack provided to applicants for the post of Chairman sets out the
following background to the post:
The Chairman will provide overall leadership and strategic vision for the Board of
Natural England in delivering Government policy for the natural environment in
England. The Chairman will understand the environment and its importance to
everyone. The Chairman will be able to balance priorities and command confidence
and respect at the highest level with Ministers and partners.
The Chairman will promote a positive and constructive relationship with everyone that
works with Natural England including farmers and other land managers, business and
industry, planners and developers, and a wide range of interest groups and local
communities. Providing an excellent customer service will be core to the Chairman’s
role.
This is a dynamic period for Natural England and a significant challenge will be to
deliver Natural England’s priorities within a tight fiscal period. Supporting the
executive team to prioritise resources and drive forward further efficiencies will be key
to delivering the best value to the tax payer.
The successful candidate will have a keen interest in driving sustainable development in
the wider rural economy in support of rural communities.
Natural England is going through a period of substantial reform. Strong leadership in
the context of change and transition will be essential while maintaining a clear focus
and ensuring business continuity across a range of areas. The Chairman will also
implement the conclusions of the joint Triennial Review of the Environment Agency
and Natural England, in particular in delivering a joint plan for driving further
integration between the two bodies, driving improvements to achieve transformational
change in culture and ways of working as well as taking forward back-office efficiencies
and sharing of services with the wider Defra network.
8. The post will require about two days work a week, with an annual pro rata salary of
£142,000. The Chair’s role is to:
• chair the Board and manage the business of the Board: ensure that Board
membership in terms of its composition and capability is aligned with theEighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England 5
challenges facing the organisation; and ensure the effective utilisation of the skills
of Board members, both individually and in teams;
• ensure that the Board has accurate and clear financial information, is aware of and
can demonstrate achievements and is advised of all likely future developments and
trends;
• provide counsel, advice and support to the Chief Executive and Executive team; act
as a mentor/coach where necessary, encouraging them in their ongoing
development;
• oversee and make a strong contribution to the development of Natural England’s
corporate strategy, acting as a sounding board for the Chief Executive who will
involve the Board in the development of new strategic plans;
• be the principal public face representing Natural England to senior representatives
of partner organisations and Government Ministers, with the media and
promoting excellent relations, explaining Natural England’s work to a range of
audiences;
• take responsibility for building and maintaining an effective Board, in particular
ensuring that the performance of individual members of the Board and its
committees is evaluated annually; and
• support and encourage the Chief Executive and their staff in their roles, but also, as
required, constructively challenge the Chief Executive’s decisions and
recommendations..
3 The recruitment process
9. The appointment of the Chairman of Natural England is regulated by the Commissioner
for Public Appointments and the process was conducted in line with the Office of the
Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) requirements and the Commissioner’s
Code of Practice.
10. Defra has provided the following information about the process followed for the
recruitment:
The Chair vacancy was advertised on Sunday 8 September in The Sunday Times
newspaper. It was also advertised on the following websites:
• Cabinet Office Public Appointments
• Defra
• The Sunday Times
• The Times6 Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England
• The Guardian
• The Financial Times
• The Telegraph
• Women on Boards
The closing date for applications was Tuesday 24 September, and Gatenby Sanderson were
employed as search consultants, following an open tendering exercise.
11. There were 54 applicants with 12 candidates long-listed. From those, five were short-
listed for interview. One candidate withdrew before the interview. Interviews were held on
11 and 12 November with a panel comprised of:
• John Knight CBE, OCPA Public Appointments Assessor (Chair);
• Peter Unwin, Director General, Policy Delivery Group, Defra;
• Dame Yve Buckland DBE, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water (independent
member); and
• Paul Rew, non-executive member of Defra’s Board.
12. The panel recommended three candidates to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of
State met all three on 20 November, before making a decision. The Secretary of State
sought the Prime Minister’s views on his preferred candidate before announcing his
preferred candidate on 27 November.
4 The candidate
13. Andrew Sells recently retired as Chairman of the Garden Centre Group, a company
with turnover of about £270 million a year, which employs around 4,500 people. He
presently chairs a Department of Work and Pensions task force considering the efficiency
of that Department’s work programme. He initially qualified as a Chartered Accountant
and previous positions include roles in venture finance and as Chair of Linden Homes. He
is also a trustee of the Policy Exchange thinktank.
14. A full CV is attached at the Appendix (Annex A).Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England 7
5 Our questioning
15. Mr Sells’ track record in a number of senior posts in the commercial sector establishes
that he has been able to lead large organisations effectively. However taking responsibility
for the leadership of Natural England, with a budget of £194 million and about 2,300 staff,
and with responsibilities, among other things, for delivering the agri-environment
components of the latest iteration of the Common Agricultural Policy, requires
outstanding skills and personal qualities. Our questioning was therefore designed to test in
the extent to which he possesses those qualities. We questioned Mr Sells about his personal
and political independence, his professional competence and the recruitment process. We
also discussed key policy issues surrounding Natural England’s mission. Areas of
questioning included:
• his suitability for the role, including his previous experience;
• his personal and political independence, and ability to cope with any potential
conflicts, and
• the current and future priorities for Natural England.
6 Conclusion
16. We are satisfied that Andrew Sells has the professional competence and personal
independence required for the post of Chairman of Natural England and that he will be
well placed to lead the organisation. We therefore welcome his nomination and
encourage the Secretary of State to make the appointment. We wish Mr Sells every
success in his new post.8 Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England
Appendix: Letter from the Secretary of
State for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs
Recruitment for Natural England Chairman
I am writing to inform you that, following an open recruitment competition chaired by
OCPA-appointed Public Appointments Assessor John Knight, my preferred candidate for
the role is Andrew Sells. I attach Mr Sells’s Curriculum Vitae and political activity
questionnaire at Annex A. I attach further details of how the recruitment was conducted at
Annex B and the job advert is at Annex C. The press release announcing my preferred
candidate is at Annex D. 2 I hope this is sufficient but if the Committee require any
additional information we are happy to provide it.
I should be grateful if you would submit the name to the Committee for their
consideration, and arrange for a pre-appointment Scrutiny Hearing to take place as early as
possible.
I understand that there may be an opportunity to arrange a hearing on 10th December. It
would be very helpful if you can confirm this date as soon as possible.
I look forward to hearing the view of the Committee.
27 November 2013
Annex A: CV for Andrew Sells
DEPARTMENT OF WORK & PENSIONS: Advisor
In March 2013 I agreed to Chair a Task Force looking at ways of improving the
efficiency of the DWP’s Work Programme, which is the Government’s flagship welfare
to work programme (costing c. £700m.p.a.). I report to the Minister for Employment.
The Work Programme is a major Government initiative to help the long-term
unemployed and most disadvantaged people in this country back into work. The WP
pays by results and is delivered via 18 prime contractors and a large chain of sub-
contractors. I chair a group of some 25 industry professionals (now split into 3 sub-
groups), and am focusing on Best Practice, Minimum Service Levels and the
involvement of Charities and the Voluntary Sector. I have already submitted an interim
report and am due to submit my final report by March next year.
2
Not printedEighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England 9
THE GARDEN CENTRE GROUP: Recently retired Chairman
GCG (formerly Wyevale) consists of 130 garden centres across England and Wales with
sales of over £270m. and 4,500 employees. Following a debt for equity swap in early
2009 the group was effectively controlled by Lloyds TSB. A new management team was
brought in to restore the company to financial health (and ultimately an exit for the
banks) and I was appointed group Chairman (succeeding Sir Tom Hunter) in May 2009.
In 2012 GCG was sold to Terra Firma group: I stood down as Chairman and Sir
Malcolm Field (Senior Independent Director) and the third independent director also
both stood down.
During the 3 years of my Chairmanship:
• A strategic decision was taken to take the business back to its horticultural roots,
to invest heavily in existing centres (i.e. no acquisitions), to invest in restaurants
and increase focus on concession income;
• A Gardening Club was established, which grew rapidly and now has over 1.9
million members;
• A major programme of staff training, apprenticeships and E- learning was
established, as was a ‘click and collect’ service for plants from the website.
• EBITDA rose from £7.1 million in 2008 to £32.0 million on 2011.
My main responsibilities as Chairman were to:
• Lead the strategic review of the company;
• Lead appointments to the board (both non-executive and executive) and lead
performance monitoring of directors and senior management;
• Liaise with the major stakeholders and banks;
• Lead the appointment of, and work closely with, financial and other advisors to
the board;
• Oversee the management of a number of conflicts of interests on the board;
• Ensure properly constituted committees of the board operated effectively;
• Oversee good governance and compliance with all regulatory bodies etc.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: Past Trustee & Treasurer
The RHS has over 360,000 members, and is Britain’s leading charity (with an annual
budget of c. £75m.) dedicated to advancing horticulture. I was a Trustee from 2003-
2010 and in 2008 I was elected Treasurer. I was involved in all aspects of its governance
and chaired many of its boards/committees. For many years I was Chairman of most of
the RHS commercial activities, including retail outlets and Gala Charity evenings. Until
recently I was also Chairman of its Investment Committee and a member of two other
committees.10 Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England
POLICY EXCHANGE: Trustee (and past Treasurer)
Policy Exchange is an evidence based independent think tank whose mission is to
develop and promote new policy ideas which will foster a free society based on strong
communities, personal freedom and an enterprise culture. I was appointed a Trustee in
2007, and in 2008 its Treasurer. I also sit on its Executive Committee.
Areas of Policy Exchange’s work (or other areas of public policy) which are
of special interest to me include the following:
• Charities and philanthropy
• Housing, land & planning
• Environment & Heritage
• Economics & tax policy.
Previous roles: 2000–2007
For the period 2000–2007 my main role was Chairman of Linden Homes. I was
Chairman from its start-up (with £1million) in 1991, through full its listing on the
London Stock Exchange in 1996 and its Management Buy-Out in 2000. In March 2007 I
led its sale to Galliford Try for approaching £300m.
Linden is a specialist housebuilder focusing on the development of brown-field sites and
the creation of Urban Villages. Linden showed exceptional growth from its start-up and
was the winner of the British Venture Capital Association Large Start-up Award in 1998
and 'Housebuilder of the Year' in both 2005 and 2006.
During the 15-year period of my Chairmanship, Linden grew from start-up to 4 full
regions. Sales grew from nil in 1991 to £300m in 2006 and Operating Profits grew to
some £32m in 2006, a compound annual growth rate of 26% over the last 10 years.
1990–2000
For the ten years 1990–2000 I was Managing Director of Sovereign Capital Limited
(formerly Nash Sells & Partners Limited), which established itself as one of the leading
UK independent venture capital groups. During that time, Sovereign established strong
links with a blue chip list of investors and achieved top quartile investment returns.
Much of my time at Sovereign was spent serving on the boards of portfolio companies. I
have been a director of five companies which have achieved full Stock Exchange listings,
as well as a director of many private companies. I have extensive experience of working
with fast-growing companies, making acquisitions, raising capital, taking companies
public and private and of working with people of all levels including Government
Ministers and City Advisors. I believe I have a proven track record of clear strategic
thinking and adding value at Board level.Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England 11
Background/Early career
After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, I spent ten years investment banking with
Schroders before moving into venture capital. At Schroders, I worked in London, Hong
Kong and briefly the United States and was mainly involved in international
fundraising, takeovers and mergers. I moved into venture capital in 1983, initially with
Thompson Clive & Partners before co-founding Sovereign Capital in 1987/8. I have an
MBA from the London Business School.
September 2013
POLITICAL ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRE
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).
If you are successful, the information provided will be published with the
announcement of your appointment.
Please indicate which of the following activities you have undertaken during the past five
years by ticking the appropriate box and by providing details of your involvement. 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.
a. 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
b. 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 SEE BELOW
c. Made a recordable donation to a political party* SEE BELOW
d. None of the above activities12 Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England Name of Party for which activity undertaken: Conservative Party ---------------------------------------------- Details of involvement: During the last 5 years I have donated £143,000 to the Conservative Party. I should state that I was co-treasurer of the cross-party NO2AV campaign (and a donor to that campaign); I also did some public speaking on the Alternative Vote referendum. NAME ANDREW SELLS……………………….SIGNATURE………………………….. DATE ………………16 October 2013 ………………….. Note: This form is for monitoring purposes only and therefore will be detached from your application and will not be seen by any selection panels. However, 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. * The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 requires the Electoral Commission to publish a register of recordable donations (donations from any individual totalling more than £5,000 in any calendar year, or more than £1,000 if made to a subsidiary accounting unit such as a constituency association, local branch, women’s or youth organisation). These provisions became effective from 16 February 2001.
Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England 13
Annex B: Natural England Chairman:
Role description and outline of
recruitment process
Information is provided below on the:
1. Role description and person specification as advertised and including information
on the Chairman’s role, principal accountabilities, person specification and
essential criteria.
2. Selection panel
3. Advertising the role
4. Field of Applications
5. Interview process
6. Decision
Role description and person specification
Role Description
The Chairman will provide overall leadership and strategic vision for the Board of
Natural England in delivering Government policy for the natural environment in
England. The Chairman will understand the environment and its importance to
everyone. The Chairman will be able to balance priorities and command confidence and
respect at the highest level with Ministers and partners.
The Chairman will promote a positive and constructive relationship with everyone that
works with Natural England including farmers and other land managers, business and
industry, planners and developers, and a wide range of interest groups and local
communities. Providing an excellent customer service will be core to the Chairman’s
role.
This is a dynamic period for Natural England and a significant challenge will be to
deliver Natural England’s priorities within a tight fiscal period. Supporting the
executive team to prioritise resources and drive forward further efficiencies will be key
to delivering the best value to the tax payer.
The successful candidate will have a keen interest in driving sustainable development in
the wider rural economy in support of rural communities.
Natural England is going through a period of substantial reform. Strong leadership in
the context of change and transition will be essential while maintaining a clear focus and
ensuring business continuity across a range of areas. The Chairman will also implement
the conclusions of the joint Triennial Review of the Environment Agency and Natural14 Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England England, in particular in delivering a joint plan for driving further integration between the two bodies, driving improvements to achieve transformational change in culture and ways of working as well as taking forward back-office efficiencies and sharing of services with the wider Defra network. Principal Accountabilities • Chair the Board and manage the business of the Board: ensure that Board membership in terms of its composition and capability is aligned with the challenges facing the organisation; and ensure the effective utilisation of the skills of Board members, both individually and in teams. • Ensure that the Board has accurate and clear financial information, is aware of and can demonstrate achievements and is advised of all likely future developments and trends. • Provide counsel, advice and support to the Chief Executive and Executive team; act as a mentor/coach where necessary, encouraging them in their ongoing development. • Oversee and make a strong contribution to the development of Natural England’s corporate strategy, acting as a sounding board for the Chief Executive who will involve the Board in the development of new strategic plans. • Be the principal public face representing Natural England to senior representatives of partner organisations and Government Ministers, with the media and promoting excellent relations, explaining Natural England’s work to a range of audiences. • Take responsibility for building and maintaining an effective Board, in particular ensuring that the performance of individual members of the Board and its committees is evaluated annually. • Support and encourage the Chief Executive and their staff in their roles, but also, as required, constructively challenge the Chief Executive’s decisions and recommendations. Person Specification The candidate will need to effectively lead the Board and the organisation and have the interpersonal skills to engage effectively with a wide cross section of people and organisations. The candidate will have a background and experience that demonstrates:- • Strong leadership • Excellent ambassadorial qualities • Clear strategic and creative thinking • Collaborative in style and a team player, ready to work with partners across sectors to deliver Government’s long term objectives for the natural environment and the public benefit it brings
Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England 15
• Probity, integrity and a commitment to public service values
Essential criteria
i) An understanding of how the rural environment can contribute to a range of
Government priorities, particularly the successful growth of the rural economy;
ii) Significant commercial acumen and working with organisations undergoing
substantial change, including a proven track record at a senior level in the
private or public sector in a comparable organisation;
iii) A strong vision and capacity to lead and represent Natural England, giving a
clear sense of overall strategic direction and purpose;
iv) Building a strong team culture and creating consensus around practical
solutions both within the Board and in the way the wider organisation does
business;
v) Experience of delivering a top quality service to customers and of building
strong networks and collaborating with key partners;
vi) An understanding of the complementary roles of Chairman and Chief Executive
and of working effectively in this relationship to the benefit of the strategic goals
of the organisation.
The selection Panel
• John Knight CBE, OCPA Public Appointments Assessor and Chair;
• Peter Unwin CB, Director General, Policy Delivery Group, Defra;
• Dame Yve Buckland DBE, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water and
independent member;
• Paul Rew, a non-executive on Defra’s Board.
Advertising the role
The post was advertised at up to £142,000 (pro rata) remuneration. The time
commitment was for approximately two or three days a week. The appointment was
offered on a 3 year term with the possibility at the discretion of the Secretary of State of
extension or reappointment for a maximum of one further term.
Gatenby Sanderson were appointed by Defra as the search consultants for this competition
following an open tendering exercise.
The role was advertised in the Sunday Times newspaper (Annex C) on 8 September and
subsequently online in The Times, Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Financial Times
and The Telegraph. It was also advertised on the Women on Boards and the Cabinet
Office Public Appointments websites. Gatenby Sanderson, in parallel with its extensive
search also actively encouraged applications from women, disabled candidates and
Black, Ethnic Minorities. The closing date was 24 September.16 Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England
Field of applications
There were a total of 54 applications: 36 men, 9 women and 9 people who either made
no declaration or did not return the monitoring form. Amongst these 54 applicants, 4
people declared being from Black Ethnic Minority groups and 4 people declared having
a disability. The Guaranteed Interview Access Scheme was offered but no candidates
asked to be considered.
The recruitment process was based solely on candidates being able to demonstrate they
had the necessary skills, expertise and experience. For each candidate, the panel
considered their CV and a written statement providing evidence and examples of their
ability to meet the essential criteria required for the role.
The interview process
After carefully reviewing all the applications, the panel selected a long list of 12 people (8
men, 1 woman and 3 people making no declaration/returning no monitoring form) --
for preliminary interviews by Gatenby Sanderson. These commenced during the week
beginning 7 October 2013. Amongst these 12 candidates one person declared having a
disability.
The panel met on 25 October to consider a short list from the 12 long listed candidates.
After carefully reviewing all the applications alongside interview reports by Gatenby
Sanderson, the panel selected a short list of 5 people to be invited for interview on 11 or
12 November. One candidate subsequently withdrew from the competition.
Panel interviews were held on 11 and 12 November 2013. Four male candidates were
interviewed.
Decision
Taking into account performance at interview together with the other evidence gained
from the applications, the panel concluded that three of the candidates were appointable
and one was unappointable. The Secretary of State met the three appointable candidates
on 20 November before making his decision.
The Secretary of State has confirmed that his preferred candidate is Andrew Sells. The
Secretary of State sought the Prime Minister’s view on his preferred candidate.
The department will be releasing a short press statement (Annex D 3) announcing
Andrew Sells as the preferred candidate on 27 November.
3
Not printedEighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England 17 Annex C: Job advertisement Chairman of Natural England Circa 2 days a week, up to £142,000 (pro rata) per annum With nearly 2,300 staff and an annual budget of over £190m, Natural England is at the heart of the Government’s ambitious agenda for improving the environment and growing the rural economy. The new Chairman will lead Natural England through a period of unprecedented reform, with the need to implement continuing efficiencies and work with many interested parties. The role requires an exceptional leader who is able to balance environmental improvement with rural growth. The candidate must also be able to galvanise partners and staff to deliver lasting change, driving forward outstanding performance and resulting in better outcomes for customers. You will have a real passion for England’s diverse habitats, landscapes and wildlife. This will underpin a desire to ensure that the natural environment is improved for future generations to enjoy. Alongside this, you will bring a unique blend of proven commercial acumen, gained in large and complex businesses in the private, public or voluntary sector, with a genuine understanding of the rural economy. The challenges ahead require a fresh perspective, the ability to see the bigger picture and a strong background in influencing and inspiring others to give of their best. You will also have sound judgement, credibility and integrity. We actively encourage applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds. Defra operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled people. Please note that this appointment is made by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and is likely to be subject to a pre-appointment parliamentary select committee hearing. Closing date for applications: Tuesday 24 September 2013 For further information about this role and to apply, please visit www.gatenbysanderson.com quoting reference GS15324. For a confidential discussion, please contact our advisers.
18 Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England
Formal Minutes
Wednesday 11 December 2013
Members present:
Miss Anne McIntosh, in the Chair
Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck Neil Parish
Jim Fitzpatrick Ms Margaret Ritchie
Mrs Mary Glindon Mr Mark Spencer
Draft Report (Appointment of Chairman of Natural England), proposed by the Chair,
brought up and read.
Ordered, That the draft Report be read a second time, paragraph by paragraph.
Paragraphs 1 to16 read and agreed to.
A paper was appended to the Report as an Appendix.
Resolved, That the Report be the Eighth Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.
Ordered, That embargoed copies of the Report be made available, in accordance with the
provisions of Standing Order No. 134.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 18 December at 2.30 pmEighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England 19 Witnesses The following witness gave evidence. The transcript can be viewed on the Committee’s inquiry page at www.parliament.uk/efracom. Wednesday 11 December 2013 Question number Andrew Sells, the Government’s preferred candidate for Chairman of Natural England Q1
20 Eighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England
List of Reports from the Committee
during the current Parliament
All publications from the Committee are available on the Committee’s website at www.parliament.uk/efracom.
The reference number of the Government’s response to each Report is printed in brackets after the HC printing
number.
Session 2013–14
First Report Draft Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill HC 95 (HC 637)
Second Report Vaccination against bovine TB HC 258 (HC 705)
Third Report Managing Flood Risk HC 330 (HC 706)
Fourth Report Wild Animals in Circuses HC 553 (HC 746)
Fifth Report Food Contamination HC 141 (HC 707)
Sixth Report Rural Communities HC 602 (HC 764)
Seventh Report CAP implementation 2014–2020 HC 745
Session 2012–13
First Report Greening the Common Agricultural Policy HC 170 (HC 654)
Second Report The Water White Paper HC 374 (HC 602)
Third Report Pre-appointment hearing: Chair of the Water Services HC 471-I & -II
Regulation Authority (Ofwat)
Fourth Report Natural Environment White Paper HC 492 (HC 653)
Fifth Report Desinewed Meat HC 120 (Cm 8462)
Sixth Report Draft Water Bill HC 674 (Cm 8643)
Seventh Report Dog Control and Welfare HC 575 (HC 1092)
Eighth Report Contamination of Beef Products HC 946 (HC 1085)
Session 2010–12
First Report Future Flood and Water Management Legislation HC 522 (HC 922)
Second Report The Marine Policy Statement HC 635
Third Report Farming in the Uplands HC 556 (HC 953)
Fourth Report The draft National Policy statement (NPS) on Waste Water HC 736
Fifth Report The Common Agricultural Policy after 2013 HC 671 (HC 1356)
Sixth Report Implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy: Domestic HC 858 (HC 1485)
Fisheries Management
Seventh Report Pre-appointment hearing: Chair of Gangmasters Licensing HC 1400-I & -II
Authority
Eighth Report EU proposals for the dairy sector and the future of the dairy HC 952 ( HC 1548)
industry
Ninth Report The Welfare of Laying Hens Directive—Implications for the HC 830 (HC 1664)
egg industry
Tenth Report The outcome of the independent Farming Regulation Task HC 1266 (HC 1669)
ForceEighth Report: Appointment of Chairman of Natural England 21
Eleventh Report The draft National Policy Statement for Hazardous Waste HC 1465 (HC (Session
2012–13) 540)
Twelfth Report EU proposals for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy HC 1563-I & -II (HC
(Session 2012–13) 108)
First Special Report The National Forest: Government response to the HC 400
Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2009–10
Second Special Report Dairy Farmers of Britain: Government response to the HC 401
Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2009–10You can also read
