Member of CaSE Board of Trustees – Chair

25 Nov 2025

About CaSE

Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) exists to advocate for UK R&D, for the benefit of lives and livelihoods.

We are a charity and the leading independent voice for UK R&D, supported by a diverse membership of businesses, universities, professional bodies, research charities and individuals. Our organisational members span discovery research, science, engineering and innovation across the public, private, and charitable sectors.

We collaborate with our members, partners and the public to lend our expert voice to decisions about R&D. We specialise in developing non-partisan, responsive solutions that help R&D to thrive in ways that improve people’s lives and livelihoods.

CaSE is a small organisation that has a big impact. Recent projects have included exploring a public-led vision for the future of R&D in the UK, understanding how R&D can build stronger links with communities, highlighting the role of R&D in the Government’s five missions, mapping out the future of R&D in universities, and bringing R&D to the attention of politicians during the 2024 General Election campaign. CaSE maintains an active media presence and hosts events, such as our flagship Annual Lecture.

Our website offers more information on CaSE’s Purpose and Values, and our Board.

The opportunity

This is an opportunity to shape the UK’s leading independent voice for R&D. As Chair, you will be tasked with getting the most out of CaSE’s talented Board members and strategically channelling this to support CaSE’s small but highly productive team.

You would be taking up the role at a moment of great change and opportunity for CaSE, with a growing and integrated programme of work that is combining our strengths in shaping policy and understanding public opinion.

While the role is not remunerated, trustees can claim reasonable travel expenses.

The term of appointment is three years, with the option of a second term.

The expected time commitment is ~10 hours per month, including quarterly Board meetings, committee work and external representation.

The role

CaSE is entering an exciting new phase, with plans to further expand its impact, profile and income. With the current Chair reaching the end of their term in November 2026, the Board are seeking to appoint a new trustee to shadow the current Chair and then step into the role.

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its fiduciary, statutory, strategic, and advocacy responsibilities. They are responsible for ensuring the Board functions effectively in support of CaSE’s mission, they will act as a trusted partner to the Executive Director (ED) and adopt an ambassadorial role for CaSE with policymakers and members.

Key responsibilities for the role include:

Governance & Leadership

• Leading the Board in setting CaSE’s strategic direction, in line with its mission.
• Chairing quarterly Board meetings (alternating virtual and in-person formats), including one all-day Board Away Day, to support informed, inclusive and balanced decision-making.
• Attending the annual Remuneration Committee meeting, and the AGM.
• Support recruitment and orientation of new Board members to ensure a diverse, skilled and high-performing governing body.

Board Effectiveness

• Setting Board meeting agendas in consultation with the ED and Committees.
• Ensure Board discussions are focused, strategic and action-oriented.
• Build consensus and manage differing perspectives to reach robust conclusions.
• Model, and enforce, the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability.

Partnership with the Executive Director

• Line managing the ED with regular meetings (around once per month) to offer constructive guidance, and conducting an annual performance evaluation.
• Acting as the ED’s primary contact point with the Board and its perspectives.
• Supporting the ED to build relationships with CaSE members, funders, policymakers and broader stakeholders relevant to CaSE’s mission.
• Supporting the ED’s management of the wider CaSE team via periodic engagement with staff on key issues.

Advocacy & External Representation

• Representing CaSE as a visible ambassador in high-profile meetings, media engagements and events through the year, expected to be 1-2 per quarter.
• Partnering with the ED and senior leadership team to expand CaSE’s membership, philanthropic income and visibility among potential sponsors and members.

Who we’re seeking

Successful candidates can come from any background or sector, but will be able to demonstrate:

• Passion for science, engineering and wider R&D, and the benefits this activity can bring to lives and livelihoods across the UK.
• High integrity, independence of judgment, and a commitment to supporting CaSE to maximise the organisation’s impact against its mission.
• A record of ambitious and supportive and leadership in a complex organisation.
• Proven experience chairing a governing board or similar governance forum, and exceptional facilitation skills that can channel diverse views towards consensus.
• Personal profile and connections at the highest levels with communities that can help CaSE fund and achieve its mission, including R&D and political audiences.
• Appetite, capacity and credibility to be an ambassador for CaSE at events and meetings, the majority of which occur in London.

Application process

CaSE believes that a diverse Board is a more effective Board. We are increasing the diversity of our board to better reflect the community we represent and the wider public. With this in mind, we particularly welcome applications from those from underrepresented groups.

To apply, please submit the following to recruitment@sciencecampaign.org.uk by 23:59 on Monday 26th January 2026:

• Up to 500 words outlining your interest in the role and your relevant skills, knowledge and experience
• Your CV (2-page maximum)

We ask applicants to consider submitting a diversity monitoring form alongside their application. This confidential form has no impact on the recruitment process but enables us to evaluate and improve our recruitment process.

All information submitted will be handled in accordance with the CaSE Privacy Policy.

To discuss the role or request adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact Nesh Ismail, CaSE Office Manager (recruitment@sciencecampaign.org.uk), who can arrange a call with Ron Mobed, Chair of CaSE’s Nominations and Appointments Committee and Alicia Greated, the Executive Director.

Shortlisted candidates will be notified in February, with virtual interviews arranged in early March.

Apply for this vacancy

Closing date

26 January 2026 23:59

Salary

Voluntary

Hours

~10 hours per month