Our governance
The main decision-making, executive and managerial bodies at the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST).
The roles and structure of our board and committees.
Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) Board
The Departmental Board is the principal governance body and is chaired by the Secretary of State. The Permanent Secretary is also a member.
Its remit is to support the Secretary of State in the strategic and operational leadership of the department.
Members
- The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP – Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, and President of the Board of Trade (Chair)
- Lord Leong CBE – Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
- Amanda Brooks CBE – Interim Permanent Secretary
- Rebecca Woodward and Caragh McKiernan – Interim Chief Operating Officer (job share)
- Paul Drechsler CBE – Lead Non-Executive Board Member
- David Sayer – Non-Executive Board Member
- Professor John Latham CBE – Non-Executive Board Member
- Iain Anderson – Non-Executive Board Member
- Mike Clancy – Non-Executive Board Member
- Nita Clarke OBE – Non-Executive Board Member
- Dr Roni Savage FREng – Non-Executive Board Member
Other ministers, directors general and senior officials will be invited to board discussions as their priorities demand.
Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC)
The ARAC is a subcommittee of the board and provides independent advice to support the Departmental Board and Accounting Officer in their responsibilities for issues of risk, control and governance.
Members
- Professor John Latham CBE – Non-Executive Board Member and Chair
- David Sayer – Non-Executive Board Member
- Anne Obey – Independent Member
- Gaby Heppner-Logan – Independent Member
- Gary Burmiston – Independent Member
Attendees
- Amanda Brooks CBE – Interim Permanent Secretary
- Rebecca Woodward and Caragh McKiernan – Interim Chief Operating Officer (job share)
- Ruth Nolan – Chief Financial Officer
- Steve Young – Financial Audit Director, National Audit Office (NAO)
- Leena Mathew – Value for Money Audit Director, NAO
- Karen Holland – Head of Internal Audit, Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA)
Nominations and Governance Committee (NGC)
The NGC is a subcommittee of the board that examines arrangements for:
- remuneration, talent management and capability for senior staff
- appointments of senior executive and non-executive leaders
- effective governance
Members
- Paul Drechsler CBE – Lead Non-Executive Board Member and Chair
- Amanda Brooks CBE – Interim Permanent Secretary
- Nita Clarke OBE – Non-Executive Board Member
Attendees
- Chief People Officer
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee:
- drives the department’s overall performance and delivery
- ensures the effective management of the department
- develops and implements operational strategy
- plays a decision-making role on issues escalated from its subcommittees
Members
- Amanda Brooks CBE – Interim Permanent Secretary (Chair)
- Alex Jones – Director General, Growth, International, Science and Technology
- Angela McLean – Government Chief Scientific Adviser
- Ceri Smith – Director General, Office for Investment
- Caleb Deeks and Gavin Lambert – Director General, Competition, Markets and Regulatory Reform (job share)
- Dave Smith – National Technology Adviser
- David Bickerton – Chief Strategic Business Adviser
- Isobel Stephen and Joanna Crellin – Director General, Domestic and International Markets and Exports (job share)
- Jaee Samant – Director General, Business Group
- Kate Joseph – Director General, Economic Security and Trade Relations
- Tim Reid – Chief Executive UK Export Finance
- Rebecca Woodward and Caragh McKiernan – Interim Chief Operating Officer (job share)
- Nathan Phillips CBE – Strategy Director
- Ruth Nolan – Chief Financial Officer
Professional specialist directors are invited to attend specific items when their expertise is required.
Delivery, Performance and Risk Committee
Co-chairs
- Alex Jones – Director General, Growth, International, Science and Technology
- Jaee Samant – Director General, Business Group
Investment Committee
Co-chairs
- Amanda Brooks CBE – Interim Permanent Secretary
- Isobel Stephen – Director General, Domestic and International Markets and Exports
People, Operations and Place Committee
Co-chairs
- Caleb Deeks and Gavin Lambert – Director General, Competition, Markets and Regulatory Reform
- Kate Joseph – Director General, Economic Security and Trade Relations