The NEDExchange has been operating for over 25 years and a sample of the NED opportunities we’ve received are shown below – please contact us find out the latest opportunities.

If you’d like to find out how you could have applied for any of these positions, email NEDexchange@netscape.net or call +44 1494 483728.

5 x Non-Executive Directors required for SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College)

SRUC is a specialist institution focused on the Natural Economy, with pan-Scotland locations and a global reach. Formed in 2012, but built on a history of over 100 years, we are a young institution with a long heritage. We are quite unlike any other institution, with a tertiary education model (from FE to PhD), a world-class research base, knowledge exchange and consultancy services. Therefore, we are uniquely placed to respond to the global challenges facing us collectively, and we have the strength, courage and audacity to do it.

SRUC is in the top 5 in the UK for studying animal science and agriculture in the Guardian University rankings and, in 2024, it was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize - the highest form of national recognition open to educational institutions in the UK - for the second time. 

SRUC is home to approximately 2500 FE and HE students, 300 master’s students and 100 PhD students undertaking study over a number of courses in the domains of circular economy, planetary health and science society and business. In addition, SRUC delivered short course training to over 3000 individuals in the last year and 600 apprenticeships.

SRUC has an annual turnover of £92.3m and employs approximately 1,100 staff operating from 6 campuses, 8 farms, 24 consulting offices, 6 research centres and 5 veterinary surveillance centres located primarily across Scotland. SRUC’s main purpose is to advance education, science, research and environmental protection and improvement in the rural and land-based industries, both domestically and internationally. The commercial consultancy, and commercially focused aspects of skills training and some research activities are undertaken through SRUC Innovation Limited.

SRUC is seeking to appoint up to five new Non-Executive Directors, including individuals with the required skills to chair our Finance & Estates and Remuneration & Appointments committees. These appointments would carry the responsibilities of a Company Director and Charity Trustee.

Board Members collectively provide high-level strategic oversight and ensure that adequate control and monitoring arrangements exist to support executive management in exercising proper stewardship and working towards agreed strategic objectives. Board Members are asked to bring their expertise and experience to bear on this work.

The Board is entrusted with funds, both public and private, and has a particular duty to observe the highest standards of corporate governance.

Board Members are expected to develop an understanding of SRUC, its teaching and research mission and internal structure and culture. In addition, members are expected to build understanding of SRUC’s relationships with relevant external agencies and the Scottish and UK higher education systems.

Applications are particularly welcomed at this time from individuals with skills and experience in the following areas: 

• Audit and Risk

• Finance and Accounting (Chair of Finance & Estates Committee)

• Transformational Change and Implementation

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (Chair of Remuneration & Appointments Committee)

• Green skills, aquaculture, veterinary and food experience as these are areas we are moving into

• Commercialisation and business development 

Applications are also invited from individuals who can demonstrate experience and skills in the following areas: 

• Communication and Marketing

• Cyber Security,

• Digital Transformation

• HEI experience

SRUC is committed to ensuring that the Board represents the community, stakeholders, staff and students and welcomes expressions of interest from all suitably experienced individuals who have the experience and expertise needed to help direct and shape the organisation into the future. Expressions of interest are welcomed from applicants currently underrepresented on the Board who would further enhance its diversity.  This includes women, young people, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities.  Quote: SRUC.

Chair required for National Trust for Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is the largest member organisation in Scotland, and works in partnership with communities, as well as other charities and conservation groups, to achieve its common goals, speaking out where there’s a threat to Scotland’s nature, history or culture. The Trust cares for ancient houses, battlefields, castles, mills, gardens, coastlines, islands, mountain ranges and all the communities, plants and animals which depend upon them.

Culzean Castle, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Glencoe National Nature Reserve, St Kilda, Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve, Culloden, Bannockburn and Ben Lomond are among the jewels that are familiar to anyone who has ever lived in or visited Scotland.

The Board of Trustees of the National Trust for Scotland is responsible for the overall governance of the Trust’s activities, stewardship of its charitable assets, and the achievement of its charitable purpose to promote the conservation, access and enjoyment of Scotland’s places of historic interest or natural beauty. The Trustees are responsible for the strategic leadership and governance of the Trust rather than the day to day operations or practical delivery of the Trust’s strategy.

As the National Trust for Scotland begins the next phase of its 10-year strategy, we are seeking an exceptional candidate, with a rich tapestry of experience and ideas to Chair the Board and work with the talented senior managers and colleagues at all levels to ensure the charity is more resilient and more relevant to more people, as it looks forward to its centenary.

Quote: NATIONAL TRUST.

2 x Council Members required for the University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of top UK research universities and ranks 177th in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024) and 11th in the UK (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023).

The University has around 30,000 students from more than 150 countries, as well as alumni, academics and global university partners that bring the world to Exeter and take Exeter to the world.  Our Strategy 2030 aims to use our outstanding education, research, and global connections to lead meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis; make key breakthroughs to transform human health and wellbeing; and lead the progress towards creating a fair, socially just and inclusive society.

The University now seeks to appoint two Council Members as part of its natural replenishment of Council as existing members reach the end of their terms.  The first with a background and substantial experience in digital transformation in a relevant and comparable context, and the second, a legally qualified individual from the commercial legal world.

Members of Council are integral to the successful delivery of the strategy of the University, and we are seeking outstanding individuals with energy and passion to support us in delivering a transformational agenda.  This is an exciting opportunity to leverage the University’s regional, national, and international profile, during a period of significant change and opportunity for UK Higher Education.

Digital Transformation

The University seeks applications from individuals who bring an understanding and experience of leading large-scale digital transformation, within a context comparable in size and complexity to that of the University of Exeter.  A strategic understanding of the role that digital can play in transforming organisational processes and culture will be essential, as will an appreciation for the impact digital technologies and AI are having on education and research.

Legal Background

The University also welcomes applications from legally qualified individuals with a commercial legal background.  Recognising the complexity of the University’s operations, individuals will bring senior legal experience with a strategic understanding of matters impacting the University across governance and regulation, risk and compliance, education and research, ethics of AI, cyber and data protection.

The University of Exeter is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process it is the Council’s clear stated aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.  The University particularly welcomes applications from women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, the LGBTQ+ community and from disabled people. 

Quote: EXETER.

A Council Chair is required for Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary University of London is a prestigious Russell Group institution that stands out for not only its commitment to research and teaching, but also its dedication to social justice and social mobility. With a rich history dating back to 1785, we are proud to be a diverse community consisting of over 33,000 students and nearly 5,400 staff members from more than 170 nationalities. 

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form. Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers. It’s an approach that has brought results across the globe, from the communities of east London to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.

The University is seeking an exceptional individual to succeed Lord Clement-Jones as Chair of the University Council. We are looking for a leader who will support the University to achieve our goals, navigating the next period of our bold 2030 strategy and our ambition to be the most inclusive university of its kind, anywhere, at a time of significant challenge and opportunity.

We seek a seasoned leader with high professional and personal standing, who demonstrates excellent judgment and strategic leadership. They will have prior chair and non-executive experience, with the proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships through an inclusive and collaborative approach. Excellent interpersonal skills, political awareness, diplomacy, and strong financial acumen will be essential. Above all, our future Chair will embody our values and mission, empathise with the Queen Mary culture, and have a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and widening access.

The University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and would welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. 

Quote: QUEEN MARY.

President of the University Council is required for the University of Chester

The institution/college, which would become the University of Chester, was founded in 1839 making Chester one of the longest-established higher education institutions in the country. The University has since gone from strength to strength and now welcomes students from 115 countries worldwide.  At the heart of our vision is an unwavering commitment to an outstanding student learning experience, excellent teaching, and actively growing research and enterprise.

This is a critical point in our evolution as we seek to deliver our revised Citizen Student Strategy 2024-30. This includes exciting plans for a new academic framework and a comprehensive estates masterplan. The Chester Medical School also recently welcomed its first cohort of graduate entry medical students in Autumn 2024, and we have ambitious plans for a dynamic, place-shaping, partnership agenda.  

As part of this pivotal journey, we are seeking to appoint a new President of the University Council (Chair of Board) to succeed Meredydd David OBE in Summer 2025. We are looking for an exceptional individual, with the intellectual capacity, commercial acumen, strategic expertise, and external networks to ensure that we continue to achieve financial sustainability while further expanding our reach, reputation, impact, and profile. Proven experience in a non-executive role will be essential, along with high levels of personal and professional credibility and integrity. We are particularly interested in candidates who empathise with and can help advance our distinctive mission and purpose.  Quote: CHESTER.

Chair required for Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University‘s vision is to be recognised worldwide as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society. With around 17,000 students, we are ranked as one of the top 100 young Universities in the world and benefit from a wonderful location. We play a lead role in our regional place shaping agenda and have a commitment to partnership working that boosts local skills, advances social mobility and drives economic growth. When our staff, students and Board colleagues join us they become a part of a learning community that strives to make an impact on the world – aiming for a more sustainable, inclusive, and healthy society.

This is a critical point in the evolution of our University as the Board works with our new Vice Chancellor and CEO, Professor Alison Honour, and the Executive Team on the development of the University’s next strategic plan – BU2035. This transformational journey will centre on a new digital and technology agenda that will maximise our core strengths, including our areas of internationally leading research, our quality teaching, our leading-edge facilities and our location. Through a bold and innovative approach it will reframe how a 21st century education looks and feels, ensuring our continued financial sustainability and further increasing our reach, reputation, impact and profile regionally, nationally and globally.

As part of this ambitious journey, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair to lead our Board as our current Chair, David Furniss, comes to the end of his term of office in July 2025. We are seeking an exceptional individual with the intellectual capacity, commercial acumen, strategic expertise and external networks to act as a critical friend and support us in a non- executive capacity to drive forward our ambitions. We are particularly interested in individuals who will understand and empathise with our culture and ambitions. Proven experience of operating as a non-executive will be essential, as will high levels of personal and professional credibility and integrity.

The UK education sector is facing a period of unprecedented change and the role of Chair has never been more important. If you share our values, have the skills and experience to enable what we have planned, and can encourage an even bolder vision for the future, we would be delighted to hear from you.  Quote: BOURNEMOUTH.

3 x Non-Executive Directors (including 1 x Chair ARAC) required for Social Work England

Social Work England is a specialist body  taking a new approach to regulating  social workers in their vital roles. We believe in the power of collaboration and share a common goal with those we regulate - to protect the public, enable positive change and ultimately improve people’s lives. ​ 

Based in Sheffield, Social Work England employs around 230 staff and has an operating budget in the region of £20 million, with costs met through a combination of income from registrant fees and funding from government. 

As a non-departmental public body, we operate at arm’s length from government. Our sponsor department, the Department for Education are looking to appoint 3 non-executive directors to our board across a range of skills, including finance and commercial; data management and analytics and digital strategy; professional education experience (including continuing education) as well as those with national and non-executive director experience.

Among these 3, the Department are looking to appoint a non-executive director with specific responsibility as Chair of the Board’s Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC).

For the Chair of the Board’s Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC).  The successful candidate will have:

• Senior financial management and accounting, including audit and procurement expertise

• Experience of chairing an Audit and Risk Assurance Committee

• The development and review of internal controls and risk management systems including governance at a senior level

• An accountancy, internal or external auditing and/or legal qualification and associated professional membership e.g. CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA

Social Work England is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. This is part of its core business and demonstrates principles synonymous with being a social worker.

These are all remunerated roles with an expected time commitment of 25 days per year (+5 additional days for ARAC Chair). Quote: SOCIAL.

Chair of the Board + 5 Trustees required for the Board of ArtsEd

As one of the UK’s leading centres of conservatoire education, ArtsEd provides world-class, contemporary training that is focused on the constantly evolving needs of the performing arts industry in the 21st century. ArtsEd is unique in the combination of a performing arts secondary school, the Day School and Sixth Form, for young people from 11-18, and the Higher Education provision of degrees and diplomas in Musical Theatre and Acting alongside a broad range of evening, weekend and holiday outreach courses through ArtsEd Extra.

ArtsEd, founded more than a century ago, has a rich history, distinctive approach, and clear ethos and values. Operating out of a single site in Chiswick, our unique offering from school to degree-level education, combining a strong focus on the arts with a rigorous academic curriculum, fosters a diverse range of skills and competencies in our students, producing high calibre ‘industry ready’ talent to enter a highly competitive market. We are committed to nurturing talent in an environment that promotes outstanding teaching, exceptional pastoral care, and inclusivity. ArtsEd achieves excellent student outcomes and has an outstanding record of external review at all levels, as well as an impressive range of alumni including Julie Andrews, Angela Lansbury, Nigel Harman, Samantha Barks, Miriam Teak Lee, Jac Yarrow, and Zizi Strallen.

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will play a critical role in realising ArtsEd’s ambitions, helping us to recognise future opportunities, and to tackle challenges with confidence and agility. They will provide effective leadership to the Board of Trustees, and guidance, support and scrutiny to the Principal and the Senior Leadership Team as they develop and implement a compelling vision and new organisational strategy to ensure our success amidst a changing culture, policy and funding environment.

We are seeking a seasoned leader with Board-level experience in the private, public, or not-for-profit sectors. They will have experience as a non-executive director and will ideally have served as Chair of an appropriately complex board or committee. With outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent judgment, and strong commercial acumen, they will bring an inclusive and collegiate approach to leadership of the Board. Above all, we are seeking a new Chair of the Board who will be committed to the vision, values, and aspirations of ArtsEd, with a passion for the performing arts.

In addition, we are looking to appoint a minimum of five Trustees from a diverse range of backgrounds and communities, including those with former connections to ArtsEd. Following a review of the Board’s membership and skills mix, we are particularly seeking candidates with leadership experience in higher education and in secondary education, as well as senior finance professionals, and qualified senior legal professionals, ideally with prior experience of the creative arts or wider entertainment industry.

Proven non-executive experience is desirable, but a clear understanding of the differences between an executive and non-executive role is essential. Successful candidates will demonstrate character, resilience, and the ability to engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders in order to be highly effective ambassadors for ArtsEd. They will bring the requisite intellectual capacity, commercial acumen, and strategic expertise to provide robust challenge as critical friends. We value our open, inclusive culture and our Trustees are passionate about the positive impact we have on the lives of our students.

Additionally, whilst the above are the principal skill sets, we are seeking, we would also be open to candidates with significant experience in the performing arts industry, marketing and brand strategy, IT and digital technology, and property.

ArtsEd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Quote: ARTSED.

Independent Members required for the Council of Aston University

Born out of its community and Birmingham’s great technological flourishing in the 1870s, Aston University remains a driving force for innovation and the advancement of science, business and enterprise.  An engine of social mobility, the University sits at the heart of Birmingham, the UK’s most ethnically diverse city.  Its values of Inclusion, Entrepreneurship and Transformation underpin a restless positive energy to strive, to improve and to succeed.  As a major player in Birmingham’s Innovation Quarter, Aston University is shaping the regional digital economy, investing in health technology and shifting the dial on social inclusion and equity, and access to life-changing opportunities.

The University is seeking to add a number of new Independent Members to its Council. First-rate governance is essential to institutional success and to helping to drive the new Aston 2030 Strategy, and the University is, therefore, seeking exceptional individuals with the requisite intellectual capacity, commercial acumen and strategic expertise to add genuine value as non-executive critical friends. 

Expressions of interest are encouraged from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds and communities, and experience gained in the areas of HR, entrepreneurship, and higher education would be welcome at this time. The University is keen to increase the diversity of representation present on the Council and would particularly welcome applications from women, people with health conditions or impairments, and ethnic minority groups, that would help our Council better reflect the diversity of our University Community. Above all, it is essential that individuals are committed to Aston’s values and are able to work collaboratively with a talented executive team and Council for the benefit of all our communities.  

Quote: ASTON.

Chair required for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future of health and care services for 1.7 million people.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is a values-led organisation and one of the largest and busiest acute hospital trusts in the country. We are the local hospital for Leeds and provide specialist services for our local communities, the Yorkshire and Humber region and beyond.   

Our pioneering approach to staff engagement, values, quality and continuous improvement brings a direct benefit to the patients we treat every year. Last year, we delivered more than 1.6 million episodes of care, including 97,000 inpatient admissions, 1.2 million outpatient attendances and 344,000 attendances in our Emergency Departments.   With a turnover of £1.9 billion and employing more than 22,000 staff in seven hospitals on five sites we are an anchor institution in Leeds, and we work with academia and with industry to play a leading role in education, research and innovation.

We are also a key partner in the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), Leeds Place and the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), where we are working with partners and citizens to integrate services and ensure they meet the needs of our vibrant and diverse communities.

We do not underestimate the challenges of today’s healthcare system, but this is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of services provided to our patient population. As Chair you will be at the forefront of transforming health and care services, driving forward an ambitious agenda for integrated care and for pioneering education, research and innovation.

We are looking for an outstanding leader, capable of chairing in a complex, multi-stakeholder service environment and who must role model our Leeds Way Values. We are seeking an individual who is compassionate and inclusive, an exceptional communicator and who is able to inspire, influence and lead others, both within the Trust and beyond.

This is an opportunity to positively impact population health for our future generations in Leeds and the surrounding areas. If you share our passion, ambition and importantly our values, please read on and we look forward to receiving your application.

We value and promote diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all and appointments made on merit. We believe that the best boards are those that reflect the communities they serve.

We particularly welcome applications from women, people from the local black and minority ethnic communities, and disabled people who we know are under-represented in chair and non-executive roles.  

Our recruitment processes are conducted in accordance with the Code of Governance to ensure that they are made on merit after a fair and open process so that the best people, from the widest possible pool of candidates, are appointed.

This a competitively remunerated role for c2-3 days per week.  Quote: LEEDS.  

A Chair is required for the Board of Smart Works Scotland.

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed. 

Since opening its doors in 2014, Smart Works Scotland has supported over 2,500 unemployed women who need help getting into work. 

Our current Chair who set up the charity all those years ago, has decided that now is the right time to recruit a new Chair who can build on her amazing legacy and steer the charity through its next phase of growth. The need for our service has never been greater and with the momentum that has been built over the years, the Charity is well poised to go from strength to strength. 

The Chair position is a central leadership role within the charity, with the successful candidate drawing on their skills and experience to ensure Smart Works succeeds. We are eager to hear from anyone who is passionate about our service, has time to give and feels able to lead Smart Works Scotland through the next chapter of growth.

Working closely with their Board, the Chair is responsible for the direction, financial stability and governance of Smart Works Scotland. A key accountability will be to oversee the successful delivery of the fundraising strategy and ensure the UK-wide Smart Works strategy is effectively brought to life in the Scotland.

The current Chair gives an average of a day a week to Smart Works. It is expected the new Chair would commit at least a day a week, with more time being given at busier times of the year. This time can be fitted around other commitments.  

The role is perfect for an experienced and purposeful leader who is passionate about supporting women to transform their lives, and wants to use their skills, professional network and experience for good. 

Quote: SMART.

Independent Members required for the Board of Governors at the De Montfort University (DMU)

De Montfort University (DMU) is an ambitious, globally minded institution with a commitment to delivering quality teaching and learning, and a campus-wide focus on providing a sector-leading student experience. A culturally rich university with a commitment to the public good, it strives to maintain a stimulating and inclusive environment where staff and students are able to thrive. The university is a vibrant, multicultural hub of learning, creativity and innovation that never surrenders to convention.  

DMU’s strategy - ‘The Empowering University’ is championed by our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Katie Normington. It is designed to enable its students, staff and partners to create a fairer society. At this exciting time for the Institution, the University is seeking to add a number of new independent governors to its board; exceptional individuals with the requisite intellectual capacity, commercial acumen and strategic expertise to add genuine value as non-executive critical friends.

Expressions of interest are encouraged from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds and communities, and experience gained in the areas of audit, law, and/or individuals with executive level experience within a dynamic commercial environment which has a leaning towards young people would be particularly welcome at this time. Above all, it is essential that individuals are committed to DMU’s values of diversity and inclusivity and are able to work collaboratively with a talented executive team for the benefit of all our communities.

The board plays a crucial role in the development of the University’s vision and strategic direction with these posts offering a genuine opportunity to make a real and lasting difference.  Quote: DMU.

2 x Trustees (1 x Clinical Experience; 1 x Income Generation) required for Hospice UK

Hospice UK is the national champion for hospice care. We represent a community of more than 200 hospices from across the UK, delivering services to adults and children. Our membership includes the UK’s independent charitable hospices, two national palliative care charities and charities supporting NHS hospice services.

Every year, our hospices care for 300,000 people living with life-limiting conditions or facing the end of their life. They provide bereavement, counselling and practical support to 60,000 of those dear to them.

As the national champion for hospices, we fight to make sure hospice care is there for everyone, from every background. We fight to make sure hospices are able to deliver the best, most personalised care. We fight to make sure hospices can thrive – today and into the future. 

Over the past few years, we have made some important changes to how we work and what we intend to focus on.  We have made some significant changes to how our Board members are selected, moving to a model where all our trustees are selected for their skills, knowledge and experience.  These changes have been driven by our ambition to increase the diversity of our Board to ensure wise and supportive leadership as we turn our strategy into delivery.

We are looking to strengthen our Board with two roles, one focused around clinical experience - the core activity of hospices - and one around income generation, which of course is how we garner the resources to deliver those services.

Being part of Hospice UK means that you will have exposure to a range of high impact, national work and collaborative projects across the organisation and you can make a difference to people affected by death, dying and grief. This is an excellent time to join the organisation as it aligns with our new strategy and brand. As our Trustee, you will have the opportunity to influence the direction of Hospice UK going forward. 

Quote: HOSPICE.