We are currently looking to recruit four additional members to the Nuffield FJO Board to help us achieve our goals. We are open to applications from a variety of backgrounds, in particular we are keen to receive applications from individuals who are:
- Pioneering strategic changemaker(s) with experience of leading change across complex systems, ideally children’s social care, family courts but also health/education or other areas
- Individuals with knowledge of the Welsh family justice context, including a Wales-wide view of children’s social care, family courts, Cafcass Cymru
- A member of the judiciary with leadership experience and an innovation mindset (ideally a Designated Family Judge).
The Nuffield FJO Board is strongly committed to ensuring that the experiences of children and families are better understood and more visible within the family justice system. The Board has a commitment to equality and diversity underpinning all its work, recognising that different forms of inequalities combine to affect children and families in the family justice system and that Nuffield FJO’s work needs to illuminate and address these inequalities. We will expect all applicants to be committed to this approach.
Candidates will need to demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory and its mission, with an appetite for creating positive social impact. Board members will be expected to act collegiately and contribute to the wider board and strategy of the organisation, beyond their own expertise. We are looking for individuals who are adept at understanding a range of views which are sometimes sharply at odds with each other and being able to steer the Nuffield FJO through these so that it is seen as truly representative and independent.
Board members will be expected to work closely with the Chair to:
- Adhere to good governance principles
- Set the strategy to fulfil the mission and remit of the Nuffield FJO, ensuring that the Nuffield FJO aims are delivered effectively and sustainably
- Review the work programme and budget to ensure that is in line with organisation’s strategy
- Scan the horizon and consider the context in which Nuffield FJO is operating in order to anticipate future opportunities and risks
- Consider the sustainability of the organisation in the medium and long term
- Act as ambassadors for the Nuffield FJO, including attending or leading Nuffield FJO events if required.
Board members must have:
- A commitment and in-depth understanding of the aims and vision of the organisation
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
- Strategic vision
- Integrity, good and independent judgement
- An ability to think creatively
- A willingness to speak their mind
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- Tact and diplomacy
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.