At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our board to shape strategy and ensure financial health for British Friendly.
- Company: British Friendly, a mutual insurer dedicated to member benefits since 1902.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence governance and contribute to a member-focused organisation.
- Other info: Potential for future leadership roles within the Board and Committees.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while shaping the future of our Society.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial services, board roles, and strong governance skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for two experienced candidates to join our board as Non-Executive Directors. As Members of the Board, the Non-Executive Directors together with the Chief Executive Officer are collectively responsible for fulfilling the role of the Board in running British Friendly for its long-term success in the interests of its members and other stakeholders. The Board oversees British Friendly's financial health, risk management, and strategic direction, supporting the executive team in delivering the organisation’s strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Oversight: Contribute to shaping and evaluating British Friendly’s long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with its mission and values, as well as the best interests of our members.
- Governance and Risk Management: Provide independent challenge and scrutiny of British Friendly’s risk framework, financial sustainability, and corporate strategy.
- Financial and Operational Insight: Review and interpret financial reports, budgets, and performance metrics, ensuring the organisation’s fiscal health.
- Corporate Responsibility: Uphold high ethical standards, ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting best practices in governance.
In addition, you will also join one of our Board committees which provides oversight and support, as well as constructive engagement with our Chief Executive Officer and his team.
What you will bring to the role
For the two roles our requirements are:
Role 1
- It is essential that you have:
- Relevant distribution, product or operational experience gained in financial services.
- A strong track record in financial services.
- A good understanding of the regulatory requirements.
- Previous experience as an approved person, holding an SMF in financial services.
- Board or committee experience as an Executive or Non-Executive Director.
- Demonstrable skills in providing effective challenge and support as part of a high performing board.
- A high level financial and business acumen; capable of interpreting complex issues.
- Integrity, independence, and freedom from conflicts of interest.
- Capacity to undertake the role.
- It is preferable that you have:
- An understanding and an affinity with the UK mutual sector and the key benefits of a member focused commercial entity.
- An understanding of consumer duty.
- An understanding of operational resilience.
Role 2
- It is essential that you have:
- Experience of Audit and Risk Committees, their role in governance and oversight and have an appetite to join this committee.
- A strong track record in financial services.
- A good understanding of the regulatory requirements.
- Experience as an approved person, holding an SMF in financial services.
- Board or committee experience as an Executive or Non-Executive Director.
- Demonstrable skills in providing effective challenge and support as part of a high performing board and team.
- A high level financial and business acumen; capable of interpreting complex issues.
- Integrity, independence, and freedom from conflicts of interest.
- Capacity to undertake the role.
- It is preferable that you have:
- An understanding and an affinity with the UK mutual sector and the key benefits of a member focused commercial entity.
- An understanding of consumer duty.
- An understanding of operational resilience.
Future Potential and Succession Planning
In recruiting these roles, we have a view to the future and will be interested to meet candidates who have an interest in potentially progressing to chair one of our Board Committees or the main Board as effective succession planning is a vital part of building the Board skill base and ensuring that we have the right people in place for the future. Our Board and Committee chairing roles are the British Friendly Board, The British Friendly Audit and Risk Committee and the British Friendly Remuneration and Nomination Committee. We are looking for candidates who can provide succession potential for these roles.
About British Friendly Society
British Friendly is a mutual insurer with a clear purpose: helping people protect what matters most. Founded in 1902, we have no shareholders - everything we do is for the benefit of our members. Our award-winning products include traditional investment-linked policies and modern Income Protection solutions, sold through financial advisers across the UK. In 2025, we won Outstanding Added Value (Provider) and in 2024 Outstanding Individual Income Protection at the Cover Excellence Awards.
If you’re passionate about delivering great outcomes, shaping the future of our Society, and working in a collaborative environment, British Friendly is the place for you. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
How to apply?
If you are interested in joining the team, please email the following documents to hr@britishfriendly.com:
- An up-to-date CV.
- A covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining your interest in either Role 1 or Role 2. Please use this letter to demonstrate your suitability against the essential and preferable skills and experience listed in the job description.
Non-Executive Director employer: British Friendly Society Ltd
British Friendly is an exceptional employer that values integrity, collaboration, and the long-term success of its members. With a commitment to ethical governance and a focus on employee growth, we offer unique opportunities for Non-Executive Directors to shape our strategic direction while enjoying a supportive work culture. Our inclusive environment fosters professional development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the financial services sector.
Contact Details:
British Friendly Society Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial services sector and let them know you're on the lookout for Non-Executive Director roles. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of British Friendly and its mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic goals and how you can contribute to their governance and risk management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your board experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your previous roles as an Executive or Non-Executive Director. Share specific examples of how you've provided effective challenge and support in high-performing teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the British Friendly team.
We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the role. Keep it concise, but don’t shy away from showcasing your passion for British Friendly and its mission.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Non-Executive Director roles. Use keywords from the job description to make it clear you’re a perfect fit.
Showcase Your Board Experience:If you’ve got board or committee experience, make it front and centre! Highlight specific examples where you provided effective challenge and support, as this is crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Friendly Society Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of British Friendly's mission, values, and the mutual sector. Brush up on their financial health and recent developments in the industry. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute to their long-term strategy.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in financial services, governance, and risk management. Be ready to discuss how you've provided effective challenge and support in previous board or committee settings, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their strategic direction, challenges they face, or how they measure success. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role and the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Your Values
Since integrity and independence are key for this position, be prepared to discuss how you uphold these values in your professional life. Share examples of how you've navigated conflicts of interest or maintained high ethical standards in your previous roles.
