Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the criteria for the recruitment of the position of Government Chief Scientific Adviser.

Applications for the position of Government Chief Scientific Adviser were assessed against the following criteria which were published in the Candidate Information Pack on 24 February 2017.

• A first class reputation in science or engineering demonstrated by international recognition, Fellowship of the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering or equivalent, and a strong research and publication record.

• The ability to assimilate, evaluate and interpret scientific findings and advice across the full spectrum of disciplines, where necessary at short notice and under pressure, to command the confidence and support of Ministers and senior officials.

• Excellent policy and analytical skills at the strategic level, and the ability to work at the highest levels across academia, business and government departments, exercising impartial and objective judgement, to achieve the best results for the Government.

• Highly developed communication skills with the ability to adapt to the needs of a diverse range of audiences, including the public, to deliver information with authority and sensitivity, particularly in times of crisis.

• The ability to manage the Government Office for Science by communicating a clear vision and motivating and driving staff to reach their full potential. Effective leadership skills and the ability to put into place systems, people and skills to enable the office to deliver its objectives and ensure future capability to meet the challenges ahead.

• The gravitas and experience to provide leadership as the Head of Profession to the Government Science and Engineering Profession and to play an active role as a member of the Top 200 group of civil servants. This includes contributing to the corporate Civil Service agenda and by participating in weekly meetings of Permanent Secretaries and other governance groups of Permanent Secretaries as required.

• The ability to build on and develop influential networks across academia, government, industry and other stakeholders, nationally and internationally.