Public Appointments to the Research Councils
Appointments to the seven Research Councils are made by Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). All appointees are office holders who must agree to comply with the relevant Code of Practice for Council members.
Our appointments process is managed in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' "Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies". This can be found on the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments website.
Appointments are overseen by panels appointed for that purpose. The panels include the council chair, an independent member and a senior BIS official.
The current membership of the Research Councils can be found on their websites under related links.
Chair Appointments
The filling of vacancies for Chairs is undertaken as vacancies arise. Chairs are part-time and are paid an annual honorarium.
Chief Executive Appointments
The filling of vacancies for Chief Executives is undertaken as vacancies arise. Chief Executives, who are also Deputy Chairs of their Councils, are full-time and are paid salaries within three pay bands.
Council Member Appointments
An annual round of appointments to the Research Councils is organised by BIS. This round usually commences in the autumn. This may be supplemented by competitions for individual or groups of posts as necessary.
All appointments are initially for a period of up to four years; the maximum allowed by the Royal Charters of the Councils. Members are eligible for re-appointment for a further period of up to four years. Members of Council are part-time and are expected to spend some 20 days each year on Council business. An annual honorarium is paid to Council Members with additional remuneration for Members who chair boards.
Vacancies are advertised in the national press. Current vacancies (if any), further details, and levels of remuneration for Chair and Council Member appointments can be found on the Cabinet Office Public Appointments website.
