The closing date for applications is 26th February 2025 at 23:55pm
About the Advisory Panel on Migration Statistics
Understanding International migration is fundamental to our understanding of the UK economy and society. It changes the size and shape of our population, contributes to the labour market and impacts the demands on public services. It is a key component of population change and is an important policy lever for the economy. As the largest driver of population change, migration estimates are fundamental to all population statistics which are used for survey weights and denominators within economic indicators. They are also important in their own right for monetary policy and local authority planning.
The governance arrangements and structures underpinning the production and transformation of migration statistics are crucial in ensuring the quality, integrity, and independence of these statistics.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has a separate Migration Statistics Expert Group and Migration Statistics Steering Group. ONS will review the role and membership of these groups in the context of convening of the new Panel.
A full Terms of Reference for the Advisory Panel will be drafted with input from the Chair.
Role and responsibilities
The Advisory Panel on international migration statistics will provide independent advice to the National Statistician on the quality and utility of long-term international migration estimates. We are seeking to appoint a committee chair, to provide strategic leadership of the committee.
Specifically, the committee will provide advice to the National Statistician on:
- The quality and accuracy of ONS migration statistics as we continue to develop and transform these through the Future Population and Migration Statistics Programme.
- The utility and usability of the breadth of long-term international migration statistics. The committee will consider, interpret and advise on the priority needs based on user feedback and policy context.
- Achieving statistical coherence across the UK constituent countries and the entire population statistics system.
Reporting and governance
The Advisory Panel on international migration statistics will provide independent advice to the National Statistician on the quality and user requirements for long-term international migration estimates.
Role specification
The Chair of the Panel will have the following key responsibilities:
- to provide strategic leadership of the Committee in order that it may effectively discharge its duties
- shaping Panel discussions to encourage open debate, effective decision-making, and ensuring that all members have the opportunity to contribute their views;
- to represent the Panel publicly and with stakeholders as appropriate.
Essential criteria
- Strong leadership skills, with evidence of having provided visible leadership to a comparable organisation or committee;
- Strategic skills, including the ability to analyse complex issues and to think clearly, strategically, and laterally, extracting the essence of an argument from papers or presented evidence;
- Influencing and communication skills, including an ability to develop and maintain relationships with groups with disparate views and agendas; and
- Team working and collaboration skills, including an ability to work with other members and to participate in robust debate, challenging constructively the opinions of others, and working to achieve a shared consensus.
Specialist skills and experience
Expert working knowledge of migration to and from the UK and ideally within a statistical context. The Chair will require first class ambassadorial, communication and presentational skills and the presence, demeanor, and integrity to command the respect of panel members.
Membership
Membership of the panel will provide for a mixture of interests and expertise. Members will be appointed for fixed terms via a process of open competition.
Secretariat
Staff from ONS will provide dedicated Secretariat support to the Committee.
Time commitment
The Panel will meet four times each year and it is anticipated that the Chair will also meet regularly with the National Statistician. The Chair may also be required to present to the Authority Board occasionally. This represents a commitment of approximately twelve days per year. Preparation for and attendance at meetings comprises the majority of this commitment.
Timing of appointment
The successful candidate will be appointed by the end of April 2025.
Renumeration
The Chair will be paid an honorarium of £5,000 a year. This position is non-pensionable. All reasonable travel and subsistence costs will be reimbursed.
Period of appointment
The appointment will be for an initial period of three years. The possibility of renewal for a further similar period will be available subject to a performance review.
Conflict of interest and consideration of reputational issues
Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully:
- any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government or which could be affected by access to market sensitive statistics;
- any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made;
- and/or – any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported;
which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.
Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being considered. If you are shortlisted, we will discuss any interests that would be likely to conflict with their responsibilities as Chair of the Panel, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them. Please declare any potential conflict of interest as early as possible in the selection process and disclose information or personal connections that might, if successful, be open to misperception.
Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).
Security clearance
The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Recruitment process and application instruction
This recruitment process is being undertaken by the UK Statistics Authority.
To apply for the role of the Chair of the Panel, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV, along with a covering letter that addresses the criteria set out in the role specification, using examples to demonstrate how you meet the general and specific requirements.
The CV, one page covering letter and contact details should be sent by email to SCS.Recruitment@ons.gov.uk.
The closing date for applications is 26th February 2025 at 23:55pm
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal discussion with the National Statistician and others.
Once appointed, for payment purposes you will be required to engage with one of our Recruitment Partners. ONS will provide you with the necessary information, if you have any questions in the meantime, please email us on SCS.Recruitment@ons.gov.uk.