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- Tasks: Join the UKRI Board to guide groundbreaking research and innovation across the UK.
- Company: UKRI, a leader in advancing knowledge and improving lives through research.
- Benefits: Competitive remuneration, opportunity to influence national policy, and work with diverse leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of UK research and innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong financial credentials and experience in governance or risk management.
- Other info: Initial term of 4 years with flexible meeting locations across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 9180 - 9180 £ per year.
About the Role
UKRI was founded in 2018 with a vision to drive ground-breaking research and innovation throughout the UK, whether in world-class universities, pioneering research institutes, or dynamic businesses and start-ups. By harnessing its combined strength and cross-cutting capabilities, UKRI is a key delivery partner for Government's five missions and eight industrial strategy sectors.
At the heart of UKRI's mission to "advance knowledge, improve lives, drive growth" is its Board, a collective of experts and leaders drawn from business, industry, and academia, each bringing invaluable experience to guide UKRI forwards. The Board is not only a guardian of governance and accountability, but its members work together to set priorities, challenge assumptions, and ensure UKRI remains responsive to the changing needs of the research and innovation landscape and delivers for citizens.
We are seeking to appoint a new Non-Executive Board Member with strong financial credentials and experience. This individual will play a vital role in strengthening the Board's financial expertise both directly in Board meetings and through representation on, and potentially, eventual leadership of, the Board's Audit and Risk Assurance Committee. As UKRI continues to work to stimulate enterprise growth and foster new ventures across the UK, we are especially keen to attract leaders with diverse and distinguished backgrounds from every region of the UK and beyond. The richness of experience and diversity within our Board is fundamental to UKRI's success and its ability to deliver lasting impact.
Your Skills and Experience
The UKRI Board is expected to provide clear strategic direction and oversight, promoting the importance of UK research and innovation, and supporting the senior leadership team of the organisation to embed effective ways of working across UKRI. We are seeking to complement the current Board by appointing a new Non-Executive member that can demonstrate the following experiences and attributes.
- Essential Criteria
- Proven accounting qualifications alongside experience of working in finance and/or risk management with an ability to ensure effective governance and risk management frameworks are in place.
- Knowledge: a clear understanding of the work, priorities and challenges of UKRI and the context within which it operates.
- Leadership: the ability to set strategic vision and drive forward UKRI's priorities.
One or more of the following would also be welcome:
- Extensive experience engaging with or within the devolved nations, with a strong understanding of their structures, policy frameworks, and operational dynamics.
- Previous experience serving on an Audit Committee, ideally as Chair, with a strong grasp of governance, risk, and assurance functions.
- Track record of leading or overseeing major research and development (R&D) programmes, particularly those with long-term impact.
- Experience collaborating with Government on the development and implementation of science policy, including navigating political and regulatory environments.
- Background in the life sciences, with insight into the sector's challenges, opportunities, and regulatory landscape.
Terms of Appointment
- Appointment Term: An initial period of up to 4 years.
- Remuneration: £9,180 per annum based on a day rate of £459. Please note, remuneration and expenses are taxable.
- Time Commitment: 20 days per annum.
- Location: Board meetings take place in London and Swindon and are attended in person. It is also the case that up to three meetings per year will take place in other locations across the UK.
- Nature of Appointment: This is a Public Appointment by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. The post holder would be an officeholder and would not be an employee of UKRI.
- Availability: Successful candidates will be encouraged to take up their appointment as soon as possible, following the successful completion of pre-appointment checks and security clearance. Please note, UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the individual's time with the organisation.
Timescales and Selection
The selection process will consist of an interview and presentation. There may also be further fireside discussions that take place as the process evolves. Interviews will take place in London. The timeline for this campaign is indicative and therefore subject to change.
How to Apply
Your application should be submitted in two parts. Both parts must be submitted by 23:55 on Sunday 15th February 2026 in order for your application to be considered complete. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
- Part One: CV and Statement of Suitability
- Please submit your application via the UKRI Careers Portal. You will need to supply:
- A CV
- A statement of suitability
Non-Executive Board Member in London employer: UK Shared Business Services Ltd
Contact Detail:
UK Shared Business Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Board Member in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching UKRI's mission and values. Show that you understand their goals and how your experience aligns with their needs. Tailor your responses to highlight your financial expertise and governance skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your vision for the role and how you can contribute to UKRI's success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and contributing to UKRI's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Board Member in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your financial credentials and relevant experience clearly. Keep it concise, ideally no longer than two to three pages, and tailor it to showcase how you meet the essential criteria for the Non-Executive Board Member role.
Nail Your Statement of Suitability: This is your chance to shine! Use your Statement of Suitability to explain why you're the perfect fit for UKRI. Be specific about your skills, experiences, and vision for the role. Remember to refer back to the essential criteria and use practical examples to back up your claims.
Mind the Deadline: Don’t leave it to the last minute! Make sure both parts of your application are submitted by 23:55 on Sunday 15th February 2026. Late applications won’t be considered, so set reminders and double-check everything before hitting send.
Use Our Website for Application: We encourage you to apply through the UKRI Careers Portal. It’s straightforward and ensures your application is processed correctly. If you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at publicappointments@ukri.org for help!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Shared Business Services Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of UKRI's mission and the specific challenges it faces. Brush up on recent developments in research and innovation, especially those relevant to finance and risk management. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles, particularly any experience with governance, risk management, or serving on an Audit Committee. Use specific examples to illustrate how your background aligns with the essential criteria for the Non-Executive Board Member role.
✨Strategic Vision is Key
Think about how you can contribute to setting strategic direction for UKRI. Be ready to articulate your vision for the organisation and how you would drive its priorities forward. This shows that you're not just a fit for the role, but also a proactive leader.
✨Engage with Diversity
UKRI values diverse backgrounds, so be prepared to discuss how your unique experiences can enhance the Board's effectiveness. Whether it's through regional insights or sector-specific knowledge, highlight what makes you stand out and how you can contribute to a richer Board dynamic.
