Following the Government’s decision to proceed with the development of a high speed rail network, the Department for Transport is now starting a recruitment process to strengthen HS2 Ltd’s Board.

HS2 Ltd – the company set up to develop plans for a high speed rail network – have now moved from an advisory role to become a delivery body. The main role of HS2 Ltd in the development of this project will be to undertake work and provide the advice which enables the Department to deposit a hybrid Bill with Parliament by the end of 2013. It is essential that the team leading HS2 Ltd has the right skills for the new role.

In particular, a Chair and a number of Non-Executive Directors for the Board of HS2 Ltd will be sought as Public Appointments. The Department will also be conducting a Chief Executive appointment process.

The advert for the Chair role is now open and will close on 8 February. The recruitment of the remaining roles will follow shortly afterwards, in order that the Chair can be appropriately involved in their appointment. The CEO and Non-Executive Director roles will be advertised from 13 February to 9 March 2012.

HS2 Ltd will also continue to develop route options for Phase 2 of the project, including lines from the West Midlands to Leeds and Manchester, and a spur to Heathrow. This will include engineering design work, and appraisals of sustainability. HS2 Ltd will also prepare materials and provide advice to develop and inform future consultations.

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