Increasing representation isn’t just about more BAME MPs and councillors, it’s about getting involved in all aspects of society from governors at schools to chairs of public bodies.

Every week, we’ll aim to put up to link of some of the main public appointments available to apply for. We hope this encourages BAME people to apply and help make sure our voices are heard in the public domain.

Office of Tax Simplification – Chair

“We are looking for a motivated individual to Chair the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS). This role offers a unique opportunity to participate in tax policy-making at the heart of government. The Chair will lead the OTS board’s bimonthly meetings and the Office’s engagement with HM Treasury ministers.  The OTS board is responsible for shaping the strategy and priorities of the OTS, deciding on proposals for potential reviews to put forward to the Chancellor and agreeing key recommendations in the reviews. The Chair will also represent the OTS at public engagements and can be requested to present evidence on the Office’s work to Parliamentary Committees. The recommended candidate for the Chair role will require approval by the Chancellor of the Exchequer before the appointment can be confirmed and will be subject to a post-appointment hearing held by the Treasury Select Committee.”

Time: Up to two days per month.

Remuneration: £400 per diem.

Closes: 27 November

British Library – Board Members

“In 2023, the British Library will mark its 50th anniversary as the national library of the United Kingdom and, in Living Knowledge (published in 2015), the Library has set out an ambitious vision for growth, innovation and development as that landmark date approaches. Major developments under way include projects to digitise and make globally available its most important historic collections; to refresh and transform its service to researchers, online and on-site; to widen its reach and presence for people across the UK, including new partnerships with public libraries; to extend and enhance its Grade 1-listed building in St Pancras, London, as part of a major development partnership; and – over the longer term – to renew and improve its 43-acre campus at Boston Spa in Yorkshire, where the majority of the collection is now held… Members of the Board have corporate responsibility for ensuring that the British Library complies with any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds. ”

Time: 1-2 days per month, four-year term.

Remuneration: £9130 per annum.

Closes: 03 December

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Committee on Fuel Poverty – Member

“The Committee on Fuel Poverty (CFP) advises the Government on the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing fuel poverty to help keep UK residents warm and improve energy efficiency in their homes. It also persuades greater co-ordination across organisations working to reduce fuel poverty in the UK… The responsibilities of the new Members will include monitoring and reporting on progress towards the Government’s 2030 fuel poverty target and interim milestones, supporting and challenging the Government on its delivery approach, and encouraging a partnership approach between and within Government and stakeholders in tackling fuel poverty.”

Time: Two days per month.

Remuneration: £8400 per annum plus reasonable travel and subsistence.

Closes: 06 December

NHS Pension Board – Chair

“Ministers are seeking to appoint the Chair of the NHS Pension Board. They are looking to appoint a candidate with a strong working knowledge of public and private sector pension schemes. The successful candidate should have good communication skills and be able to devise strategies to promote the value of the scheme as part of the NHS total reward offer, maximising its impact as a recruitment and retention lever. Candidates should be able to understand and utilise the potential of technology to improve the efficiency of scheme administration and create value for employers… The Chair of the NHS Pension Board is appointed by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who is responsible for the NHS Pension Scheme, and is accountable to the Secretary of State via a senior Departmental official for carrying out their duties and for their performance.”

Time: Up to three days per month.

Remuneration: £13,137 per annum.

Closes: 11 December

Construction Industry Training Board – Trustee

“CITB is the statutory skills body for the construction industry in Great Britain and its purpose is to make better provision for the training and maintenance of skills in the industry. CITB raises around £200m annually via a training levy, and works closely with employers and the Government to ensure national construction skills needs are met. CITB seeks to create the culture and conditions that will deliver new ways of working, embracing new technologies, creating a demand in construction for more skills, new skills and higher-level skills. CITB aspires to be at the forefront of effective commissioning and grant practice and is undertaking a high-profile transformational reform programme in order to achieve this… Trustees will bring their specific knowledge and expertise to the Board. They seek to deliver the statutory functions of the Board in the best interests of the Construction Industry as a whole and must make decisions independent of any affiliation to their own business or sector interests.”

Time: ~Two days per month.

Remuneration: None.

Closes: 20 December

Consumer Council for Water – Chair

“The Chair has the following leadership responsibilities: lead on formulation of the Council’s strategy; leading the board in its relationship with the Executive, providing support but constructively challenging where necessary; acting as the public face of CCWater to raise its profile not only with consumers but also policy makers and government; campaigning on behalf of consumers and championing their views to Ofwat, policy makers and Government; ensuring that the board, in reaching decisions, takes proper account of guidance provided by Welsh ministers and/or the Secretary of State of appropriate departments; promoting the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources; and delivering high standards of regularity and propriety.”

Time: Two days per week.

Remuneration: £33,280 per annum.

Closes: 07 January