Decision

Summary of business appointments applications - Rt Hon Lord Maude of Horsham

Updated 14 May 2018

Rt Hon Lord Maude of Horsham left his role as Minister for Trade and Investment in March 2016.

1. Member of the International Consultative Council of the Astana International Financial Centre

Lord Maude sought advice on becoming a member of the International Consultative Council (ICC) of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).

He explained that as a member of the ICC, he would provide advice to the Governor and executives of AIFC on strategy and implementation.

It is a paid role and Lord Maude stated that he expected it to involve 8 days’ work a year. He said the appointment is not likely to include any contact or dealings with the UK Government.

Whilst the Committee noted the clear link between this appointment and Lord Maude’s responsibilities in Ministerial office, it considered that the gap between leaving office and taking up this role (over 18 months) is sufficient to mitigate any concerns about the propriety of this appointment.

The Committee noted his role as Minister for Trade and Investment required him to have contact with the Government of Kazakhstan and to make decisions that impacted on it, consistent with the UK’s objectives for a long-term commercial strategy with Kazakhstan. The Department for International Trade confirmed this provided economic opportunities for the UK financial sector in Kazakhstan and noted there was nothing improper in Lord Maude’s role in this. This mitigates the risk it may be perceived that decisions he made in office were influenced by the hope or expectation of future employment.

The Committee considered the risk that Lord Maude might unfairly advantage AIFC is low.

The Committee advised Lord Maude that this appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him as a Minister; and
• for two years from his last day in Ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of the Astana International Financial Centre, nor should he make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts in Government to influence policy or secure business on behalf of the Astana International Financial Centre.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Lord Maude in November 2017 and the appointment was subsequently taken up.

Mark Addison recused himself from this application.

2. Senior Adviser, Stephens Europe Ltd

Lord Maude sought the Committee’s advice on taking up a paid and part-time role as a Senior Adviser at Stephens Europe Ltd, a private financial services firm, which focuses on investment banking; research; public finance; institutional sales and trading; private wealth management; capital management; insurance; and private equity.

Lord Maude told the Committee his role will be to: provide advice to the Executives; make introductions; and provide advice to clients. He does not expect to have contact with Government in this role.

The Committee noted it was confirmed by Lord Maude’s former departments that they have no relationships with Stephens Europe; and that he had no previous official dealings with the organisation whilst in office. No concerns were raised about him taking up this role. As such, the Committee considered there is little risk that actions or decisions made in office were in expectation of being offered this role.

The Committee considered that given he does not expect to have contact with Government during this role, and that he has no commercially sensitive information which could give the organisation an advantage over its competitors, there is little risk that Stephens Europe will unfairly benefit as a result of employing Lord Maude. However, the Committee imposed conditions to mitigate any potential risk of unfair advantage, given his previous responsibilities within Government.

The Committee advised that, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, Lord Maude’s appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him as a Minister; and
• for two years from his last day in Ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of Stephens Europe Ltd, its parent companies, partners or subsidiaries. Nor should he make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts in Government to influence policy or secure business on behalf of Stephens Europe Ltd, its parent companies, partners or subsidiaries.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Lord Maude in August 2017 and he took up the appointment later that month.

Mark Addison recused himself from this application.

3. Advisory Board Member, Fine Instrument Fund

Lord Maude sought the Committee’s advice on taking up a paid and part-time role as an Advisory Board Member at the Fine Instrument Fund, a start-up fund, which focuses on investing in classical music instruments for capital appreciation.

The Committee took into consideration that, as this was a start up, Lord Maude confirmed he had no contact with the organisation whilst in ministerial office; nor did he have access to commercially sensitive information about it or any competitors. This was confirmed by the Department for International Trade (DIT).

The Committee also noted that the Permanent Secretaries at both DIT and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy raised no concerns about this appointment; and that 15 months had passed since his last day in office.

The Committee advised that, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, Lord Maude’s appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him as a Minister; and

• for two years from his last day in Ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of the Fine Instrument Fund, their partners or clients. Nor should he make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts within Government and/or Crown service to influence policy or secure business on behalf of the Fine Instrument Fund, its partners or clients.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Lord Maude in June 2017 and he took up the appointment later that month.

Mark Addison recused himself from this application.

4. Advisory Board Member, IFM Investors

5. Chair, Board of Brighton College International Schools

Lord Maude sought advice about taking up appointments with IFM Investors and Brighton College International Schools (BCIS).

The Committee noted that Lord Maude would become an Advisory Board member at IFM Investors, a global provider of investment services across infrastructure, debt investments, listed equities and private equity. This would be a paid role, which would involve 18 days’ work a year. He would provide advice to the executives on strategy, investors and investments.

Lord Maude would also take up the position of Chair of the Board of Brighton College International Schools (BCIS). This role would be unremunerated. BCIS was established in 2009 as a subsidiary of Brighton College to plan and set up British-curriculum schools around the world under licence to Brighton College.

When considering these applications the Committee took into account that Lord Maude had no contact with IFM Investors during his last two years in Ministerial office and the Department for International Trade (DIT) has no relationship with the company.

The Committee was also mindful that neither role would involve contact with Government, twelve months had passed since his last day in Ministerial office and Permanent Secretary at DIT had no reservations about these appointments.

The Committee advised Lord Maude that these appointments be subject to the following conditions:

• he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of yourself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him as a Minister; and

• for two years from his last day in ministerial office he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of IFM Investors or Brighton College International Schools or make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts in Government to influence policy or secure business or funding on their behalf.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Lord Maude in March 2017 and the appointments were taken up in April 2017.

Mark Addison recused himself from this application.

6. Advisory Board Member, GPW

Lord Maude sought advice on becoming a member of the advisory board of GPW, a business intelligence organisation.

The Committee noted that Lord Maude would attend advisory board meetings, potentially introducing new clients to GPW and providing advice to the executives of GPW and possibly its clients.

The Committee noted that the role would not involve contact with Government, Lord Maude had no contact with GPW while in office, and he was unaware of the company having a relationship with his former department.

The Committee advised Lord Maude that this appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• He should not draw on any privileged information available to him as a Minister;
• For two years from his last day in service, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of GPW or its partners or clients. Nor should he make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts within Government and/or Crown service to influence policy or secure business on behalf of GPW or its partners or clients.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Lord Maude in October 2016 and the appointment was taken up in June 2017.

Mark Addison recused himself from this application.

7. Chairman, Cogent Elliott Group Ltd

Lord Maude sought advice on becoming Non Executive Chairman of Cogent Elliott Group Ltd, an advertising agency.

The Committee noted that this role would involve providing strategic leadership to the company and dealing with clients as and when appropriate. It would be a part time, paid, role involving around 20 days a year.

The Committee noted that the role would not involve contact with Government, Lord Maude had no contact with them while in office, and he was unaware of them having any relationship with his former department.

The Committee advised Lord Maude that it could see no reason why he should not take up this appointment subject to the following conditions:

• He should not draw on any privileged information available to him as a Minister;
• For two years from his last day in service, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of Cogent Elliott or their partners or clients. Nor should he make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts within Government and/or Crown service to influence policy or secure business on behalf of Cogent Elliott or their partners or clients.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Lord Maude in October 2016 and the appointment was announced later that month.

Mark Addison recused himself from this application.

8. Senior Adviser, Covington & Burling LLP

Lord Maude sought advice on taking up a role as a Senior Adviser with Covington & Burling LLP.

The Committee noted that this role would involve providing advice to the firm and its clients on policy and regulatory issues, including on Brexit. The Committee noted that the role would not involve contact with Government, Lord Maude had no contact with the firm while in office, and he was unaware of them having any relationship with his former department.

It was felt that there should be a gap between Lord Maude’s time in Government and his new advisory role with Covington & Burling LLP. However, the Committee noted that a gap of over six months had already occurred since his last day in ministerial office.

The Committee advised Lord Maude that it could see no reason why he should not take up this appointment, subject to the following conditions:

• He should not draw on any privileged information available to him as a Minister;
• For two years from his last day in service, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of Covington & Burling LLP or their partners or clients. Nor should he make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts within Government and/or Crown service to influence policy or secure business on behalf of Covington & Burling LLP or their partners or clients.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Lord Maude in October 2016 and the appointment was announced later that month.

Mark Addison recused himself from this application.

9. Advisory board member, OakNorth Bank

Lord Maude sought advice from the Committee about becoming an advisory board member at OakNorth Bank, which deals with business and property finance and specialises in supporting the UK’s growth businesses. The role is a part-time, paid post advising the executives on strategy and business development.

When considering this application the Committee noted that Lord Maude had limited contact with OakNorth Bank while in Ministerial office. The Committee also took into account that Lord Maude had no involvement with any relevant policy or regulatory issues, nor did he have access to commercially sensitive information about any of OakNorth Bank’s competitors.

The Committee also considered the views of the Permanent Secretaries at FCO and BIS. There was a consensus that there should be a six-month gap between Lord Maude leaving Ministerial office and taking up this post, to prevent the perception of excessively close Government links. The Committee noted that the role would not likely include any contact or dealings with Lord Maude’s former departments or Government more generally.

Taking into account these factors, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the Committee advised Lord Maude that the appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• a six-month waiting period from his last day in Ministerial office;

• he should not draw on any privileged information available to him from his time as a Minister; and

• for two years from his last day in service, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of OakNorth Bank or its customers or clients, or make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts within Government and/or Crown service to influence policy or secure business on behalf of OakNorth Bank or its customers or clients.

The letter containing the final advice was sent in August 2016 and the appointment was announced in September.

Mark Addison recused himself from this application.

10. Non-executive director, Scale-Up Institute

Lord Maude asked for the Committee’s advice about accepting a part-time, unpaid role as a non-executive director of Scale-Up Institute, a not-for-profit organisation providing support for growing businesses.

When considering the application the Committee took into account Lord Maude’s declaration that the appointment is not likely to include any contact or dealings with his former departments or government more generally.

The Committee noted that his previous role as Minister for Trade and Investment spanned FCO and BIS and so sought views from the Permanent Secretaries at both departments. Neither department raised concerns about the appointment. BIS commented that there is no formal relationship between the organisation and the department, although Lord Maude had official dealings with its founder Sherry Coutu on a couple of occasions.

Given that the Institute has a lobbying role and there is a connection between the responsibilities of Lord Maude’s previous department (BIS) and this new role, the Committee decided that it would be appropriate to make clear that the Institute may not make use of his Whitehall contacts, whether directly or indirectly.

The Committee advised Lord Maude that, in accordance with the Government’s Business appointment Rules, the appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• He should not draw on any privileged information available to him from his time in Crown service;
• For two years from his last day in service, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of Scale-Up Institute, its partners or members, or make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts within Government and/or Crown service to influence policy or secure business on behalf of Scale-Up Institute, its partners or members.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Lord Maude in May 2016.

Mark Addison recused himself from this application.

11. Advisory board member, Anvest Partners and Independent Consultancy

Lord Maude sought the Committee’s advice on becoming an advisory board member with Anvest Partners, a real estate investment company, and about establishing an independent consultancy.

The Committee noted that Anvest Partners is a new entity, and the role would be part time and involve providing advice to the executives on strategy, investors and investments. In relation to the independent consultancy, the Committee noted that it would provide advice, especially to non-UK Governments and administrations, on various matters but particularly focused on efficiency and administrative savings. They also noted Lord Maude’s assurance that he would seek advice on specific assignments as they arise.

The Committee took into account the views of Lord Maude’s former departments - FCO, BIS and Cabinet Office - none of which raised any concerns about the proposed appointment or the consultancy.

The Committee advised Lord Maude that, in accordance with the Government’s Business appointment Rules, the appointment and consultancy be subject to the following conditions:

• He should not draw on any privileged information available to him from his time in ministerial office;
• For two years from his last day in ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of Anvest Partners, or on behalf of any of his clients or those he advises;
• For 12 months from his last day of service he should not undertake any work as a consultant which involves providing advice to any company or organisation on the terms of a bid or contract relating directly to the work of the Cabinet Office, FCO or BIS; and
• For two years from his last day of service, before accepting any new commission he should make a case directly to the Committee to confirm that each individual commission he wishes to undertake would be permissible under the approved terms of the consultancy. (If, after enquiry, the Committee takes the view that a commission is, or may be, outside the terms of the consultancy he will be expected to submit a fresh application).

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Lord Maude in April 2016 and he took up the appointment with Anvest Partners later that month.

Mark Addison recused himself from this application.