Chair of NPL’s Science and Technology Advisory Council and Non-Executive Director of NPL

About the Role

The UK’s National Physical Laboratory is seeking a Non-Executive Director and Chair of its Science and Technology Advisory Council to join our Board.

In this role, you will chair our Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) and enjoy advocating for NPL as an external ambassador. The role will suit someone with experience in governance and leadership from business, government or academia.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do and derive great benefit from diversity of perspectives, expertise and experiences. We encourage applications from a diverse group of backgrounds, specifically valuing Black, Asian, minority ethnic and female candidates.

To give you an idea of how this role would feel, here are some of the things you could expect to do:

• Guide and influence the organisation at a strategic scientific and engineering level, providing clear and consistent leadership and scrutiny over NPL’s scientific performance
• Convene and engage a large group of independent science and engineering experts on topics of strategic imperative for the UK and NPL
• Manage a diverse group of stakeholders
• Steering the Council to a consensus or majority view
• Oversee the management of an International Science Review of NPL’s research and innovation.

NPL is the UK’s National Metrology Institute. Our role is to research, create and deliver the measurement infrastructure which underpins the UK’s prosperity and quality of life across many fields of industry.

Time commitment: 18-20 days per year.

Term: Three-year term with the potential for reappointment.

Remuneration: £13,500 pa

About You

To succeed in this position, you should have an enthusiasm for working with a mission-led organisation together with a genuine passion for creating an inclusive environment that fosters diversity by encouraging collaborative contribution.

Other requirements include but are not limited to:

• The ability to contribute to all aspects of NPL’s Board
• Respect for the government agenda and a willingness to learn
• Excellent listening, judgement, consultative and analytical skills
• Science-based commercial business understanding
• Good self-awareness
• The ability to motivate and inspire

This is an outstanding, rewarding opportunity, where you will be able to make a difference, whilst developing your own skills as part of a collaborative and successful team. If this role motivates you, please apply. 

If you would like to arrange a conversation to discuss the position in more detail, please email info@decisionsforgrowth.com

Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

About The Company

NPL, BEIS and HM Treasury have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and BAME candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

We’re transforming. As a national laboratory, we’re exploring even more commercial routes to market and that’s presenting us with greater opportunity – for you and us. Our success relies on the diversity and talent of our people, we strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued and supported to excel in their chosen field. This value is at the core of our organisation.

At NPL we are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. NPL’s values are at the heart of what we do and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.

As part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we signed up to the Institute of Physics' Project Juno in 2015 as a Juno Supporter. NPL were proud to be awarded Juno Practitioner status in 2018. NPL also joined Stonewall as a Diversity champion in 2015, participating in their annual Workplace Equality Index for the equality of LGBT+ community at NPL. In 2018, NPL became a member of the Business Disability Forum and joined the disability confident scheme as level 1 committed employer.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.