UK Space Agency Is Hiring Managers – And It’s More Fundamental Than You Might Think

The UK Space Agency announced on 17th September that it is looking to fill four management spots. These are finance and governance head positions, and they go to the heart of the recommendations made by the National Accounting Office in July. Actually, in some ways, opening the positions goes beyond the report into what the NAO did not say.

A spokesperson for the UK Space Agency told Orbital Today:

“As part of our ongoing efforts to transform into a delivery-focused Agency that is a great place to work, we have created a small number of new roles to increase our capability in key areas such as finance and corporate governance. The Head of Corporate Governance will provide strategic oversight of the work of existing teams responsible for activities including planning, compliance and risk management. We are looking for an experienced professional to lead this team, support wellbeing, drive improvements and maintain excellent standards across the board.”

The Right Staff for UK Space Agency

First: Apologies to Tom Wolfe.

Of the four positions opened, three are finance centered, and are no surprise considering the NAO’s recommendations. The fourth, Head of Governance, is only there between the lines. In an opinion piece on 10th September, the lack of focus in the report on ensuring that workplace climate changes were made and enshrined in the agency’s culture was covered. We’re glad to see that the Corporate Governance Team this person will directly lead will ensure the progress as a workplace that UK Space Agency has made since 2020.

The role is not for just anybody. The Head of Governance will be the agency’s go-to person for relations with the Government Internal Audit Agency.

A further hint that this person needs to have the right stuff comes from the person specification within the job description on civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk:

This role requires an experienced and inspiring leader, who can drive excellent standards in corporate planning, performance, risk management and assurance.

An emotionally intelligent leader, they will thrive on the opportunity to establish and lead a newly formed team, conveying a clear purpose and fostering the right culture to succeed.

An analytical thinker, and influential and sensitive communicator, they will be confident providing advice and constructive challenge to improve UK Space Agency’s performance, risk management and compliance.