Air Safety Support International (ASSI) Chair (Crawley, GB) bei Air Safety Support International Ltd (ASSI)

Salary: £25,000 per annum (based on 40 days committed per year)

Contract Type: Initial 4 Year Fixed Term Contract

Security Level: SC

Base Location: ASSI’s Crawley Office

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

If you would like more information on the role via a comprehensive vacancy pack – please email [email protected]

Air Safety Support International Ltd (ASSI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Established in 2003, ASSI supports the development of civil aviation safety regulation in the UK Overseas Territories (OTs). Its mission is “To ensure, in an inclusive and sustainable manner, that the UK meets its international obligations in respect of aviation safety regulation within the UK Overseas Territories.”

The Role

ASSI is seeking a chair. ASSI is a not-for-profit, wholly owned subsidiary company of the UK Civil Aviation Authority established through a Direction to the CAA from the Secretary of State. The ASSI Board reports directly to the Secretary of State.

The role will be focused on leading the Board. Working closely with the Chief Executive, the Chair will ensure that the Board sets the strategy and direction for Air Safety Support International in line with the Directions which govern ASSI, and that the Chief Executive is held to account for the delivery of the strategy and the Company’s statutory and governance duties. Additional duties will be focused on:

• Developing and maintaining relationships with the Department for Transport, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
• Leading the Board in ensuring the collective formulation and implementation of strategic objectives and discharge of statutory duties.
• Promoting the highest standards of probity and proportionate regulatory practice in line with the standards and recommend practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
• Fostering an appropriate safety culture with a continued focus on the specific needs of the Overseas Territories’ industries and Aviation Authorities, on the principles of better regulation and on transparency while remaining mindful of the unique challenges faced by the Overseas Territories.

We’re seeking an individual who has a track record of achievement at Board or senior leadership level in either the public or private sector

The Chair will have demonstrable skills and competencies in leadership, with the ability to lead the Board, promoting diversity of thinking, while ensuring that the highest standards of governance are achieved.  The individual will also have the ability to think broadly and long-term with good listening skills, emotional intelligence and sensitivity in order to grasp relevant issues and understand the relationships with various parties.  Being attuned to the differing cultural perspectives in the Overseas Territories is a must.

The individual needs to have credible influencing skills with cross cultural awareness, and the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels, including Government Ministers, Governors and Directors of Civil Aviation. There is a need to focus on performance while being mindful of the significant challenges that some of the Territories face and the need to apply proportionate and balanced decisions.

Person Specification:

The Chair will be able to demonstrate the following essential criteria:

Knowledge and experience

• Chair or Director experience of exceptional quality, in a high-hazard, regulated environment.
• Experience of building organisational credibility, and ability to engage successfully with a wide range of audiences.
• A track record of building diverse and inclusive teams.

Skills and personal qualities

• Strong interpersonal, communication and influencing skills; able to listen effectively and challenge constructively, supporting board and executive collective decisions.
• High levels of intellectual capacity, and ability to make sound judgements.
• Inspires diversity, change and continuous cultural improvement.

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Also, social media footprints will be reviewed as part of the recruitment process.  

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Inclusive Recruitment

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Working With Us

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: Friday 26th September 2025

1st Interview Date: W/C Monday 6th and 13th October – via MS Teams

2nd Interview Date: W/C Monday 27th October

The hiring panel have asked for a cover letter to be provided with every application submitted.

Please note – the 2nd interview will take place at the ASSI Offices in Crawley and not the CAA’s Gatwick Office.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.