Launched in November 2017, the Government Commercial Organisation (GCO) is a body within the Government Commercial Function - a cross-governmental network of over 4,000 commercially-focused civil servants - which employs and oversees senior commercial professionals (Grade 7 and above). The GCO was established with the remit to bring together the best commercial talent across government, creating a unified talent strategy, including centralising commercial accreditation, development and a network for sharing best practice.

The Remuneration Committee for the GCO oversees all aspects of remuneration for GCO staff, including:

• Setting the strategic direction for remuneration & reward for senior commercial staff, ensuring that the GCO's reward structure continues to be competitive, in order to attract, retain and motivate employees within the constraints and parameters set by HM Treasury and the Civil Service Board
• Approving recommendations in regards to annual and Performance Related Pay
• Agreeing and approving the Performance Related Pay rules for all GCO employees and ensuring that Performance Related Payments are reasonable
• Ensuring GCO pensions are being administered correctly, reviewing reports provided by the pension provider to ensure that the pension funds are being invested and managed appropriately as guided by the Cabinet Office Audit & Risk Committee (COARC)

Members of the Remuneration Committee include: two Non-Executive members (including the Chair), the Government Chief Commercial Officer, and two independent members comprising a senior Cabinet Office HR representative and a HM Treasury representative.

The GCO is seeking to appoint an experienced and values-driven Chair to their Remuneration Committee, following the end of the current Chair’s term.

The responsibilities of the Chair will include:

• Ensuring meetings are Chaired effectively and collaboratively, working cooperatively with fellow Committee members in the GCO’s best interests
• Providing a clear strategic direction for remuneration within the organisation, working closely with fellow Committee members and the GCO leadership
• Providing advice and practical guidance as necessary to senior GCO staff in regards to activities or projects that will impact the future direction of remuneration in the GCO
• Reaching a view on issues raised, based upon proper and impartial consideration of the facts presented and not on the basis of predetermined or partisan views
• Reviewing & approving Performance Related Pay recommendations and the rules & guidelines that govern the Performance Related Pay scheme

The GCO will provide the secretary to the Committee and will ensure that the relevant information and papers are issued to members in a timely manner to enable full and proper consideration to be given to the issues.

The GCO is looking for a Chair that can demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge and expertise of HR & Reward within large and complex organisations. This can be as an HR or Reward professional, a Remuneration Committee member or as a key client or stakeholder of HR within large organisations. Previous experience of creating or overseeing the implementation of remuneration strategies is particularly desirable
• Strong understanding of the public sector working environment, its central functions (such as commercial), departments and public bodies. Experience working directly with ministers and senior civil servants is desirable
• Previous board experience within the public, third or private sector is required. Previous chair experience is also desirable
• Collaborative and cooperative communication style, able to work with different stakeholders in a supportive manner
• Ability to review both strategy and financial documentation with an analytical mindset
• Ability to manage and balance legacy policies and working practices alongside new strategic direction and initiatives

This role is remunerated at £500 per day on a pro-rata basis. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment

The time commitment for the role is estimated at four to six days per year. Board meetings are held virtually, with the occasional meeting in London.

Conflict of Interest

Any candidate that is a member (executive, non-executive or otherwise) of or shareholder in an organisation that is currently a supplier to the UK Government is perceived to have a conflict of interest regarding the Remuneration Committee Chair role and is ineligible for appointment.
If you are unsure as to whether this might pertain to your application, please reference this within the 'Conflicts of Interest' section of the application form or contact Edward Elliott at [email protected].

UK - London