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- Tasks: Join a dynamic board to improve family justice and advocate for children's rights.
- Company: Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, dedicated to transforming lives through data-driven insights.
- Benefits: Honorarium of £2,000 per annum and the chance to influence real change.
- Why this job: Be a changemaker in a mission-driven organisation focused on equity and social impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading change in children's services or policy-making.
- Other info: Attend four meetings a year and engage in impactful discussions.
The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory improves the lives of children and families by using data and research evidence to hold up a mirror to the family justice system. The research we commission, synthesise or undertake ourselves helps to shed light on children and parents' experiences before, during and after their cases are heard in the family court. In publishing research, convening discussions between professionals and getting alongside innovative practice, we aim to inspire changes in practice and policy that improve children's and families' lives.
We are now looking to increase our impact as an organisation and we are developing a new strategy which will focus on working towards a family justice system which:
- Has a shared mission to help children and young people to thrive
- Enables children and families to participate in vital decisions about their lives
- Treats people fairly and with equity.
At this very exciting time for the organisation, candidates will join an enthusiastic and energetic board committed to the mission of improving the lives of families who come into contact with the FJS, driven by appetite for creating positive social impact. We are currently looking to recruit some new members to the Nuffield FJO Board as several of our existing Board members have completed their terms. We are open to applications from a variety of backgrounds, we are particularly keen to receive applications from individuals:
- Pioneering strategic changemaker(s) with experience of leading change across complex systems, ideally involving children's services with education/police/health or similar
- Individuals with knowledge of the Welsh family justice context, including a Wales-wide view of children's social care, family courts, Cafcass Cymru.
- Individuals with senior level experience of children's services (ideally a current or former Director of Children's Services)
- Government/Civil Service policy experience
- Experience of working to increase equity in access to, and experience of, public services.
Board members are expected to attend four meetings per year and undertake additional work in between meetings (such as chairing events or providing ad hoc advice). There is an honorarium of £2,000 per annum. Board members are appointed for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of a further three-year appointment.
For further information, please click through to the vacancy listing on the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory's website. To apply, candidates should email a CV and a cover letter (no longer than 2 sides of A4, and which sets out their relevant experience and motivations for applying) to . Candidates are also welcome to send any questions to this address. The closing date for applications is 09:30am (GMT) on Monday 16th February 2026 with interviews expected to take place w/c March 16th 2026. We are hopeful that successful candidates will be able to join the Board meeting taking place on Monday 23 March 2026, after which the next Board meeting takes place on Monday 20th July 2026.
Governing Board Member - Nuffield Family Justice Observatory employer: NUFFIELD FOUNDATION
Contact Detail:
NUFFIELD FOUNDATION Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Governing Board Member - Nuffield Family Justice Observatory
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory. Attend events, join discussions, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for improving children's lives.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's mission and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision of a fairer family justice system.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you have ideas on how to improve practices or policies, share them during your conversations. This shows your commitment to making a positive impact and positions you as a strategic changemaker.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the board and contributing to the mission of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory.
We think you need these skills to ace Governing Board Member - Nuffield Family Justice Observatory
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for improving the lives of children and families shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our mission and how you can contribute to making a positive impact.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that speaks directly to the role. We’re looking for strategic changemakers, so emphasise any leadership roles or initiatives you've been involved in that relate to children's services or equity in public services.
Be Concise and Clear: Keep your cover letter to no more than 2 sides of A4, as requested. We appreciate clarity and brevity, so get straight to the point about your motivations and relevant experiences. This will help us see your fit for the board quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory's website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at NUFFIELD FOUNDATION
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory's mission and recent research. Familiarise yourself with their work on improving children's lives and how your background aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead change in complex systems, especially in children's services. Highlight any relevant experience with policy-making or equity in public services, as this will resonate with the board's focus.
✨Engage with Questions
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the board's current challenges and future strategies. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your strategic thinking. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Be Yourself
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The board is looking for passionate individuals who can bring energy and fresh perspectives. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
