PROFESSIONALS in Bradford and surrounding areas have been urged to apply for senior roles in a bid to increase diversity at the top levels of the public sector.

Cabinet Office minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe has encouraged more people to take on leadership roles at the 300 public institutions in the UK for which the Government recruits.

They include organisations which manage flood defences, national parks, the NHS and some of the UK's biggest museums.

This month, there are almost 50 public sector appointments available across a range of organisations - and most can be carried out from anywhere in the UK.

These appointments are typically part-time, ranging from just a few days a year up to three days a week.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe said: "Public appointees get the chance to improve vital public services, get more involved with their communities, work with a wide range of talented people and make a difference to society.

"They are extremely rewarding roles and can help accelerate people's careers.

"People from all backgrounds and areas are essential to govern our public institutions in a way that works for the whole of the UK," she added.