The time commitment varies but will be approximately 24 days per year (including preparing for meetings). The term of office will be for 5 years renewable for up to 4 further years (2 + 2). An honorarium is payable.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:
A broad understanding of the academic, philanthropic, business and private sectors
Mission and Strategy
- Commitment to, and understanding of, the mission and strategic objectives of the Foundation
- A broad understanding of social policy and social welfare
- An understanding of how the research we fund can influence policy making and practice and improve the lives and life chances of those we serve, particularly those from disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds
- An interest or background in some aspects of our strategic plan and ability to contribute to debates on priority questions
Strategic Oversight
- Strategic leadership at organisational level, including strategy development and oversight of implementation, assessing impact and organisation performance
- Significant experience in a lead role including the ability to bring fresh ideas and thinking to the Foundation with an understanding of the characteristics and ethos of the research, charity, government and public policy domains
Governance and Financial Planning
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles of good governance and the legislative framework for the operation of charities
- High level financial oversight and understanding of audit and risk imperatives
- Some experience of strategic and financial planning, balancing investment, long and short-term development with ambition
Specific Skills and Experience
- Well-developed chairing skills to encourage constructive debate and decision-making, by facilitation of disparate groups
- Knowledge of the relationship between the research and policy worlds is important for this role, together with an understanding of how to influence policy, nationally or regionally
- Some knowledge of, or scholarship in, a field relevant to the areas we fund will also be important
Personal Skills
- A skilled communicator, with well-developed influencing and networking skills.
- Comfortable cultivating positive working relationships with a wide range of contacts, stakeholders etc
- An enquiring mind and broad strategic focus with the ability to provide support and constructive analytical challenge across a broad remit
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.