Job description Non-executive Chair, Institute of Directors

Over the last four years, directors, boards and organisations have had their business resilience, leadership and corporate governance tested, as they rose to the challenge of a global pandemic, geopolitical events, a cost-of-living crisis, Brexit’s impact and pressure to deliver on climate change and social goals. Amid unique challenges, the IoD has a crucial role to play ensuring its members are fully equipped and ready to engage as part of a more ambiguous, dynamic and globally connected world.

As the UK’s largest and longest-running organisation for professional directors, the IoD is dedicated to supporting its diverse members, encouraging entrepreneurial activity, and promoting responsible business practice for the benefit of the business community and society as a whole. It has a worldwide reputation for excellence in business leadership and governance.

The IoD is continually adapting to be relevant for and reflective of today’s leadership community. Emerging from a period of significant change, the Institute has effectively repositioned in readiness for the next stage in its evolution. It is in a stronger, more confident place with increasing membership and a better financial position. It is more diverse and reflective of the country as a whole. After a highly successful term the current Chair will be stepping down in July. We are now seeking to appoint an experienced Chair to build on this legacy and chart an agile course for the Institute in its next pivotal chapter. The IoD is at an exciting point in its development.

Working in partnership with the Director General and the Board, the Chair will define the strategic direction of the IoD to continue transforming and modernising an organisation to meet the needs of its diverse members that has real influence on future government and industry policy. The Chair will promote the IoD’s regional, national and international objectives, ensuring the organisation’s relevance to continue to attract new members and retain current members. In a relatively unique governance structure, the successful candidate will need to balance the requirements of the Institute and its Board, as well as its Council.

This role requires a Chair who epitomises the Institute’s founding values of enterprise and integrity and can act as a source of inspiration for the organisation. Their skills will be well honed, drawn from effective leadership of an organisation of scale, complexity and change, be that from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors, with a national, regional and international footprint. The Chair will be authentic and have an unrivalled understanding of the business community, their needs, and aspirations. As a key ambassador the role holder will have previous exposure to the media and be confident to operate at the highest levels of business and government. Importantly, the Chair must bring a broad perspective of the changing UK and global landscape, ability to foster entrepreneurial activity and maximise opportunities, coupled with a passion for the development of our current and next generation of future business leaders.

With a commitment of four to five days per month, this is a unique opportunity to lead the Board of a highly influential and globally renowned organisation.

For more information about the Institute of Directors, visit www.iod.com.

The Institute of Directors is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace. Applications are encouraged from all representative groups. Applications will be considered, and appointments made solely on merit.

For further information contact our retained search partner, Mullwood Partnership, on 0207 118 0608. You can apply by forwarding your cover letter and CV quoting reference A000489 to [email protected]. Closing for applications is 10th April 2024.