Independent NED: Strategy, Risk & Governance in Birmingham

Birmingham City Council,

This isn’t about sitting quietly at the back of the room.

We want someone who’ll bring curiosity, challenge thinking (constructively!), share insight from their own experience, and help guide smart decisions that benefit communities.

If you enjoy big-picture thinking, meaningful influence, and working with people who care deeply about public value while keeping things practical, purposeful, and occasionally even a bit lively this could be the perfect role for you.

Role Summary

Birmingham City Council is looking to appoint two independent Non-Executive Director (NED) to act as objective members of the Board of Directors.

The NED will contribute to the strategic direction and governance of the organisation and will play a key role in ensuring that Paradise Circus is run to high standards of integrity, safety and performance, consistent with Birmingham City Council’s expectations as shareholder.

The two NED roles are to be split as follows

• 1 x NED with significant accounting experience.
• 1 x NED with significant legal experience.

Each NED will provide independent challenge, strategic insight and constructive support to the Board, helping to ensure that Paradise Circus delivers its strategy and business plans; manages risk and resources effectively; and delivers value for money and positive outcomes for Birmingham residents, the Council and other customers.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Set and oversee strategy and performance
• Shape and challenge Paradise Circus’ long‑term vision, strategy and business plans, ensuring they are realistic, evidence‑based and aligned with Birmingham City Council’s priorities and risk appetite.

Scrutinise and approve the strategic and annual business plans and hold the Board to account for their effective delivery.

• Monitor performance against agreed objectives, budgets and KPIs, challenging under‑performance and supporting corrective action where required.
• Provide assurance on risk, finance and controls
• Oversee and test the organisation’s risk management framework, ensuring key financial, operational, legal, safety and reputational risks are identified, assessed and managed.

Interrogate financial and management information so that the Board can take well‑informed decisions.

• Seek assurance that internal controls, compliance systems and assurance arrangements are robust, proportionate and improve over time.
• Uphold governance, duties and ethical standards
• Discharge your duties as a company director in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, including the duty to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its shareholder, having regard to relevant stakeholders and wider factors.

Promote and model high standards of corporate governance, in line with Paradise Circus General Partner Ltd’s Articles, Shareholder Agreement, and any relevant Birmingham City Council policies.

Uphold the Nolan Principles of Public Life (Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, Leadership) in Board behaviour and decision‑making.

• Strengthen stakeholder and shareholder relationships
• Build effective working relationships with other Board members and senior officers of Birmingham City Council.

Contribute to a transparent and constructive relationship with the Council’s shareholder governance arrangements (e. g.

Group Company Governance Committee), helping ensure clear communication of plans, risks and performance.

• Take account of stakeholder interests – including residents, customers, partners, regulators and staff – when weighing Board decisions.
• Enhance Board effectiveness, people and culture
• Contribute to Board evaluation and succession planning, including the appointment and appraisal of, where appropriate, other executive directors.

Promote a positive organisational culture that supports safety, quality, ethical behaviour, equity, diversity and inclusion, and staff wellbeing.

Participate actively in Board and committee meetings, bringing independent, evidence‑based challenge and support, and collaborating with colleagues to reach well‑reasoned decisions.

Commit to ongoing development, including induction and training on director responsibilities, Paradise Circus’ business and risk profile, and governance of local authority companies.

Person Specification

Skills and Experience

• Strong understanding of business operations, finance and corporate strategy, ideally gained in construction, infrastructure, property, built environment services or related professional services.

Demonstrable experience of operating at Board or equivalent level (executive or non‑executive), providing effective challenge and support on strategy, performance and risk.

Strong analytical skills and strategic acumen, with the ability to assess complex issues and provide sound, evidence‑based recommendations.

Understanding of effective governance, risk management and internal control, ideally in a regulated or safety‑critical environment.

Experience of working with or alongside the public sector and a clear ability to understand and navigate the constraints of council‑owned companies.

• Values and Behaviours
• High ethical standards, integrity and commitment to upholding the highest levels of corporate governance and compliance.

Commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life and to the values and expectations of Birmingham City Council as shareholder.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

Ability to work collaboratively with other Board members and senior executives while providing independent, objective challenge.

Sound judgement and the ability to provide independent, objective advice, focused on the long‑term success and sustainability of Paradise Circus.

• Personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to creating an inclusive culture for staff and stakeholders.
• Independence and Eligibility
• This role is intended to be filled by an independent external Non‑Executive Director; candidates should not be current employees or elected members of Birmingham City Council.
• Eligible to act as a company director under UK law (not disqualified, bankrupt, etc.) and willing to complete Paradise Circus’ standard fit and proper person and identity verification checks before appointment.

Able to commit the required time and to manage any potential conflicts of interest, including with other appointments or business interests.

• Be legally able to act as a company director in the UK (not disqualified, bankrupt, etc.); Be willing to complete Companies House identity verification and Birmingham City Council’s standard fit and proper person checks.
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