Non-executive Directors. Energy Systems Catapult. Application Pack

Transcription

1 Non-executive Directors Energy Systems Catapult Application Pack

2 CONTENTS PAGE NO. 1. Catapult Centres 3 2. About the Energy Systems Catapult 4 3. Structure and Governance 5 4. Funding 6 5. Role Specification 7 6. Person Specification 8 7. Terms of Appointment 9 8. Advert Timetable How to Apply 12 2

3 1. Catapult Centres Catapults are centres of excellence that bridge the gap between business, academia, research and government. They are a powerful new element in the UK economy, helping businesses develop relevant and exciting ideas in receptive and invigorating environments. By promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange, many progressive businesses and organisations will be able to build new partnerships with reduced risks. Companies in a wide range of markets will see the Catapults as an invaluable resource to develop their businesses. Many small companies struggle to get ideas off the ground and raise finance for product investment. Catapults are good news for SMEs because they can work with much bigger companies and universities, and access significant R&D resources. Catapults are also talking shops where independent experts come together to discuss ideas, develop relationships and establish new customer bases. The Energy Systems Catapult will be one of nine in a network of world-leading Catapult centres to transform the UK s capability for innovation in specific key areas and help drive future economic growth. The Energy Systems and Precision Medicine Catapults will join the seven successful centres already in operation. The nine areas are: Energy Systems Precision Medicine High Value Manufacturing Cell Therapy Offshore Renewable Energy Satellite Applications Digital Future Cities Transport Systems The Energy Systems Catapult will create a critical mass for business and research innovation, focusing on electricity, heat and combustible gas. This centre will be an important part of the UK's innovation system, making a major long-term contribution to UK economic growth. The Catapult will allow businesses to access equipment and expertise that would otherwise be out of reach, as well as conducting their own in-house R&D. They will also help businesses access new funding streams and point them towards the potential of emerging technologies. The new investment will further bridge the gap between universities and businesses, helping to commercialise the outputs of Britain's world-class research base. The Catapult will also complement and link with the other programmes which Innovate UK already manages to promote collaboration between universities and business, and to drive innovation and find commercial opportunities for new technology and ideas. More information about Catapult programme and the Catapults is available on the Catapult.org.uk website. 3

4 2. About the Energy Systems Catapult The Energy Systems Catapult s Vision is to enable the UK to be a global leader in the development of new products and services for energy systems (covering electricity, heat and combustible gases) by exploiting the commercial opportunities created by the transformation of the UK's energy systems. The Catapult will enable UK business to research, test, model and measure the application of new technologies. It will also provide data and accessible intelligence on the UK market, regulatory and strategic matters to inform research direction. UK companies have strong engineering expertise in the area, while British Universities have world-leading research centres in areas such as storage, power electronics, system controls and communications technologies. The Catapult will establish strong networks to provide practical support for development of novel ideas. It will also work to establish the international links required to facilitate the commercialisation of new technologies. Themes of particular interest to the Energy Systems Catapult will include: Localised energy systems Integration of energy storage Advanced control solutions Heat network solutions Demand side management 3. Structure and Governance The Energy Systems Catapult will be structured as a company limited by guarantee. The executive group will manage day-to-day operations under the supervision and guidance of the board of directors. The Non-Executive Directors will be members of the supervisory board, the senior body responsible to the Members and to Innovate UK for the successful operation of the Catapult. The board is chaired by Nick Winser CBE. Other Board members will need to bring with them a wide range of technical knowledge and experience of leadership. From April 2015 the Directors will lead the establishment of the Catapult. This will include developing the Business Plan and recruiting a CEO. 4. Funding In addition to funding received from Innovate UK, direct contracts with UK business form a significant part of the overall funding for the Catapults. The Catapults are also well positioned to secure funding from competitive Collaborative Research and Development (CR&D) grants, including EU funding. The aim is that, once established, the Catapults will generate their funding broadly equally from three sources: 1. Business-funded R&D contracts (i.e. contract research) won competitively 2. Collaboratively applied R&D projects funded jointly by the public and private sector, again won competitively 3. Core public funding for investment in the capabilities; know how, expertise and skills and long term capital assets of the centre. 4

5 5. Role Specification Board members are required to undertake the following responsibilities: Direct the Catapult s strategic development through firm leadership and clear policies and plans. Work effectively with the Chair to discharge the leadership functions of the Catapult. Monitor the strategic performance of the organisation, ensuring that it delivers services in line with the targets set by Innovate UK. Develop the Catapult s key relationships with industry, government, Universities, sector bodies and other major stakeholders. Communicate the development of the Catapult and its achievements to industry stakeholders, the government and Universities and agencies. Account for the performance of the Catapult. Monitor budgets, tracking spending against service delivery and targets. Act as a statutory director with associated fiduciary duties and responsibilities. This may include the need to join, or chair, a committee of the board e.g.: remuneration committee, advisory group. 5

6 6. Person Specification It is essential that in your application you address as many of the criteria in part one of the specification as you can. These criteria, as well as those in part two, will be explored further with those who are invited to interview. Part One Experience A proven track record of successful leadership and governance within a major organisation of similar complexity or can demonstrate the capacity to operate effectively at this level. Evidence of significant personal achievements in driving and delivering change and improvements in a fast-moving environment. Track record of engaging successfully with others, building productive working relationships with a variety of industry partners, UK government (central, devolved and/or local), Universities, public agencies and regulatory bodies. Demonstrable experience of effective communication and influencing others. Proven understanding and experience of strategic and financial planning within an innovative organisation. Demonstrable commercial and political know-how exercised at a significant leadership level. A demonstrable commitment to developing robust and efficient governance mechanisms. Part Two Skills and Attributes A strong intellect, analytical and communication abilities. An appreciation of the Catapult s remit and the ability to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the growth of the Energy Systems Sector in the UK. Ability to understand fully the strategic role of the Board and its accountabilities. Undisputed personal integrity and a personal style that demonstrates authority, commitment and consistency. 6

7 7. Terms of Appointment Term of Office: 3 years Time commitment: circa 15 days per annum Remuneration: 9-12k Location: To be confirmed 7

8 8. Advert Driving Innovation for Future Prosperity Energy Systems Catapult Non Executive Directors The Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) will harness existing UK expertise in energy systems, covering electricity, combustible gases and heat. Secure and sustainable energy networks are essential to the delivery of future UK economic and social policies. The Catapult will actively support more effective commercialisation of energy systems technologies into domestic and global markets. The UK has world-leading engineering skills in many companies, outstanding academic research capability at several Universities and political commitment to modernise energy systems. The Catapult s challenge will be to bring together all relevant expertise and facilitate faster development and delivery of solutions. To ensure the success of the ESC, we require dynamic, entrepreneurial non-executive directors, who will work closely with the Chair (Nick Winser CBE) to establish inspired leadership of unparalleled calibre, best-in-class governance and a reputation for excellence for the ESC. From April 2015 onwards, the directors will be engaged in setting up the ESC. This will include developing the detailed business plan and recruiting the first CEO. This is an exciting opportunity to join and direct an important new project at the outset and oversee its activities. Your ability to stand out from the crowd is more important than your area of commercial expertise. What we want is demonstrable success that commands the respect of influential business leaders. To apply visit For an informal, confidential discussion on this opportunity, please call our advising consultants: Baljit Dhadda on or or Janice Dean on or Closing date: 23rd March

9 9. Timetable Applicants should note the key dates when you may be required to submit information and/or participate in assessment, subject to progression at each stage. Closing date for applications is 23rd March 2015 Shortlisting interviews will commence week commencing 30th March 2015 Final Panel interviews will commence week commencing 20th April 2015 The dates given are indicative and subject to change. Venues for all interview stages to be confirmed but are likely to be London. Telephone, video conference and Skype facilities are also available if necessary. 9

10 10. How to Apply To submit an application, go to For an information pack and an informal and confidential conversation, call our advising consultants: Baljit Dhadda on / Janice Dean on / You will be required to submit a CV and brief supporting statement that provides evidence of the competencies outlined in the Person Specification. You will also be asked to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. Reasonable expenses for unavoidable travel expenses in connection with attending interviews will be reimbursed. Diversity Policy The Energy Systems Catapult is committed to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, transgender and working patterns. This appointment will be conducted in line with principles of merit, fairness and openness. 10