Role of the Chair

The Chair is appointed by the Secretary of State in line with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. He/She is responsible to the Secretary of State for ensuring that the Agency’s policies and actions support the wider strategic policies of the Secretary of State, and that the Agency’s affairs are conducted with probity. The Chair has particular leadership responsibility on:

• formulating the Board’s strategy;
• ensuring that the Board, in reaching decisions, takes proper account of guidance provided by the Secretary of State or Department;
• promoting the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources;
• encouraging high standards of propriety;
• representing the views of the Board to the general public.

The Chair is also required to:

• ensure that all members of the Board, when taking up office, are fully briefed on the terms of their appointment and on their duties, rights and responsibilities, and receive appropriate induction training, including on the financial management and reporting requirements of public sector bodies and on any differences which may exist between private and public sector practice;
• advise the Secretary of State of the needs of the Agency when Board vacancies arise, with a view to ensuring a proper balance of professional and financial expertise;
• on request, assess the performance of individual Board members when they are being considered for re-appointment to the Board, and;
• ensure that a list of matters reserved for the Board's decision is maintained by the Agency. The list should be agreed with DTI;
• ensure that the Agency’s Code of Practice for Board members is in place;
• in consultation with the Government Office Regional Director, and prior to the start of the financial year, set salary progression criteria and performance targets for the Agency’s Chief Executive progression; and
• submit proposals for the Agency’s Chief Executive for performance bonuses including the achievement of targets after consultation with the Government Office Regional Director.

In addition to the above Chairs are also required to abide by the Agency’s Code of Practice and to satisfy the follow the Seven Principles of Public Life published by the committee on Standards in Public Life.

Chairs' time commitment is 2 or 3 days per week (individual time commitment may vary), including attendance at regular Boards and sub-group meetings and other events. There is also the need to maintain awareness of subjects relevant to the work of the RDAs.

First appointments as RDA Chairs are usually for 3 years, renewable by the Secretary of State for a further term (generally of a maximum of a further 3 years), on the recommendation of the Government Office -Regional Directors and having consultation with key Stakeholders and subject to a satisfactory performance appraisal. Should a Chair wish to serve a third term, under OCPA requirements they must apply in open competition; no one can serve on the same Board for a total of more than ten years.

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