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ADAPTATION SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE COMMITTEE ON
CLIMATE CHANGE
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the Department for
Energy and Climate Change and the Devolved Administrations are seeking to
appoint a new Chairperson to the Adaptation Sub-Committee of the
Committee on Climate Change
Information pack for applicants
The closing date for the receipt of applications for this role is:
12:00 noon on Thursday 7 July
Ref: PAPPT 020/16
Information packs are available in other formats such as larger font
and Braille.
If you need an information pack in a different format please contact
us at the email address below.
Email: [email protected]
Diversity
To ensure our public bodies better represent the communities we serve, we positively
welcome applicants from all walks of life. All public appointments are made on merit
following a fair and open competition as regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for
Public Appointments.
Equal opportunities
UK government has a policy of equality of opportunity. We aim to promote equal
opportunity policies whereby no one suffers unfair discrimination either directly or
indirectly, or harassment, on grounds such as race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex,
gender identity, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or age.
Disability
Defra will be operating an interview access scheme for disabled people (as defined by the
Equalities Act 2010) who meet the minimum criteria for this appointment as published in
these notes. If you wish to apply for consideration under this scheme, please notify the
Department when you return your application. In addition, if you require any special
arrangements at interview stage, please give details in a covering letter to enable us to
make the appropriate arrangements if necessary. Furthermore, adjustments will be made
in the event of a successful application.
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Adaptation Sub-Committee
Introduction
The UK Government and the Devolved Administrations (the Government) are seeking a
competent and driven individual to serve as the chairperson of the Adaptation SubCommittee to the Committee on Climate Change, who will also serve as a member of the
Committee on Climate Change.
The Adaptation Sub-Committee advises the UK Government on the climate risks and
opportunities faced by the UK, and reports to Parliament with its assessment of the
progress being made with the implementation actions to address climate risks contained in
the National Adaptation Programme. It can also provide scrutiny of the adaptation
programmes of the devolved administrations when requested. The ASC is currently made
up of six experts from a range of sectors and disciplines.
What is the Committee on Climate Change
The Committee on Climate Change (the CCC) is an independent, statutory body
established under the Climate Change Act 2008. The CCC’s purpose is to advise the UK
Government and Devolved Administrations on emissions targets and report to Parliament
on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate
change. The CCC is made up of two separate committees; one on mitigation and one on
adaptation (the Adaptation Sub-Committee or ASC).
The Committee on Climate Change is a high-profile non-departmental public body jointly
sponsored by the Department for Energy and Climate Change, the Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish
Government and the Welsh Government, which was vested on 1 December 2008 following
Royal Assent for the Climate Change Act 2008. It is the first body of its kind, bringing
together a range of world-class experts from the fields of climate science and policy,
economics, business competitiveness and financial management.
In fulfilling its role the CCC focus is to:
 Provide independent advice to the UK Government on setting and meeting carbon
budgets and preparing for climate change;
 Monitor progress in reducing emissions and achieving carbon budgets and with the
implementation of adaptation policies;
 Conduct independent analysis into climate change science, economics and policy;
and
 Engage with a wide range of organisations and individuals to share evidence and
analysis.
What is the Adaptation Sub-Committee
The Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Committee on Climate Change has two statutory
roles. The first is to advise the UK Government and Devolved Administrations on their
assessment of the risks and opportunities from climate change. The second is to report to
the UK Parliament on progress in adaptation through evaluating actions to increase
resilience to climate risks set out in the Government’s National Adaptation Programme.
This covers UK-wide issues for reserved matters and England-only issues for (the majority
of) matters that are devolved. The Devolved Administrations are able to make specific
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requests to the Committee for evaluation of their national adaptation programmes under
the provisions of the Climate Change Act and other relevant legislation, such as the
Climate Change Act (Scotland) 2009.
The ASC is jointly sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs,
the Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government. The
ASC chairperson is also a member of the CCC.
On 30 June 2015, the CCC published its first statutory report to Parliament, covering both
sections 36 and 59 of the Climate Change Act, on progress towards meeting carbon
budgets and progress on adaptation to climate change. It includes the ASC’s first ever
statutory assessment of climate actions set out in the National Adaptation Programme.
The ASC’s next major milestones will be publication of an independent Evidence Report
for the second UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA, due July 2016), its first
statutory report on the progress of the Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme
(due September 2016) and the second statutory report on the progress of the National
Adaptation Programme (summer 2017).
The Adaptation Sub-Committee is supported by its own secretariat of 6 full-time staff. It
needs to maintain close working relationships with all relevant government departments
and the Devolved Administrations so that it can gain access to important data and
evidence that will support its advice to the Committee on Climate Change and maintain
awareness of policy developments and requirements.
Further information
For further information about the work of the Adaptation Sub-Committee, you may want to
visit the following website:
http://www.theccc.org.uk/tackling-climate-change/preparing-for-climate-change/
https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/reducing-emissions-and-preparing-for-climatechange-2015-progress-report-to-parliament/
https://www.theccc.org.uk/tackling-climate-change/preparing-for-climate-change/climatechange-risk-assessment-2017/
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The Role
Description
The Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Committee on Climate Change has a statutory role
under the Climate Change Act of 2008 to assess progress implementing climate change
adaptation actions set out in the National Adaptation Programme (first one in June 2015),
and to provide advice on the UK National Climate Change Risk Assessment every five
years (CCRA, second round of advice due July 2016).
The Adaptation Sub-Committee is also currently designated under the Climate Change
(Scotland) Act 2009 to perform an independent assessment of the Scottish Climate
Change Adaptation Programme (due September 2016). In addition, non-statutory
progress reports have to date been published each year in the run up to the ASC’s first
statutory evaluation of the National Adaptation Programme in June 2015.
The ASC is comprised of six members (including the Chairperson); the ASC chairperson
also sits on the CCC. The Sub-Committee is supported by a Secretariat of 6 full-time staff.
The ASC Chairperson will:

Ensure that the Government’s Programme for adaptation enables the country to
prepare the economy, environment and society for climate change.

Ensure that the Sub-Committee discharges its statutory functions on adaptation under
the Climate Change Act.

Act as the Committee’s figurehead and advocate, both as a member of the Committee
on Climate Change, with the Government, Parliament, devolved governments, the
media and a wide range of other external stakeholders.

Sit on the Committee on Climate Change to ensure join up on the work on mitigation
and adaptation.
The Chairperson of the Adaptation Sub-Committee will be responsible for leading and
setting the strategic direction of the work of the Adaptation Sub-Committee by:

Providing excellent vision and leadership of the ASC, ensuring effectiveness in all
aspects of its role including by chairing meetings, determining procedures and setting
its agenda. Providing strategic direction to the ASC and its secretariat.

Demonstrating added value through independent, constructive challenge and providing
impartial, objective and pragmatic advice to Ministers, UK Parliament and the
respective devolved bodies.

Overseeing committee performance, including whether the committee is fit for purpose
and composed of the right set of skills, knowledge and aptitudes to enable it to meets
its objectives.

Representing the ASC externally including through partnership working and
stakeholder engagement. Fostering close working relationships with key experts
including academics and institutions.
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
Improving the evidence base on climate vulnerabilities and impacts, and impacts of
actions being taken.

Identifying scope for additional cost-effective action as well as transformational change.

Overseeing governance, finance, risk and delivery issues with regard to the ASC’s
work programme.

Providing support to the sponsoring department in triennial reviews or any other
departmental review process.

Contributing towards meeting the objectives of the Committee on Climate Change,
representing the ASC and promoting adaptation as part of the UK response to climate
change.
Committee members must abide by the Nolan principles of public service (see Annex A).
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Essential Criteria
Understanding of the subject area

Demonstrate good knowledge in climate change adaptation and mitigation,
including a good understanding of the range of the Adaptation Sub Committee’s work with
in-depth expertise in at least one of the areas of work such as housing, agriculture or
infrastructure.

An understanding of the differing circumstances of the devolved administrations and
how they relate to issues of adaptation.
Leadership and Strategic direction

A robust leader with the ability to chair and command the confidence of an
analytical committee and the influencing and creative abilities to develop and steer the
strategic direction of the Committee so that it meets its objectives.
Managing and utilising effective relationships

Ability to manage and maintain effective relationships with, and command the
confidence of specialists and, crucially, senior decision makers in Government, industry,
media and a wide range of other stakeholders. The ability to represent the ASC at all
levels and to communicate clearly and convincingly.

Ability to present and collaborate on issues which cross over the work of the
Committee on Climate Change and the Adaptation Sub Committee, and able to commit to
mandatory time requirements for both committees.
To ensure our public bodies better represent the communities we serve, we positively
welcome applicants from all walks of life. All public appointments are made on merit
following a fair, open and transparent process as regulated by the Office of the
Commissioner for Public Appointments.
Terms of appointment
The draft terms and conditions for this appointment can be supplied on request. Key points
to be aware of are set out below.
Period of appointment
We expect the appointment to start on 1 February 2017. The appointment will be for five
years. Exceptionally, re-appointments may be made, subject to satisfactory performance
assessment at the discretion of Ministers. However, an appointee cannot serve more than
a total of ten years.
The candidate should be able to commit up to 5 days a month including time for 12
meetings a year, as the Chair of the Adaptation Sub Committee.
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As a member of the Committee on Climate Change, the candidate must commit to 12
Committee meetings a year, amounting to around 2 days a month including preparation
and travel.
Remuneration and Allowances
As Chair of the ASC, your remuneration is £548 per day for up to 5 days of work per
month (including time preparing for meetings and travelling time). Reasonable travel and
dependent care expenses are also paid. The role is non-pensionable.
As a member of the Committee on Climate Change, your remuneration is £800 per day
based on a minimum time commitment of 2 days of work per month (including time
preparing for meetings and travelling time).
The Committee on Climate Change’s office is in London.
Annual Appraisal
The ASC Chairperson is subject to an annual appraisal carried out by the CCC Chair.
Conflicts of Interest
You must inform the Department if you have any conflict of interest that might affect your
ability to undertake this role. You should disclose information on any relevant business
interest, public appointment or position of authority, including other connections with
commercial, public or voluntary bodies.
Applying for the role
The Commissioner for Public Appointments
This appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, to ensure
that it is made on merit after fair and open competition. More information about the role of
the
Commissioner
and
their
Code
of
Practice
is
available
from
http://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2012/02/Code-of-Practice-20121.pdf
For full details of the complaints process for public appointments, please click on the
following link which will take you to the Commissioner for Public Appointments website
http://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/
Alternatively please contact the Commissioner’s office on 020 7271 0831 for a printed
copy.
The Commissioner for Public Appointments would like to find out what you think of the
public appointments process. When you have completed the process, the Commissioner
would appreciate a few minutes of your time to complete this survey:
http://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/candidate-survey/
Your response will be anonymous and will inform the Commissioner's ongoing work with
Government Departments to improve the public appointments process.
How to respond
All candidates are required to complete the following forms:
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



Political Activity Questionnaire
Diversity and Data Protection Questionnaire
Conflicts of interest Questionnaire
Advertising Questionnaire
Candidates should submit their CV with education, professional qualifications and
employment history and the names and contact details for two referees. References will be
contacted prior to interview.
Candidates should also submit their statement of suitability. The statement of suitability
should give evidence of strength and depth of your ability to meet the essential criteria for this
role. Please provide specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria
(max two pages please).
Your CV and statement of suitability should be returned to the following address by the
closing date: noon Thursday 7 July. Email to [email protected] quoting
reference PAPPT 020/16
Selection Process
Short listing
This appointment is being made in accordance with the guidance laid down by the Office
of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). The candidates who demonstrate
that they meet all of the essential criteria will be invited to interview. It is therefore essential
for your statement of suitability to give full but concise information relevant to the
appointment. The short listing Panel will comprise:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Tanya Arkle, Director for ALB transformation, Defra.
Lord Deben, Chair of the Committee on Climate Change;
Clive Maxwell, Director General of Consumers & Households Group DECC;
Dr Rita Gardner, Director of the Royal Geographical Society and
A representative from the Devolved Administrations.
Interviews & Selection Panel
Interviews will take place on 27 September in London. The Selection Panel will be the
same as the shortlisting panel described above.
The interview will last about 45 minutes including a 5 minute presentation (details to follow
for those invited for an interview) and candidates will be asked questions to assess
whether they can demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria. All interviewees will be
advised in writing of the outcome of the interview.
Candidates will be able to claim reasonable expenses incurred travelling to and from the
interview (please note you may be asked to justify travelling costs if the Department
considers the claims unnecessarily excessive). Please let Defra know beforehand
([email protected]) if you are likely to claim and provide details of costs, if
known.
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For queries about your application or the recruitment process, please email the Public
Appointment Team [email protected].
How we will handle your application
Defra will acknowledge receipt of CVs and your statement. Candidates will be contacted
again after the closing date and once the panel have considered all the applications.
Data protection
Defra is committed to protect your privacy and to process your personal information in a
manner which meets the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.
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Annex A
The Seven Principles of Public Life
Selflessness
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
Integrity
Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or
organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not
act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves,
their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
Objectivity
Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using
the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and
must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
Openness
Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner.
Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful
reasons for so doing.
Honesty
Holders of public office should be truthful.
Leadership
Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should
actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor
behaviour wherever it occurs.
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