Chair - Genomics England (closing date for applications – 10th August 2026) United Kingdom in London

Genomics England is a global leader in enabling genomic medicine and research, focused on creating a world where everyone benefits from genomic healthcare. Building on the 100,000 Genomes Project, we support the NHS’s world‑first national whole genome sequencing service and run the growing National Genomic Research Library, alongside delivering numerous major genomics initiatives. By connecting research and clinical care at national scale, we enable immediate healthcare benefits and advances for the future. Our mission is to provide the evidence and digital systems so that by 2035 genomics could play a role in up to half of all healthcare interactions, whilst securing the UK’s position as the best place to discover, prove and benefit from genomic innovations. We are accelerating our impact and working with patients, doctors, scientists, government and industry to improve genomic testing, and help researchers access the health data and technology they need to make new medical discoveries and create more effective, targeted medicines for everybody. Behind the Healthcare and Research outcomes, Genomics England delivers through designing, developing and operating complex healthcare software systems. Today over half our headcount are directly involved in the delivery of software from Product, Design, Engineering and Bioinformatics to Data Engineering, Architecture and Service Management. We’re on the cusp of big changes with the real prospect of genomics becoming the fabric of everyday healthcare through the lifetime – from birth to old age.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a new Chair, to succeed Baroness Blackwood as she comes to the end of her term this year. This is a rare board leadership opportunity in a pioneering national body with the potential to impact the lives of millions of people. Candidates for this important and visible role are likely to be experienced chairs and/or board members, accustomed to managing complexity and to dealing with external stakeholders at an appropriately senior level, including within Government. The successful candidate will lead an exceptional Board, each member bringing a range of experience and capabilities and having a passionate interest in, and responsibility for, our work. They will provide support and challenge to our Chief Executive and work closely with key strategic stakeholders. They will also act as an ambassador and the public face of the organisation in partnership with the Chief Executive, working constructively and openly with the Department of Health and Social Care and our sole shareholder, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Qualifications

• Strong strategic capability with a significant record of achievement in the public or private sectors.
• Ability to lead the Board of a national organisation, delivering robust board level governance and accountability, and developing executive and board performance.
• An understanding of the pivotal role genomic medicine is currently playing, and can in the future play, in transforming healthcare.
• An appreciation of the complexities and opportunities presented when growing and scaling a technology and data enabled businesses or services.
• Excellent understanding of how government companies and ALBs are governed, and how government policies and political decisions impact a government company.
• An excellent communicator with experience of working in a complex, multi stakeholder environment and a track record of building effective partnerships across organisational boundaries.
• A solid commitment to the highest ethical standards of integrity and honesty.

Additional Information

• Appointment: This appointment is subject to Ministerial approval.
• Remuneration: This role shall pay to you directors’ fees of £26,600 per annum, in twelve monthly instalments, with tax and/or National Insurance contributions administered at source via the company’s payroll. No further fees shall be payable to you unless approved by the Shareholder. Reasonable expenses are also payable in accordance with our Travel and Expenses Policy, but expenses incurred in relation to travel to our London office are taxable.
• Term of appointment: Three years, renewable for a further term, and in exceptional circumstances renewal for a third term.
• Time commitment: It is anticipated that you will be required to devote approximately 4-6 days per month to your role. This will include attendance at board meetings and any other requirements to be agreed with the Shareholder and consideration of all papers prior to the meeting. By accepting the appointment, you confirm that you are able to commit sufficient time to the role to meet the Company’s expectations.

How to Apply

In order to apply, please submit a comprehensive CV along with a covering letter which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria. Please include referee details which cover six years of your most recent employment. Referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without prior permission from candidates. All applications will receive an automated response. Any postal applications should be sent direct to Peter Mason, Odgers, 20 Cannon Street, London, EC4M 6XD.

Key Dates

• Closing date for applications – 10th August
• Selected candidates will be invited to attend a preliminary interview with Odgers in early September. Then, following a formal shortlist meeting, those candidates selected for shortlist will undertake stakeholder meetings and a final interview with Genomics England due to be held in October 2026 (Date TBC).
• Due diligence will be carried out as part of the application process, which may include searches carried out via internet search engines and any public social media accounts.

Equal opportunities and our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace

Genomics England is actively committed to providing and supporting an inclusive environment that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion best practice both within our community and in any other area where we have influence. We are proud of our diverse community where everyone can come to work and feel welcomed and treated with respect regardless of any disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or social background. Genomics England’s policies of non‑discrimination and equity and will be applied fairly to all people, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, being pregnant or recently becoming a parent, race, religion or beliefs, sex or sexual orientation, length of service, whether full or part‑time or employed under a permanent or a fixed‑term contract or any other relevant factor. Genomics England does not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying at work. Such behaviour undermines our mission and core values and diminishes the dignity, respect and integrity of all parties. Our People policies outline our commitment to inclusivity. We aim to remove barriers in our recruitment processes and to be flexible with our interview processes. Should you require any adjustments that may help you to fully participate in the recruitment process, we encourage you to discuss this with us.

Culture

We have four key behaviours that represent what we would like Genomics England to feel like and the culture we want to encourage, in order for us to achieve our mission. These behaviours help us all work well together, deliver on our outcomes, celebrate our successes and share feedback with each other.