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Board Member

Greater London

External Challenge Panel

Organisation Type

Public sector

Industry / Sector

Government / Public Administration

About The Organisation

The ECP will challenge assumptions, identify risks, and offer evidence-based insights from those with relevant and senior experience of working in similarly complex organisations or on similarly difficult people related issues. The panel will;

  • Provide Independent Oversight and Challenge. Advise on the implementation and delivery of behaviour and organisational culture workstreams. Challenge Defence leaders on the pace and effectiveness of actions taken.
  • Advise and recommend. Advise senior leadership on recommended actions and the sequencing of work for short, medium, and long-term impact. Produce clear recommendations and proposals for implementation plans, and monitor progress to ensure effective, and timely responses. Provide an overall assessment to the Permanent Secretary and the Secretary of State on the strength and likely success of the work at regular intervals.
  • Drive Transparency and Confidence. Ensure conclusions and recommendations are shared with Ministers and key stakeholders. Support the department in its existing engagement and communication channels with Parliament, Cabinet Office and the Trade Unions.
  • Collaborate and align. Work closely with the Raising Our Standards (ROS) Steering Board and the Defence Culture and Behaviours Committee to maintain alignment and coherence across behavioural governance structures. Highlight leading practice from across Government and other sectors and challenge Defence to adopt these where it could prove transposable.
  • Review and prepare. Request and access relevant internal reporting and data as required and ensure any reporting or data shared by the department is fully considered and reviewed.

Position Description

This is a unique opportunity to join the Ministry of Defence’s Expert Challenge Panel, a pivotal advisory board shaping culture, standards and accountability across one of the UK’s most important institutions. As Defence embarks on an ambitious transformation to prevent and address unacceptable behaviour and build a truly respectful, inclusive environment for all personnel, the Expert Challenge Panel will be at the forefront of independent scrutiny, bold ideas and strategic insight. Members will help influence policy, strengthen reporting and prevention frameworks, and ensure that Defence delivers on its commitment to uphold the highest standards of conduct and organisational integrity.

We are seeking dynamic leaders and creative thinkers from a wide range of backgrounds and careers, examples include those with expertise in communications, law, regulation, data and impact, education, health and social care, diversity and inclusion, and youth justice.

Your voice could help drive systemic change, elevate best practice across Defence, and support an inclusive culture where every individual feels respected and valued. This is not just an advisory role; it’s a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands and contribute to lasting cultural reform at the heart of national defence.

Selection Criteria

We are seeking dynamic leaders and creative thinkers from a wide range of backgrounds and careers, examples include those with expertise in communications, law, regulation, data and impact, education, health and social care, diversity and inclusion, and youth justice.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application to ECP@kornferry.com. Please send the following information by no later than 10:00 on 13 April 2026:

  1. Your CV, with educational and professional qualifications, and full employment history, including an explanation of any gaps in your employment history.
  2. A short supporting statement of no more than two A4 sized pages (1000 words) explaining why this appointment interests you and how you can evidence your suitability for the role, with direct reference to the criteria in the ‘Experience Required’ section.

All applicants are required to create an account on the central Public Appointments application system, and complete the diversity monitoring form on their profile to be considered for this position. Korn Ferry will be happy to support you with any questions you have around this process.

1. https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/create-account

2. https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/auth/sign-in

3. Click “Apply now” – Your interest will automatically be registered

  • In your supporting statement you should provide contact details for two referees, including their names and email addresses. By providing their details you are giving consent for us to contact them should you be successful at the shortlisting stage.

Please note that references and open-source due diligence checks (including into social media accounts) will be undertaken for all short-listed candidates.

If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to attend a panel interview in order to have a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence. This could be in relation to any of the criteria set out in the vacancy description, key responsibilities and accountabilities and person specification.