Chair of Diamond Light Source Ltd Board Job in Birmingham Recruiting by Diamond Light Source

Chair of Diamond Light Source Ltd Board

Appointment Term: an initial period of four years

Remuneration: £20,000 per annum. Travel and subsistence expenses will also be reimbursed.

Location: Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire, UK

About Diamond Light Source Ltd:

Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire. It is used by over 8,000 scientists from academia and industry each year to conduct experiments across a range of disciplines, including biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, and materials science. As one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, Diamond Light Source plays a crucial role in advancing scientific research and innovation, driving economic growth, and addressing global challenges.

About the role:

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary individual to serve as the Chair of the Diamond Light Source Ltd Board. The Chair will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Board, ensuring effective governance and oversight of the organisation's activities. The successful candidate will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the executive team to shape the future direction of Diamond Light Source, fostering collaboration and innovation to maximise the impact of the facility.

For the full information on the role and requirements of the Chair position, please visit the which is also available via our Careers Portal.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic oversight covering scientific, technical, financial, governance, compliance, and risk management aspects at Diamond
• Ensure alignment with Diamond's aims, vision, and goals through appropriate strategies, plans, funding, and governance arrangements
• Facilitate effective communication and implementation of Board decisions
• Support the CEO and Executive team to achieve Diamond's overall objectives
• Maintain an environment conducive to maintaining, operating, and developing a world-class synchrotron radiation facility while fostering an inclusive and diverse scientific culture; follow good governance practices, ensure appropriate Board constitution and performance, and uphold the principles outlined in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies, including the Nolan Principles
• Fulfil roles including chairing Board meetings, serving on committees, supporting and engaging with executives, collaborating with the Company Secretary, engaging with stakeholders, ensuring effective communication, and maintaining impartiality as a voting Director

Skills and Experience:

The successful candidate will be assessed against the following criteria as part of the application process:

• experience either of leading or chairing a company or scientific research organisation, or acting as a senior non-executive director of a company or scientific research organisation with experience chairing a major sub-committee, such as a finance and audit committee;
• an interest in, and appreciation for, science and its role/value in society and to the broader economic development of the UK acknowledged success in running a large, complex organisation or equivalent, whether Government funded, academic or industrial
• an understanding of the UK science/higher education funding arena, and an understanding of the relationship with Government

The following experience and attributes will be assessed at interview:

• strong leadership and interpersonal skills and the ability to build and manage effective relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders
• strong negotiation, influencing skills, and an exceptional ability to succeed
• a fluent and persuasive communicator who can represent the organisation externally as well as internally
• a proven track record of handling difficult issues with authority and confidence;
• an appreciation of the nature of the role, and a readiness to mentor and coach, but not interfere with, the work of the executive leadership team
• strong support for the importance of good governance and demonstrable experience in delivering strong governance in a UK setting

In addition, an appreciation of the importance of synchrotron radiation facilities or detailed knowledge of a related field of science, and ability to talk with the media in relation to Diamond and the importance of science, would be an advantage but is not essential.

How to Apply:

To apply for the position of Chair of Diamond Light Source Ltd Board, please submit a CV and supporting statement/ covering letter outlining your suitability for the role against the above criteria on the UKRI Careers Portal. The closing date for applications is Sunday 5 May 2024. Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 14 June 2024 at Diamond Light Source Ltd.

Diamond Light Source is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

For any issues experienced applying online, please contact

Join us in shaping the future of scientific research and innovation at Diamond Light Source Ltd.