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- Tasks: Lead and guide the Board to drive impactful change in the public sector.
- Company: Public Practice, a dynamic organisation transforming public sector systems.
- Benefits: Influence meaningful change and enhance your leadership skills.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment to shape the future of public services.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, local government insight, and strategic thinking.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities for renewal and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Public Practice is at a pivotal stage, transitioning from a start-up to an established, influential organisation driving public sector system change. In the coming years, the organisation will be looking to expand its services, diversify income streams and grow its impact beyond the UK. We are recruiting a new Chair and two Non-Executive Directors to ensure the Board has the leadership and expertise to guide this next phase and maximise impact at a critical moment for the public sector.
ROLE 1: CHAIR OF THE BOARD
The Chair provides leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, strategic oversight, and support for the CEO. They act as a visible ambassador for Public Practice, strengthening its credibility with central and local government, funders, and the wider placemaking and public sector.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the Board to ensure effective governance, decision-making, and strategic oversight.
- Support, challenge, and advise the CEO while maintaining clear boundaries between governance and executive management.
- Represent Public Practice externally to funders, government, and sector partners.
- Chair Board meetings and the annual Strategy Away Day, ensuring all voices are heard.
- Guide the Board through its next phase of organisational growth, influence, and system change.
Attributes
- Leadership & vision: able to guide the Board and organisation through pivotal change.
- Local government insight: strong understanding of local government, public sector reform, innovation and place-based services.
- Governance expertise: experienced in board leadership, decision-making, and risk oversight.
- Networks & influence: established relationships across central/local government including MHCLG, funders, and the wider placemaking and local government sector.
- Strategic thinker: can see the organisation’s role in the wider system and challenge constructively.
- Bonus: previous experience as a chair or trustee in small/medium charities or mission-led organisations.
Time commitment & term
Approximately 60 hours per year; shadow from April 2026, full role from October 2026. Term: Chair role is 2 years, with potential renewal.
ROLE 2: NON-EXEC DIRECTOR – PEOPLE & CULTURE
To provide expertise and strategic oversight on HR, organisational design, and culture, supporting Public Practice to build a high-performing, inclusive, and values-driven team.
Key responsibilities
- Advise on people strategy, organisational design, and workforce planning.
- Provide guidance on equity, equality, diversity, inclusion (EEDI) initiatives.
- Support the Board in reviewing HR policies, staff wellbeing, and leadership development.
- Act as a critical friend to the CEO and executive team on people-related decisions.
- Ensure the organisation maintains strong culture and governance in HR matters.
Attributes
- HR & organisational design expertise: experienced in people strategy, team structures, and leadership development.
- EEDI champion: able to embed equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in organisational culture.
- Critical friend: offers constructive challenge while supporting the CEO and leadership team.
- Culture-focused: committed to building and sustaining a positive, values-led working environment.
- Bonus: Familiarity with local government workforce issues / organisational design and/or experience as a trustee or adviser in small/medium organisations with high-impact missions.
Time commitment and term
Approximately 60 hours per year. Term: 2 years, with potential renewal.
ROLE 3: NON-EXEC DIRECTOR – FUNDING STRATEGY & PARTNERSHIPS
To provide expertise on strategic income diversification, partnership development, and sector influence, supporting Public Practice to secure sustainable resources and strengthen its impact.
Key responsibilities
- Advise on fundraising strategy, including trusts, foundations, sponsorship, and partnerships.
- Support marketing and impact-narrative development, and sector positioning, to enhance credibility and influence.
- Act as a critical friend on business model innovation and financial sustainability.
- Facilitate introductions to potential funders, partners, or influencers where appropriate.
- Contribute to the Board’s oversight of income diversification and risk management.
Attributes
- Income diversification experience: knowledge of trusts, foundations, sponsorship, and partnership models.
- Strategic influence: can strengthen Public Practice’s impact-narrative, sector positioning, and credibility.
- Networks & facilitation: ability to connect the organisation with funders, partners, and sector influencers.
- Marketing & positioning: able to advise on brand, communications, and sector-facing messaging to enhance visibility and impact.
- Commercial acumen: understanding of sustainable business models and risk.
- Bonus: previous trustee or senior advisory experience in small/medium mission-led organisations.
Time commitment & term
Approximately 60 hours per year. Term: 3 years, with potential renewal for an additional term.
Chair and Non-Executive Directors employer: PUBLIC PRACTICE
Contact Detail:
PUBLIC PRACTICE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair and Non-Executive Directors
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for interviews by researching the organisation inside out. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in Public Practice. We want to see that passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s for a formal interview or a casual chat, being able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role is key. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at Public Practice and making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair and Non-Executive Directors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for the role, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and insights.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the specific role you’re applying for. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, showing us why you’re the perfect fit for the Chair or Non-Executive Director position.
Showcase Your Impact: We love to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to drive change, especially in public sector contexts.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at PUBLIC PRACTICE
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
For roles like Chair and Non-Executive Directors, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of governance principles. Brush up on your knowledge of effective board leadership and decision-making processes. Be ready to discuss how you can ensure strategic oversight and support for the CEO while maintaining clear boundaries.
✨Showcase Your Networks
These positions require strong connections within local government and the public sector. Prepare examples of how you've leveraged your networks to influence change or secure funding in the past. Highlighting your established relationships will demonstrate your potential impact on Public Practice.
✨Emphasise Your Strategic Thinking
As a candidate, you need to showcase your ability to think strategically about the organisation's role in the wider system. Be prepared to discuss how you would guide the Board through its next phase of growth and influence, and provide examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges before.
✨Be a Critical Friend
In these roles, being a supportive yet challenging presence is key. Think about how you can act as a 'critical friend' to the CEO and executive team. Prepare to share instances where you've provided constructive feedback while fostering a positive working environment, especially in HR and organisational design matters.