At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board in governance and strategic oversight for a pioneering AI institute.
- Company: The Alan Turing Institute, UK's national hub for data science and AI.
- Benefits: Competitive remuneration, opportunity to influence national resilience and security.
- Other info: Join a transformative phase with excellent networking opportunities across government and industry.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI and data science while promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Proven board leadership experience and a passion for data science and AI.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Alan Turing Institute is the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. Founded in 2015 by five leading universities and EPSRC, the Institute develops trusted, reliable AI to strengthen UK sovereign capability and national resilience across defence, national security, climate, and the protection of critical national infrastructure.
The Institute is entering a new chapter. Following a significant strategic transformation and the appointment of Dr George Williamson CMG as Chief Executive, the Board seeks a new Chair to provide independent governance leadership at a defining moment for the organisation. The Chair will lead the Board in ensuring effective governance, strategic oversight and accountability. They will act as a senior ambassador for the Institute with government, funding bodies, defence and national security agencies, industry and the academic community, and will build a strong working partnership with the new CEO.
We are looking for candidates who bring:
- Proven board leadership experience, ideally gained through chairing or serving in a senior independent non-executive capacity in a complex, multi-stakeholder organisation.
- The standing and credibility to engage at the most senior levels of government and across the research, defence and innovation landscape.
- A demonstrable interest in data science and AI and an understanding of their significance for UK defence, national security and national resilience.
- Experience of governance oversight during periods of significant organisational change.
- A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Experience of both company and charity governance.
The appointment is for an initial three-year term, renewable for a further three years. The Chair will need to hold or be willing to obtain security clearance. The role carries remuneration, the level of which is subject to an ongoing benchmarking exercise. Details will be provided in due course.
How to apply
Perrett Laver has been appointed to support this search. To apply, please submit an application quoting reference 8506. For informal inquiries please contact Devin Dattan. The deadline for applications is on Monday 20th July 2026 at 09:00 am BST. Applications should consist of a full CV and a covering letter (no more than two pages) setting out how you meet the criteria, why you are interested in the role, and what you believe you can bring to it.
The Alan Turing Institute is committed to building a diverse community and welcomes applications from the broadest spectrum of backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments can be made for candidates with a disability.
Chair of the Board of Trustees in City of London employer: The Alan Turing Institute
The Alan Turing Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of AI security. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities to lead impactful projects in a vibrant Greater London setting. Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that shapes the future of technology.
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