About the Board
The Ada Lovelace Institute Oversight Board is not a separate legal entity but is accountable to the Nuffield Foundation Board of Trustees. It works in a flexible and responsive way to support the Institute to continue to develop as a trusted and dynamic organisation, incubated by and working closely with the Nuffield Foundation team.
The Oversight Board aims to reflect the needs of the organisation, to:
- act independently
- resonate with the wider data ethics domain, the AI and tech sector, and with academia, public policy and public services
- give funders assurance that their money is well spent and demonstrates impact
- operate in a proportionate way so as not to overburden a small organisation
- have a diversity of backgrounds and demonstrate relevant experience.
More specifically, the Oversight Board will:
- oversee the strategy, performance and remit of the Ada Lovelace Institute and advise the Director and executive
- understand the interdisciplinary intellectual scope of the Institute
- ensure that the Institute adheres to good governance principles and provides assurance on relevant issues
- input into and oversee the work plan for the Institute (ensuring that the Board’s focus remains strategic, including performance and assurance)
- contribute questions for focused enquiry to the executive as they develop the research agenda, and advise on the most effective and rigorous approach for investigation or deliberation and potential partners
- review the sustainability of income in the short, medium and long term, and assess the longer-term operating model and structure
- be active ambassadors for Ada and support the Director to build networks and partnerships
- alongside the Chair, provide support to the Director on strategic organisational leadership, governance and assurance
- from time to time, provide specific input into research projects or policy initiatives on the request of the Ada executive.
The Ada Lovelace Institute Oversight Board is overseen by the Board of the Nuffield Foundation. Ada Board members do not have fiduciary responsibilities but have strategic oversight of the Institute and act as critical friends to Ada’s executive, as well as ambassadors for the Institute’s work.
Further information on Ada’s current Board members can be found here. For more information on the function and governance of the Oversight Board, you can read the terms of reference and our conflict of interest policy.
Board Member role description
We are looking to appoint to four new members to our Oversight Board, to join a group of diverse and talented individuals from different backgrounds to advise the Director and executive and oversee the strategy, performance and remit of the Ada Lovelace Institute, ensuring that the Institute can continue to increase its impact. We will be particularly interested in candidates with skills/experience in the following areas:
- Strategic vision, with experience of strategic leadership and the ability to steer delivery at organisation level.
- Government/Civil Service policy experience and/or deep understanding of the practicalities of running front-line public sector services.
- Technical expertise, with an understanding of the development and deployment of data technologies and AI and /or of industry practice in this field.
- Academic experience, with a particular interest in some of the following: social science; computer science; AI; philosophy and ethics; related areas of legal expertise, is also desirable.
Experience of building trusted, long-term relationships and partnerships with funders would be would be highly desirable, but not essential.
In addition, candidates are likely to be able to demonstrate most of the following:
- A strong interest in the intersection of technology and society and its effects on people and wellbeing.
- Credibility with a wide range of stakeholders – academic, public policy, the tech sector, and civil society – both within the United Kingdom and internationally.
- An excitement for the Ada Lovelace Institute’s vision and mission – and that of its major funder, the Nuffield Foundation
- An inclusive mindset with a clear understanding of the importance of Equity, diversity and inclusion
- An open mind and collaborative approach
- Adept at working in an interdisciplinary, collaborative culture.
- Experience managing a large or complex team, department or organisation, especially in the charitable or non-profit space, ideally including assurance and governance
- Strong communication skills.
- Broad understanding of the institutional landscape and where Ada fits in it.
- Some familiarity with fundraising, such as from trusts and foundations or research grants.
- Experience developing strategy and theories of change.
We are seeking to build a diverse board with a range of skills and backgrounds. We are particularly interested in candidates from marginalised backgrounds or those disproportionately affected by the impacts of AI on society.
Terms of appointment
- Location: Board meetings are held at our London office, or via video where necessary.
- Time commitment: The Board usually meets around 4-5 times each year. Meetings are usually scheduled for a half day. Board members should be available for consultation and support outside of meetings, however the overall commitment is not expected to exceed 6 full days each year.
- Conflicts of interest: All candidates will be asked to declare any conflicts of interest. This will be examined to see if an actual conflict exists.
- Terms of appointment: 3 year term, with the possibility of renewable once.
- Remuneration: This role offers an honorarium of £3,000 per annum.