Independent Non Executive Director in Leatherhead

We are looking for two Independent Non Executive Directors to join our team:

• Independent NED - Finance, Audit & Risk
• Independent NED - People, Equity, Leadership & Governance

Status: Contract

Location: Remote / Hybrid with in person meetings

Time commitment: Approximately 3–6 days per month, with the expectation that this may increase during periods of intensive reform or implementation activity.

About PFEW:

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is a statutory staff association representing over 145,000 rank and file police officers across England and Wales. PFEW exists to represent and support members professionally, legally and collectively, and to act as the authoritative voice of policing in national debate.

Following recent Independent Reviews and Tribunal findings, PFEW is delivering a wide ranging transformation programme focused on strengthening governance, improving transparency, professionalising leadership and ensuring long term organisational resilience.

As part of this programme, the National Board has agreed to appoint Independent Non Executive Directors (NEDs) to enhance governance, provide independent challenge and bring external expertise into Board and committee decision making.

Status of Independent Non Executive Directors:

The National Board has approved the appointment of two Independent Non Executive Directors to sit alongside elected Board members. Under the current Police Federation Regulations 2017 and PFEW Rules, Independent Non Executive Directors cannot hold voting rights. Appointments will therefore initially be made on an interim basis as Independent Non Executive Advisers, with a clear intention to transition these roles to full voting Non Executive Director status following the necessary rule and regulatory changes.

Independent Non Executive Advisers will:

• Participate fully in National Board discussions in a non voting capacity
• Sit on, and chair, Board sub committees as required
• Provide independent challenge, assurance and external perspective during a critical phase of reform

This recruitment forms part of a phased approach to strengthening independent governance on a permanent basis.

Committee Governance Model:

Independent Non Executive Directors play a central role in the Federation’s governance framework. The National Board is supported by a small number of core committees, including committees covering finance, audit and risk; remuneration; and nominations. Independent Non Executive Directors are expected to play a leading role within this structure.

The Remuneration and Finance, Audit and Risk committees will be chaired by Independent Non Executive Directors. Where appropriate, Non Executive Directors may also sit on committees they do not chair, ensuring strong independent oversight, continuity and coherence across the governance system. Specific committee chairing arrangements will be agreed following appointment and may reflect the skills, experience and background of successful candidates.

Key Responsibilities:

Independent Non Executive Director (Finance, Audit & Risk):

The Independent Non Executive Director (Finance, Audit & Risk) will bring senior level expertise in finance, audit and risk to the National Board, strengthening financial oversight, assurance and accountability across the Federation. The postholder will play a leading governance role during a period of significant organisational change, supporting the Board in establishing robust financial controls, assurance arrangements and risk management practices aligned to the Federation’s reform objectives.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide independent judgement and constructive challenge on financial strategy, budgeting, reserves, investment and risk
• Chair and/or contribute to Board sub committees relevant to finance, audit and risk
• Oversee internal and external audit arrangements and monitor delivery of audit recommendations
• Support transparency, compliance and value for money in the use of Federation resources
• Contribute to Board discussions on strategy, governance reform, transformation and organisational resilience
• Attend National Board meetings and relevant committee meetings

Experience:

• Senior leadership experience in finance, audit or risk at Board or equivalent level
• Strong understanding of governance, assurance and complex stakeholder environments
• Prior Non Executive Director or Trustee experience

Desirable experience:

• Experience operating in public sector, regulated, membership based or not for profit organisations
• Experience chairing one or more Board or Board level committees
• Experience supporting governance reform, organisational transformation or major change programmes

Personal attributes:

• Independence of judgement and professional integrity
• Credibility and confidence to challenge constructively
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Sound political awareness and judgement in complex environments

Independent Non Executive Director (People, Leadership, Equity & Governance):

The Independent Non Executive Director (People, Leadership, Equity & Governance) will bring senior level experience in people strategy, leadership, organisational culture, equity and Board level governance to the National Board. This role is focused on governance oversight rather than operational HR. In this context, governance refers to assurance, decision quality and accountability for leadership, workforce and remuneration matters, rather than disciplinary processes or performance management activity.

The postholder will support the Board in strengthening leadership capability, succession planning, organisational culture and equity of decision making during a period of significant reform and organisational change.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide independent challenge and advice on people strategy, leadership capability, succession planning and organisational culture
• Provide Board level assurance that leadership, workforce and remuneration decisions are fair, equitable, transparent and aligned with the Federation’s values and public accountability obligations
• Chair and/or contribute to Board sub committees relevant to people, leadership and governance, in line with the agreed governance framework
• Support the Board in overseeing executive performance, remuneration frameworks and senior leadership arrangements
• Contribute to Board discussions on governance reform, organisational change and long term organisational sustainability
• Attend National Board and relevant committee meetings

Experience:

• Senior leadership experience in people strategy, organisational development, leadership or workforce governance at organisational or system level
• Strong understanding of executive remuneration, performance frameworks and succession planning
• Prior experience as a Non Executive Director or Trustee is essential

Desirable experience:

• Experience operating in complex, high profile or public interest organisations
• Experience chairing one or more Board or Board level committees
• Experience supporting governance reform, organisational transformation or cultural change

Personal attributes:

• Independence of judgement and professional integrity
• Credibility and confidence to challenge constructively at Board level
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to operate effectively in sensitive or politicised environments
• Sound political awareness and judgement