AHDB Independent Board Member (Expertise in Digital, Data and Technology)

AHDB Independent Board Member (Expertise in Digital, Data and Technology)

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is seeking an Independent Board Member with digital, data and technology (DDaT) expertise to provide strategic insight and oversight on digital transformation, data strategy and technology initiatives while contributing to the wider work of the board.

AHDB is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, established in 2008 to support the agricultural sector in becoming more sustainable and competitive. The board sets the overall direction for the organisation, ensuring strong governance, financial stewardship and risk management to support a resilient and competitive agricultural sector.

Role: Independent Board Member with expertise in digital, data and technology (DDaT). Time commitment of 36 days per year (held in person approximately six times a year) with a non-pensionable remuneration of £12,600 per annum.

Responsibilities:

• Provide inspirational leadership and constructive challenge as an effective board member.
• Monitor and scrutinise organisational performance, holding the Executive to account for the achievement of strategic goals and service outcomes.
• Ensure high standards of governance by providing independent challenge and assurance on risk management, internal controls and DDaT-related risks (e.g. cyber security, data quality, resilience, supplier risk, ethical data use).
• Contribute to the development of AHDB’s strategy including in each sector.
• Support the organisation in identifying efficiencies, growth opportunities and new ways of working.
• Promote responsible, transparent and accountable data use, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory and ethical standards.
• Advise on opportunities for collaboration across sectors and across the UK using digital platforms, data sharing and knowledge exchange.
• Proven ability to develop and lead overarching strategy across an organisation, particularly in the context of digital transformation and innovation.
• A proven track record in leading and implementing large-scale digitally enabled transformation initiatives within similar complex public or private sector environments, to deliver service improvements and cost savings.
• Leadership experience of overcoming technical and delivery challenges in implementing data governance, advanced analytics capabilities and cyber security programmes, including cultural change.
• Strong ability to critically assess and advise across all stages of digital delivery, from new service design to continuous improvement, with experience of embedding digital and data into organisational strategy, planning and service delivery.
• Skilled at communicating complex digital strategy to inform clear decision making.
• Able to provide assurance that digital investments deliver measurable value for money, align with policy objectives and achieve meaningful outcomes.
• Familiarity with public and private sector digital frameworks, cyber security and AI.
• Relevant sector knowledge, professional insight and a strong network to enhance collaboration across the wider digital ecosystem.
• Awareness of the Government Digital Service Standard and other examples of benchmark good practice in digital service delivery.
• Awareness of governance, risk and assurance frameworks relevant to digital transformation in public and private sector contexts.

Application Process:

Please apply via the Public Appointment Website by 12:00 pm on 2 December 2025, quoting reference number APPT11‑25: Public Appointment Portal.

Applicants must submit:

• A CV no more than two A4 pages, including education, professional qualifications, employment history and contact details for two referees with their statements of suitability.
• A supporting statement of suitability (maximum two pages) indicating the reference number of the role and providing specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria.
• Equality information.
• Information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues.

Reasonable adjustment requests or applications under the Disability Confident scheme may be made prior to submitting the application.

The shortlisting process is expected to be completed by late December 2025, with panel interviews in late January 2026.

For further information on the appointments process, email the Public Appointments team: publicappts@defra.gov.uk or rebecca.loveday@ahdb.org.uk.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Other

Job function

• General Business, Strategy/Planning, and Information Technology

Industries

• Agriculture, Construction, Mining Machinery Manufacturing