The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport (DfT). The MCA is responsible for shaping and implementing the UK’s regime for maritime safety and environmental protection, in close collaboration with the DfT and a wide range of customers and other stakeholders. On behalf of the Secretary of State discharges many of the UK’s statutory duties as a Flag, Coastal and Port State under international and domestic law.
The MCA’s vision is to provide the best possible coastguard and maritime regulator services, to support growth of the UK maritime sector through its services and the UK Flag, and to help lead shipping decarbonisation and the adoption of innovative technologies. This is given practical effect through education, prevention, regulation, inspection and - when required - by initiating and coordinating maritime Search and Rescue through HM Coastguard and other emergency responders. The Agency runs the economically important UK Ship Register and certifies seafarers. It provides survey and inspection capabilities to check the safety of ships operating in British waters and UK-registered ships abroad and administer the law in relation to wreck and salvage.
The MCA is seeking a Non-Executive Director – Maritime Business to join its Board. The successful candidate, through their membership of the Board, will provide challenge and support to a wide variety of management and operational issues and contribute to the effective strategic and operational leadership of the MCA.
Key responsibilities of the role will be to:
- Contribute effectively to discussions on the leadership and performance of the business at the MCA Board and Executive/Non-Executive meetings as required (6 MCA Board meetings per year/ 5 ARAC meetings per year/4 DfT MCA Sponsorship Board meetings per year).
- Support the MCA to examine, challenge and support the operational delivery and commercial implications of policy proposals, major projects and programmes, strategic and organisational issues.
- Work with the MCA and senior managers to scrutinise the MCA’s management information to ensure performance and delivery of the MCA’s Business Plan and other key objectives are ambitious and achievable.
- Bring an independent perspective to the work of the MCA Board, as well as providing independent scrutiny.
- Contribute as members or chair of Board sub-committees within the MCA corporate governance framework.
Candidates’ suitability for the role will be assessed against the following criteria:
1. Strategic mindset with the ability to provide thought leadership on complex strategy, helping to develop a clear view of options for the future and to contribute to delivering against this vision.
2. Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, able to communicate key messages to both internal and external audiences, and the ability to listen to, and act upon, feedback.
3. Proven ability to bring customer focus and a value for money focused delivery challenge to the Board, together with an understanding of how to balance this against control and delivery risks.
4. Evidence of a personal motivation and commitment to UK public services and an interest in MCA business and objectives.
5. A demonstrably collaborative way of working, for example with fellow Board members, other senior members of the Agency and wider agency stakeholders to enable the delivery of complex agency priorities both within and outside their own areas of responsibility.
6. Experience at a senior level in the maritime industry, which might include shipping, ports, maritime insurance, legal or financial services or offshore energy services.
For more information about the MCA, the appointment and its terms and how to apply, please download the detailed candidate brief below.
Berwick Partners