Advert closing date: 24 July 2026
Reports to: Chair of the Board
Role Purpose
This is an opportunity for an experienced and outward‑looking non‑executive director to help shape NPL’s next phase of growth, influence and impact. The postholder will bring independent judgement, constructive challenge and strategic insight to the Board, with particular value placed on experience gained through working directly with industry, customers and growth‑oriented organisations. In doing so, they will help the Board guide NPL towards a simpler, more customer‑centric organisation with greater external relevance and stronger commercial reach. After a period of familiarisation, this appointee will be appointed Chair of the Nominations Committee where they will translate that strategic ambition into a forward‑looking agenda for Board and executive succession, leadership capability, Board composition and effectiveness, helping to ensure that the talent, governance and leadership capacity of the organisation develop in synergy with its future direction and long‑term ambition.
Principal Responsibilities
As a non‑executive director
- Provide strategic oversight and constructive challenge to support NPL’s shift to a more customer‑centric and simpler operating model, bringing direct industry and customer insight to help the Board shape decisions that strengthen external relevance, unlock growth and widen impact.
- Contribute an independent, externally informed perspective to Board discussions, drawing on customer, market and industry experience to simplify complex choices, sharpen strategic priorities and support confident decision‑making.
- Help ensure NPL sustains strong governance, sound judgement and high standards of integrity as it pursues its strategic ambitions, with active oversight of risk, performance and organisational culture.
- Support and challenge the executive with independence and insight, always acting in the best interests of the organisation and its stakeholders as strategy is shaped and delivered.
As future Chair of the Nominations Committee
- Chair the Nominations Committee and shape a forward‑looking agenda that supports high‑quality discussion, clear decisions and effective planning for the Board and executive leadership pipeline.
- Lead a robust and inclusive approach to succession planning and appointments for the Chair, non‑executive directors, Chief Executive and where appropriate Executive Team, ensuring NPL is building the leadership capacity and capabilities needed for its next phase of growth.
- Lead the Board skills and effectiveness review, working closely with the Chair to shape Board composition, refreshment, reappointments, development and dynamics so that the Board continues to evolve in line with NPL’s strategy, talent agenda and anticipated key appointments in the years ahead.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Significant experience as a non-executive director or trustee within a substantial organisation.
- Demonstrable experience of Board governance and committee chairing.
- Credibility and authority to lead discussions on leadership, talent, and succession.
- Sound judgement, independence of thought and integrity.
- Strong interpersonal skills, able to build trust and influence at Board and executive level.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in leadership and governance.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of senior appointments and succession planning at executive or Board level.
- Prior experience chairing, or serving on, a Nominations or Governance Committee.
- Familiarity with relevant governance codes and regulatory frameworks.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic, thoughtful and analytically strong.
- Strong customer‑first mindset, with the ability to champion the external voice at Board level, intuitively connect organisational choices to customer and market impact, and balance innovation, public purpose and commercial value through sound judgement.
- Balanced in approach, able to weigh innovation against risk, assurance and trust.
- Collegial and collaborative, contributing positively to Board dynamics.
- Comfortable operating in complex stakeholder environments where scientific excellence, public accountability and commercial considerations intersect.
- Values‑led, with a strong sense of responsibility and public service.
Key Relationships
- Chief Executive Officer and Executive Team
- Company Secretary / Governance Lead
Time Commitment
The Board meets four to five times per year, typically in person at NPL’s headquarters in Teddington. In addition, non-executive directors commit time to preparation, engagement between meetings, and maintaining an informed, external perspective on the environment in which NPL operates.
Remuneration
The annual fee for services is £13,500 plus reasonable expenses.
Term of Appointment
Appointments are made for an initial three‑year term, with the potential for reappointment subject to performance and governance approval.
Security and Assurance Requirements
Appointment will subject to BPSS checks and may require higher levels of UK Government security clearance, reflecting the nature of NPL’s work.
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.
How to Apply
Please email the following information to our Executive Search Partner quoting this reference: NC NED
Jayne Parkin, Parkin Executive Search
Email: [email protected]
- CV
- A brief supporting statement outlining your interest in NPL and how you meet the criteria for the role
If you have found us through LinkedIn, please click the apply button to be taken to our website for further details.
