MAIN PIC paul broadbent

Paul Broadbent is chief executive of the GLA

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) is looking to recruit a board of non-executive directors to provide greater strategic direction.

The move follows a government review that concluded the GLA, which was set up to prevent exploitation of workers, was fit for purpose but would benefit as smaller governance board, to provide clearer professional advice and leadership.

“I would encourage applications from individuals committed to the GLA’s mission and with board level experience and expertise in relevant areas such as regulation in the labour market; enforcement; victim support, or professional expertise in the fields of finance, commerce, or human resources,” said GLA chair, Margaret Beels.

“The new board will assist the chief executive and me to steer the role of the GLA in a way that protects workers from exploitation, reduces burdens on compliant businesses, and effectively contributes to the pursuit and prevention of modern slavery in the UK today.

The GLA was created with a governance board of stakeholder representatives from across the industries that it regulates. In 2012, a review concluded that the organisation should be led by a smaller board to provide clearer leadership.

Earlier this year the GLA funding was moved from Defra to the Home Office, and following the bedding in of this change, the process for the recruitment of a new board has commenced.

Beels added: “The reviews of the GLA have confirmed that it is an appropriate regulator, and fit for purpose, but that its future direction would benefit from greater strategic analysis by non-executive directors that can bring a range of professional skills to support that direction. I welcome those conclusions.”