Non-Executive Director

Location: London/UK commitments

Remuneration: Info available in the candidate pack

Time Commitment: 2 days per month

Term Length: Each non-executive appointment is made for a term of three years. Note that in most circumstances, Non-Executive Directors can serve up to a maximum of two terms.

Closing Date: 08/06

About Connected Places Catapult:

The Catapult Network was established by Innovate UK to accelerate pioneering work and research in innovation to drive economic growth. Places will be more sustainable, regenerative and resilient, with prosperous economies, and thriving communities. We frame this definition around the human experience, and by highlighting the complexity of systems in a connected place. This is where we bring knowledge to bear, looking across transport and the built environment. When connected places work, it is good for people, prosperity, and the planet. By acting as a catalyst in the domains in which we work, we accelerate the innovation lifecycle for new products and services that address societal challenges and unlock economic growth. We work with businesses, knowledge partners, and public bodies to bridge the gap between discovery and the market so that the opportunities of innovation can be adopted and scaled in communities, towns, and cities across the country. Our purpose in the market reflects the enabling role we play in the innovation lifecycle to address market barriers. We seek to support adoption and scaling of the best innovations, both enabling the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and helping to ensure these innovations benefit more places across the UK. Bridging the gap between a promising idea and the marketplace is not easy. Many innovations fail to become real products or services because innovating can be complex, difficult, expensive, and risky. Bridging that gap is essential; a transformative idea needs to be tested in the real world, with risks mitigated and complexities navigated, to demonstrate viability and value. Most innovating businesses need support for research, testing, product development, growth, and scaling, which is where Connected Places Catapult can help. We can bridge that gap by helping to commercialise great ideas and cutting-edge research in ways that also help grow the economy and create new jobs. We focus our efforts on innovations that tackle some of our biggest social, economic and environmental challenges — both here in the UK and globally.

Role Remit:

As part of the Board, Non-Executive Directors provide strategic leadership to Connected Places Catapult and support to the Executive team whilst scrutinising the organisation’s performance and progress against its strategy and targets. Members of the Board are expected to contribute to the Projects, EDI & Sustainability Committee and at least one additional sub-committee (Audit & Risk or Remuneration & Nominations) aligned to their experience and expertise. We are open to candidates from various sectors, with particular interest in experience working with small or medium businesses, expertise in transport and infrastructure domains, and a track record in innovation or entrepreneurialism. Connected Places Catapult is committed to fostering an equitable and accessible recruitment process, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals, and ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please inform us early so we can assist.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute as an active and supportive member of the Board, directing strategic development with leadership, plans, and targets;
• Work with Board Members to provide governance and strategic oversight;
• Provide external, independent advice to the Board and Executive;
• Scrutinise and monitor the organisation’s performance against its objectives, strategy, and values;
• Challenge and support the CEO and Executive team in decision-making;
• Maintain awareness of local and national policies impacting the organisation;
• Act as an ambassador for Connected Places Catapult, representing it effectively to external stakeholders via contacts and social media, and developing relationships as appropriate;
• Maintain integrity, independence, and professionalism, handling sensitive and confidential issues appropriately;
• Possess commercial acumen with a successful track record, ideally in city and transport, finance, built environment, or place leadership;
• Have experience with governance mechanisms at Non-Executive or Executive levels;
• Exhibit strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to listen, challenge constructively, and support collective decisions;
• Demonstrate commitment to the organisation’s values, including diversity, equity, inclusion, integrity, and public service;
• Show passion and commitment to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives;
• Experience working with start-ups, SMEs, investors, or academia is desirable;
• Evidence of personal achievements in driving change and improvements in innovative environments, especially involving technology;
• Understanding of and commitment to innovation growth in the sector;
• Ability to dedicate time, including travel and events outside office hours;
• Build credible, open, and trusting relationships with stakeholders.

Candidate pack will be sent to those who apply and pass screening.