Vacancy: Specialist Adviser for Environmental Audit Committee inquiry into Addressing the risks from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

• Addressing the risks from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
• Environmental Audit Committee

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is inviting applications from individuals interested in being a Specialist Adviser for its inquiry into Addressing the risks from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The Committee’s inquiry is exploring what understanding we have regarding the risks from PFAS.

The inquiry will cover a range of areas such as:

• What are the benefits and risks of PFAS?
• How advanced is research on their impact, and are there gaps?
• To what extent is the UK equipped to detect and monitor their impact and to identify particular hot spots, in terms of location and use by different demographic groups?
• What opportunities and challenges do alternatives to PFAS present?
• Is the UK’s current regulatory regime for the use and disposal of PFAS, including UK registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals fit for purpose?
• How do other jurisdictions around the world, including the EU and US, regulate PFAS use and disposal, and what lessons, if any, can the UK learn?
• What lessons can the UK learn from other countries in terms of resourcing and supporting the detection, monitoring and treatment of PFAS pollution and in funding research and new technologies to improve outcomes?

The Committee

EAC is a cross-party select committee of 16 MPs, chaired by Toby Perkins MP.

Its remit is to scrutinise how far the operation and policies of government departments and their public bodies contribute to sustainable development.

It is supported by the National Audit Office in auditing the Government's performance against environmental protection targets.

Unlike most select committees, EAC's work cuts across government rather than focusing on the work of a particular department.

The Role

The Committee wishes to hear from applicants who:

• can demonstrate an expert understanding of PFAS and familiarity with current research into them, including their impact on humans and the environment
• can demonstrate knowledge of relevant UK Government policy and strategy in this field and can compare the UK’s approach to that of other countries
• can provide insight into how PFAS are currently detected, monitored and assessed in terms of their impact
• can suggest which individuals and organisations the Committee should consult on PFAS to provide a broad range of perspectives
• are familiar with the advocacy positions or political affiliations that are held by these individuals and organisations, and with the policy debates relevant to the inquiry’s terms of reference
• can demonstrate a strong network of contacts on this subject

The ability to provide clear, concise and impartial advice orally and in writing to politicians and/or senior decision-makers is essential.

The appointment is made by the Environmental Audit Committee.

As a Specialist Adviser, you will be working with the Committee secretariat on an ad hoc basis to provide authoritative advice in relation to this subject.

Work demands from the Committee are likely to be irregular and unpredictable.

Only in exceptional circumstances would you be asked to do more than two days' work in a particular week and it would normally be less than this.

You would be paid a daily honorarium on the basis of work done.

Examples of the types of work you may be asked to do include:

• Working with the Committee secretariat, in particular the inquiry manager, on the planning and conduct of scrutiny for the inquiry
• Contributing to briefing material for the inquiry
• Attending relevant Committee meetings and providing oral briefings when required.

The role may involve attendance at Committee meetings in Westminster, and you may be asked to accompany the Committee on any future visits it might undertake in connection with the subject.

The Committee will meet connected, necessary expenses.

Specialist Adviser appointments are in the public domain.

Application Process

To apply please send a CV, covering letter and a declaration of relevant interests to EACom@parliament.uk. Your CV should be no longer than 3 pages and your covering letter no longer than 2 pages.

In your covering letter you should indicate how your expertise is relevant to this subject, the amount of time you could realistically devote to Committee work, and your ability to take on work at short notice if required.

Your declaration of interests should include anything that a reasonable person might consider could influence the advice you give the Committee: for example, a relevant financial interest, active membership of a relevant campaign group or political party, or the involvement of a close family member in the area of specialism.

Declared interests from successful applicants will be published.

The Committee values diversity and encourages applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds. If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the application process, please e-mail Committee staff at EACom@parliament.uk so that we can help you.

Deadline for applications

The deadline to send your CV and covering letter is 12 midday on Monday 28 April.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview (held virtually) during the weeks of 5 and 12 May.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact the Committee team on 020 7219 8890.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: Unsplash