At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee and oversee financial control and governance.
- Company: Join UKNNL, the UK's leading civil nuclear laboratory driving energy security and innovation.
- Benefits: Shape governance in a high-impact organisation and grow your non-executive experience.
- Other info: Diverse perspectives are welcomed to help evolve UKNNL as an inclusive organisation.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal mission for energy resilience and societal impact.
- Qualifications: Strong financial background and experience in complex risk or audit environments required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
UKNNL is the UK’s lead civil national laboratory for nuclear fission, delivering nuclear science to benefit society.
The UK’s ‘nuclear revival’ is moving at pace and is critical in the national mission to secure energy security, net-zero goals, and national resilience. UKNNL are the government's lead civil laboratory for nuclear fission, providing the science, technology and world-leading laboratories to support the country’s civil nuclear programmes, to support growth of the UK nuclear sector and ensure they are delivered safely and cost-effectively. They are pivotal in innovation on advanced nuclear fuels, waste reduction, recycling and SMRs. Their societal impact goes well beyond energy and includes medical isotopes for healthcare, national security capabilities and industrial and scientific advancement.
The Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is seeking to appoint a new Non-Executive Director for the UKNNL board.
This is a very exciting time to join the UKNNL Board as a NED and provide strategic leadership and risk oversight in one of the most complex and tightly regulated sectors. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior finance or risk leader ready to step into a significant non-executive role, or to take on their first Board committee chair position. At a time of rapid change and growth, you will help ensure UKNNL maintains a robust, transparent and forward-looking control environment, supporting confidence across government, regulators and stakeholders.
This role offers:
- The chance to shape governance in a highly regulated, high-impact organisation
- Exposure to complex strategic issues at the intersection of science, policy and delivery
- A platform to grow your non-executive portfolio and committee leadership experience
Accountabilities:
As ARAC Chair, you will lead oversight of audit, risk, financial control and assurance - central to the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities. You will:
- Chair the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee and shape its agenda
- Oversee internal and external audit, risk management and control frameworks
- Challenge the executive on risk appetite, mitigation and emerging threats
- Provide confidence to government and stakeholders on governance and accountability
- Contribute fully to Board discussions on strategy and performance
What We’re Looking For:
Essential and Desirable Criteria Alongside a sense of inquisitiveness, tenacity, freshness and new thinking to the Board, we’re looking for candidates with the following experience:
Essential criteria:
- A strong financial background (qualified accountant)
- Experience in complex risk, audit or control environments within large or complex organisations
- Excellent inter-personal skills and demonstrable capability to manage complex stakeholder relationships
- Prior experience as a member of (or of having worked very closely) with an audit and risk committee
Desirable criteria:
- Understanding of Cyber risk
- Experience as a non-executive director within a public sector body
- Familiarity with government funding/accounting
- Previous experience in supporting organisations through the change management process
You may already have some non-executive experience or be looking for a first significant Board role where your expertise can translate into wider impact.
Join us! We are particularly interested in candidates who bring new and diverse perspectives - helping UKNNL continue to evolve as a modern, inclusive and purpose-driven organisation. If you are motivated by public value, excited by complex governance challenges, and ready to contribute at Board level - we encourage you to apply.
To apply:
This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments – the independent regulator of Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website.
To apply complete the following two steps by clicking the link in each of the following:
- Register your details on the Public Appointments Website: Public Appointments Website
- Submit your application via the Hays application portal: Hays Application Portal
You will need to provide:
- Supporting Statement - Which should address your motivation in applying and the essential criteria in the Person Specification and demonstrate evidence of your suitability for the role against these criteria. Maximum length: 2 sides of A4.
- Curriculum Vitae - Maximum length: 4 sides of A4.
Please note: your application will not be considered without you completing both the Hays and Public Appointments elements including the equality and political declaration sections.
To confidentially discuss the role in further detail or request a copy of the Candidate Brief, please contact Andrew Timlin or Wendi Wang at Hays Executive.
Campaign dates:
- Closing date: 15th June 2026
- First round of interviews: W/C 22nd June 2026
- UKNNL/DESNZ/UKGI interviews: W/C 29th June 2026
The above dates are subject to change.
Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee in Cheshire employer: HAYS-2
UKNNL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the UK's nuclear sector while ensuring energy security and advancing societal benefits. With a strong focus on innovation, employee growth, and a commitment to inclusivity, UKNNL fosters a collaborative work culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages professional development. Joining UKNNL means being part of a pivotal organisation at the forefront of nuclear science, where your expertise can make a meaningful impact on national resilience and public value.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee in Cheshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the nuclear sector or related fields. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to meet key players. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Non-Executive Director role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research UKNNL thoroughly—understand their mission, values, and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your financial expertise and risk management experience can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong personal brand. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills and experiences relevant to the role. Share insights about governance and risk management to position yourself as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure to tailor your supporting statement to highlight your motivation and how you meet the essential criteria. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee in Cheshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Understand what UKNNL is all about and what they’re looking for in a Non-Executive Director. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure it clearly addresses your motivation for applying and highlights how your experience meets the essential criteria. Keep it concise but impactful—aim for no more than 2 sides of A4.
Polish Your CV:Your CV should be a snapshot of your professional journey. Highlight relevant experience, especially in finance, risk, and audit environments. Remember, you’ve got a maximum of 4 sides of A4, so make every word count!
Follow the Application Steps:Don’t forget to complete both parts of the application process! Register on the Public Appointments Website and submit your application via the Hays portal. It’s crucial to tick all the boxes, including the equality and political declaration sections.
How to prepare for a job interview at HAYS-2
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of UKNNL's role in the nuclear sector and the specific challenges they face. Brush up on recent developments in nuclear science, energy security, and risk management to show that you're not just interested, but well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your financial background and any relevant experience in audit or risk environments. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed complex stakeholder relationships and contributed to governance in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Demonstrate your inquisitiveness by preparing thoughtful questions about UKNNL's strategic direction and governance challenges. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also keen to contribute to their mission and understand their priorities.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
As a potential Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, it's crucial to convey your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've led teams through change and fostered a culture of transparency and accountability in previous positions.
