Non-Executive Director for the Trade Remedies Authority

About the role

Introduction from the Minister of State

Dear Candidates,

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) Board. 

The TRA plays a critical role in the UK’s independent trade remedies system. It was established on 1 June 2021 with the remit of ensuring UK domestic industries have a safety net to protect them against injury caused by unfair trading practices, such as dumping and subsidies, and unforeseen surges in imports.

The TRA investigates whether new and existing trade remedies are needed to prevent injury to UK industries caused by unfair trading practices and unforeseen surges in imports. It then makes a recommendation to the Department for Business and Trade Secretary of State on what trade remedy to apply. These remedies usually take the form of additional duties on those imports. Their work helps to create a level playing field for UK industries.

The appointed NEDs will have substantial responsibilities to provide challenge to the Board and hold the Executive team to account for delivery, including the effective conduct of trade remedies investigations, and recommending fair and objective trade remedies measures.

We welcome fresh expertise and perspectives to the Board to help ensure the Trade Remedies Authority continues to play its essential role in upholding Britain’s position as a leading advocate for open trade.

If you believe you have the experience and qualities that we are seeking to provide strong direction and governance to lead this important organisation, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP

Minister of State (Minister for Trade Policy), Department for Business and Trade 

Introduction from the Chair

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in joining the Trade Remedies Authority as a Non-Executive Director on the Board. We are now recruiting for three new roles to help steer the organisation as it continues to evolve and grow as an organisation.

The TRA recently published an ambitious 2024-2027 plan that sets out how we will build on our first three years of operation since replacing the EU’s trade defence instruments after Brexit. As the Board works closely to oversee and support the TRA in the delivery of this strategic and operational plans, we are looking in particular to identify new members of the Board with strategic trade policy expertise, artificial intelligence and digital knowledge and experience of change leadership in an investigative body.

If you have the necessary experience and are interested and motivated to play a role in making the TRA a more effective organisation, then I look forward to hearing from you.

Good luck with your application.

Nick Baird

Chair, Trade Remedies Authority  

Role description

The TRA Board sets the strategic direction and priorities of the organisation, monitoring its performance against its objectives and holding the Chief Executive and executive team to account. The Board plays a key check and balance role, ensuring that the TRA’s independence is maintained. It ensures that the TRA sufficiently considers the views and perspectives of relevant stakeholders where appropriate. The Board is also responsible for ensuring that the TRA fulfils its statutory duties with effective use of public funds. The Board provides assurance of the soundness of TRA’s processes.

The TRA was established on 1 June 2021 by the passing of the Trade Act 2021. It is now looking to increase the skills and oversight of its board as it continues to evolve as an organisation.

To complete the skills of existing Board members, the TRA is particularly seeking experienced, senior and knowledgable candidates from all parts of the United Kingdom who bring the following skills and knowledge to the board:

• intellectual or academic strategic context and thinking on global trade. 
• cyber, AI and digital knowledge to better support transformation and manage risks across the TRA.
• experience of change leadership in an investigative body. 

The responsibilities of Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) on the board will encompass the following responsibilities:

• To support the Minister, TRA Chief Executive and other board members in their leadership of the TRA.
• To exercise their role through influence, scrutiny, challenge and advice about the implications of policy, delivery and transformation proposals by:
  • reviewing business plans and challenging progress;
  • scrutinising performance, and challenging on progress;
  • providing advice on issues and supporting and ensuring approval processes are followed and identifying and mitigating risks.
• To actively participate in board meetings, sharing good practice and learning and to make an effective contribution to the board. 
• To act as a trusted sounding board to the Chief Exectutive and senior individuals as appropriate, on any specific agreed specialist areas (or more generally).
• Provide strong and constructive challenge and support to the executive team to ensure that it delivers the approved strategy, and support the executive team in discharging their leadership responsibilities.
• To give advice on the operational/delivery implications of policy proposals and potential risk mitigants, which informs the Department’s decision-making process.
• To provide independent support, guidance and challenge on the progress and implementation of the business plan and provide management advice to the executive (where requested). 
• Undertake deep dives into risks and material delivery challenges.
• To regularly review and challenge key documents and performance data.
• As required, to support and chair some of the sub-committees of the board.
• Take on specific reviews or provide advice on strategic questions set by the Secretary of State, Ministers or officials.
• To attend occasional government-wide meetings for non-executives from time to time to share best practice and to ensure their department learns from the successes and failures of comparable organisations.
• NEDs collectively ensure that decisions made by the Board follow proper procedures and are supported by sufficient high quality information.

Organisation description

The UK’s Trade Remedies Authority is an arm’s length body, that acts independently on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). It is responsible for investigating claims of unfair trading practices and helping prevent injury to UK industry.

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) was established as a new non-departmental public body, ensuring an appropriate degree of separation from DBT, and is responsible for investigating alleged unfair import practices. Trade measures can have a substantial effect on both consumers and businesses – that is why it is imperative that stakeholders trust that investigative and decision-making processes are fair and objective.

The TRA is responsible for conducting investigations into unfair trading practices and unexpected surges in imports.

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade is responsible for making a final determination on whether to accept or reject recommendations to impose measures.

Board composition

The TRA Board is made up of the Chair, Chief Executive, General Counsel, Director of Corporate Services and three Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) including one vacant role.

Current members are: Nick Baird (Chair), Oliver Griffiths (Chief Executive), Clare Brodie (General Counsel), Steven O'Donoghue (Director of Corporate Services) and John Hughes and Adam Marshall as NEDs. See also details about Governance of the TRA.

Regulation of appointment

This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website 

Person specification

Essential criteria

• A track record of astute legal, financial and/or regulatory experience gained in a complex domestic and international environment;    
• Clear evidence of leadership as a non-executive or executive demonstrating a proven ability to make complex, evidence-based judgements to advise and inform strategic direction and organisation performance;     
• The ability to demonstrate an understanding of, or experience in, issues facing producers, consumers, trade unions, the regions and nations of the UK, and other stakeholders relevant to the work of the TRA;    
• The ability to deliver results with vigour and pace, and to demonstrate resilience during periods of uncertainty and high media interest;    
• The ability to work as part of a diverse team and take collective responsibility for judgements, similarly, win the trust of those who may have differing or conflicting views; and,    
• A strong commitment to equal opportunities, diversity of skills and experience, and public service values

Desirable criteria

• Strategic thinking abilities and knowledge of the global trade context, with the ability to challenge assumptions and support planning to meet geopolitical challenges.
• Expertise in how digital / Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be utilised to drive efficiencies, automate core tasks, and monitor global trends.
• Change leadership experience, ideally in the trade defence field.