Defence Lead Non-Executive Board Member

Ministry of Defence; London; On-site; GBP 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A government agency in London is seeking a Defence Lead Non-Executive Board Member for strategic leadership. This part-time role supports the Secretary of State in guiding defense strategy and performance oversight. Ideal candidates will possess strategic expertise and strong leadership skills, aiming to contribute significantly to the department's effectiveness. This is a unique opportunity to influence defense policy over a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in relevant senior leadership roles.
• Clear understanding of the work, priorities and challenges of the Ministry of Defence.
• Experience addressing significant policy issues within the public or private sectors.

Responsibilities

• Support the Secretary of State in their role as Chair of the Defence Board.
• Challenge and contribute to the development of strategy.
• Scrutinise the performance of the organisation in meeting agreed goals.

Skills

Strategic expertise

Leadership

Communication

Relationship building

Job description

Defence Lead Non-Executive Board Member

London

£24,996 per annum

Part-time, Fixed Term

Length of term: 3 years, with potential reappointment for another 3 years, subject to performance and Ministerial agreement. This is a public appointment, not Civil Service employment.

This is an exciting time to join the Ministry of Defence. We are looking to appoint an individual with commitment and expertise to become the Lead Non-Executive Director on the Defence Board.

Non-executives bring external experience and expertise to the decisions and processes of MOD’s Board by providing collective strategic leadership to the department. Exercising their role through influence, scrutiny, challenge, and advice, they act as a trusted sounding board to the Secretary of State for Defence and senior executive leadership team.

We are looking for a candidate that is recognised for their strategic expertise, with an open and independent mind, and the courage to offer a view constructively. Candidates must have the ability to consider complex and highly sensitive issues effectively and be able to analyse and contribute to resolving difficult problems. Candidates must have a genuine interest in contributing to the effective running of the department and, as appropriate, across government.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Secretary of State in their role as Chair of the Defence Board, enabling the Board to provide effective advice, support, and challenge on departmental delivery and strategy and on the operational, commercial and delivery implications of policies;
• Constructively challenge and contribute to the development of strategy and business planning, including the setting and development of key objectives and targets;
• Work with the Permanent Secretary to scrutinise the performance of the organisation in meeting agreed goals and objectives, monitor the reporting of performance, including financial targets, and the department’s risk management processes;
• Review and monitor the Department’s reform performance;
  Support the department to deliver its plan by providing independent scrutiny, support and assurance;
• Provide external oversight and expertise to the Defence Board, underpinned by consideration from an independent standpoint, which informs the department’s decision-making process;
• Connect the Board to people and organisations who can provide different perspectives, opinions and expertise which will assist in furthering the business of the department;
• Undertake (or assist with) specific project work by agreement with the Secretary of State related to the management of the Board to assess and enhance the department’s performance (including annual Board Effectiveness Reviews);
• Work with the Government Lead Non-Executive Board Member, and Non-Executives across government, to learn from the experiences of other government departments and other comparable organisations, including playing an active role in the cross-government network of lead NEBMs and to feedback views to the Prime Minister;
• Undertake an annual assessment of the Permanent Secretary’s performance to inform the Permanent Secretary Remuneration Committee and the Cabinet Secretary;

Lead the department’s Non-Executive team, meeting the other NEBMs regularly, ensuring that they are able to fulfil their roles effectively.

About the Ministry of Defence

The Defence Purpose
We work for a secure and prosperous UK with global reach. Through strong Armed Forces and international partnerships, we protect our people, values, and interests, supporting national security and prosperity.
Context
The Civil Service supports the government in delivering public services and policy. While much of this happens within over 40 departments, 12 cross-government functions and numerous arms-length bodies also play a key role.
The MOD is one of the largest Civil Service departments, with a workforce of nearly 197,000, including civil servants and regular and reserve military personnel, serving in the UK and overseas. Our mission is to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad.
Our Priorities
Following publication of the Strategic Defence Review, the department has set out a clear shift in direction, towards warfighting readiness to enhance deterrence and reinforce security across the Euro-Atlantic. In support of this, the department is now focused on the following key priorities:

• Move to warfighting readiness - establishing a more lethal ‘integrated force’ equipped for the future, and strengthened homeland defence.
• Engine for growth - driving jobs and prosperity through a new partnership with industry, radical procurement reforms and backing UK businesses.
• ‘NATO first’ - stepping up on European security by leading in NATO, with strengthened nuclear, new tech and updated conventional capabilities.
• UK innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine - harnessing drones, data and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer.
• Whole-of-society approach - widening participation in national resilience, and renewing the Nation’s contract with those who serve.

Organisation description
The Defence Board is the senior decision-making body in MOD governance, providing leadership and directionfor the delivery of defence outputs and tasks, evaluating Departmental risks, and holding officials to account for performance.

The Board advises and assists the Defence Secretary in exercising their accountability for the policies, decisions, and actions of Defence. It is also a source of advice and assistance to the Permanent Secretary as Accounting Officer.

Regulation of appointment
This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website

Person specification
Essential criteria

Leadership: the ability to set strategic vision and drive forward priorities of the organisation with a strong track record in relevant senior leadership roles;

Knowledge: a clear understanding of the work, priorities and challenges of the Ministry of Defence and the context within which it operates;

Experience: a strong track record of delivery on significant policy issues within the private, public or voluntary sectors.

Relationship building: an ability to build strong stakeholder relationships, including with Ministers and Senior Government officials and external stakeholders;

Communication: strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, accept challenge and constructively challenge others in discussions with clarity and respect;

Desirable criteria
Experience of transforming the performance and culture of a large organisation and visibly leading significant change, with clear emphasis on outcomes and value for money;
Digital Leadership: experience applying new technologies (digital/automation/AI) in complex organisations and contexts to drive faster, smarter decision-making and improved outcomes;
Extensive business and commercial experience at the FTSE 100 or equivalent board level;
Senior thinktank, research or academic professional with a background in international relations and strategy;
A clear understanding of Whitehall departments and processes.

To apply, please click on the apply button.

Closing date: 11 August 2025.

Sifting date: 22 August 2025.

Interviews expected to end on: 19 September 2025.

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change.