Position Description

Ministers are seeking to recruit a Non-Executive Director to the board of Health Research Authority (HRA).

The Health Research Authority’s (HRA’s) Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) play a key role in the effective governance and leadership of the organisation. They contribute to the work of the board, both by actively participating in board discussions and more widely, contributing to the board’s governance, performance management and development of strategy for the HRA.

NEDs contribute to representing the HRA externally, maintaining (or developing where necessary) excellent relationships with a range of key partners and stakeholders such as the NHS, the public, industry, research funders and researchers, research ethics committees, other arms-length bodies, and regulators.

They are also expected to contribute across a range of specific areas, including:

• ensuring the board listens to the public and patient voice.
• ensuring appropriate financial controls are in place and risks managed accordingly.
• contributing to the development of strategy.
• ensuring that best practice is followed in leadership and people policies and behaviour.

Selection Criteria

To be considered, you must be able to demonstrate that you have the qualities, skills, and experience to meet all the essential criteria for appointment.

Essential Criteria

• A strong career track record of significant delivery at a senior level within the private, public or voluntary sectors.
• ability to operate effectively as part of a team on the board of a national public body, where you provide support, challenge and assurance.
• sound judgement, with an ability to provide effective scrutiny and challenge to the Executive and to hold them to account for the delivery of performance and strategy and delivery of digital transformation and organisational change;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to gain the confidence of colleagues within your organisation and of its stakeholders;
• demonstrable interest in promoting the work of the HRA nationally and internationally.

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate skills and experience in at least one of the following areas:

• significant expertise in major organisational change programmes, ideally in a large public sector environment, involving external stakeholders and partners.
• an ability to evidence a commitment to driving continuous improvement and value for money for the public purse.
• experience of working in or with another Government department such as the Office for Life Sciences or the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience in serving as an Executive Director or NED on a public or private sector board.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in the appointment of a NED for the HRA. The Department of Health and Social Care’s Honours and ALB Public Appointments Unit is managing this recruitment campaign.

In order to apply, please visit the website URL link and follow on screen instructions

Applications must be received by Midday on Tuesday 20 January 2026.