We are seeking four Non-Executive Directors, who bring credibility in organisations of scale and complexity. It is anticipated that two of the successful candidates will have Committee Chairing responsibilities, namely the Audit & Risk and Nominations & Remuneration Committees.
The Board is accountable to Ministers and, as a Body Corporate, has statutory fiduciary duties. The Key Responsibilities expected of Non-Executive Directors as members of the Board are as follows:
The GBE-N Board will direct the strategic development of GBE-N as it helps scale up the UK’s nuclear energy programme, with an initial focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Non-executive members will hold the GBE-N executive team, including the CEO, to account and are responsible for the institutional health of GBE-N, long-term planning, custody of assets, and overall programme prioritisation and integration.
As a collective, and under the leadership of the Chair, the Board is expected to establish a close and effective working relationship with the CEO and the executive team of GBE-N, and be available to provide them with advice and support as required. The Board will assist in the further development of a world-class management team as GBE-N progresses to deliver the UK’s SMR programme.
Non-executive members bring their expertise, knowledge, and experience, and engage collectively as part of the Board. A willingness to engage in a breadth of Board topics is essential. Non-executive members are expected to provide not only oversight but also insight and foresight into a variety of issues. Members are expected to support programme integration assurance as GBE-N’s work evolves over time.
It is expected that non-executives will typically be members of Board committees, and you may be asked to chair either GBE-N’s Audit & Risk Committee or its Nominations & Remuneration Committee.
Non-executive members are expected to both challenge and support the executive and Chair in defining and delivering the Board’s strategy. It is particularly important that the Board is equipped with an understanding of managing and financing major projects and is able to assess these in terms of underlying risks and assurance, so that it can evaluate and challenge proposals in the interests of GBE-N and the taxpayer.
The Board will support the Chair in leading GBE-N’s engagement with its key stakeholders, including industry (both in the UK and internationally), Parliament, and HM Government – including Ministers and officials in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), HM Treasury, Great British Energy (GBE), UK Government Investments (UKGI), and the Welsh Government. Additionally, the Board will support engagement with external entities such as the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), local stakeholder groups, and the supply chain. The Board will work in conjunction with the CEO and other senior executives to ensure that GBE-N proactively engages with and maintains the right profile with its stakeholders.
Person specification
The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate how they meet the following essential criteria:
Essential criteria
Prior experience on the board of a complex organisation in the public or private sector.
Experience with major programmes in the energy, nuclear, or infrastructure sectors.
Experience of shaping and implementing strategy, and delivering transformational change.
Strong communication skills, including an ability to offer challenge in a constructive, straightforward and open manner, as well as acting as an external ambassador for GBE-N.
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to navigate a complex and diverse stakeholder environment in support of government strategic priorities.
We are looking for two of the appointable candidates to have previous committee chairing credentials, in addition:
For the Audit & Risk Committee Chair: Experience of complex financial leadership, with a relevant financial qualification, or an understanding of governance requirements in public bodies.
For the Nominations & Remuneration Committee Chair: Understanding of government processes or HR related topics including remuneration, grading and organisation design.
Desirable criteria
Experience of working directly with government, particularly with respect to major projects, including on governance and cross-Whitehall approvals.
Knowledge of the global nuclear market and GBE-N’s activities.
Experience in funding and financing major infrastructure programmes, or in the construction of major projects, including familiarity with a variety of contractual models and alliancing.
Knowledge and experience of working in a highly regulated, high-hazard industry.
Understanding of cyber and information security.
Appointment term
Members will be appointed for a term of between 3-5 years, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term.
Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment. In most cases, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or ten years in any one post.
Anticipated time commitment
Members are expected to commit approximately 3 days per month to GBE-N business.
This figure is provided as a guide only to help members manage their time alongside other positions they hold. Given the nature of the work of the department, its changing priorities, and the availability, expertise, and interests of individual members, it is likely the actual work and time committed will vary. We also ask members to be willing to participate in activities at short notice or during emergencies.
Remuneration arrangements
Members will be eligible to receive an annual honorarium in recognition of their commitment to GBE-N. The annual honorarium payment is £38,754.00.
Reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will also be paid to those who incur costs whilst acting in their capacity as a GBE-N member.
Location
GBE-N is headquartered in Warrington, with the requirement to attend Board meetings in both Warrington and London.
Nature of appointment
Appointments to GBE-N are unregulated Public Appointments. Appointments will be made by the Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The post holder would be an office holder and will not become a member of the Civil Service or be subject to the provisions of employment law.
This appointment does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.
Availability
Successful applicants will be encouraged to take up their appointments as soon as possible, following the successful completion of pre-appointment checks and security clearance at required level in line with the Civil Service guidelines.
The application deadline is 23:59 on Sunday 28th September 2025.
The preferred method of application is online: please visit www.odgers.com/93986
If you are unable to apply online, please email: asha.karia-briggs@odgers.com