Utility Regulator
The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (the Utility Regulator) is the non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the electricity and gas industries and water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland, to protect the short- and long-term interests of consumers. Learn more about the Utility Regulator here: Utility Regulator (uregni.gov.uk)
The Department of Finance is seeking to appoint new members to the Board of the Utility Regulator to replace outgoing members who are coming to the end of their term. The terms of the appointment will be for seven years. These appointments are regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI) and the recruitment process may be examined by the CPANI for compliance with the Office of the Commissioner’s Code of Practice. These appointments are also subject to relevant requirements on Board appointments as outlined in the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.
The Department of Finance is committed to the principles of public appointments based on merit, with independent assessment, openness, and transparency of process. The Department of Finance is also committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes application forms from all suitably qualified applicants irrespective of religious belief, gender, race, political opinion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or whether they have dependants. As women and those with disabilities are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from these sections of the community would be particularly welcome.
Ensuring that Northern Ireland’s consumers benefit from quality and value for money electric, gas, water, and sewerage services are key objectives of the Utility Regulator. The Board of the Utility Regulator plays a critical role in meeting these objectives.
We are particularly interested in people with up-to-date senior-level experience in the electricity, gas, or water sectors, but we would also welcome applicants from other regulated areas such as telecoms, railways, finance etc. We also welcome applications from candidates who have a consumer protection background. All candidates should understand how effective regulation contributes to the delivery of government priorities.
Essential Criteria: Chair and Board Member
As Chair or Board Member, you will be able to demonstrate evidence of the following criteria:
- Senior level experience in a regulated utility a regulated electricity utility or generator, or gas utility with an understanding of energy markets; or a regulated company from another utility sector, such as water, railways, or telecommunications; or an economic regulator that protects consumer interests.
- Understand how effective regulation contributes to the delivery of government priorities in the energy and water utility sectors in Northern Ireland.
- Experience at a senior level in evaluating information (e.g. on corporate finance) and making justifiable decisions to set the strategy for an organisation.
- Experience in working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to develop and deliver improvements in organisational effectiveness.
- Experience in applying the principles and practice of corporate governance and understanding of the roles of non-executive directors.
Essential Criteria: Chair position only
In addition to the above requirements, you should be able to demonstrate experience in acting as a leader to ensure focus, direction, and results in a complex and changing environment.
Time commitment:
The Chair is expected to devote around one day per week on average to the Utility Regulator business.
For Board Members the expected time commitment amounts to around 20 days per year. You will be expected to attend a minimum of 11 board meetings per year and in addition, commit a similar number of days in preparation for meetings, attending Board sub-committees, sub-groups and ad hoc meetings as required.
Term of Appointment: Seven Years
By applying for the post, it is assumed that you can meet this time commitment.
Meetings are usually held at the Utility Regulator’s offices (Queens House, Belfast). Following appointment, travel and subsistence expenses are payable according to the Utility Regulator’s travel and subsistence policy.
Remuneration:
Non-Executive Chair: £37,165 plus expenses in line with Utility Regulator policies.
Non-Executive Board Member: £10,989 plus expenses in line with Utility Regulator policies.
Start date:
Non-Executive Chair: 1st July 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter
Non-Executive Board Member: 2nd September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The recruitment process is being managed by HRConnect on behalf of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. Application forms are to be completed via the online application process at Current Job Vacancies | Appointment of Non-Executive Chair and Board Member - Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (nigov.net) or by hardcopy (please read Annex D for more information about the application process).
Completed application forms should be submitted to HRConnect before the closing date of 12 noon on Friday 17th May 2024.
If you would value a private and confidential conversation about either role or about the recruitment process, please contact Katy Crothall via email at [email protected] or via telephone at 02031794760.