Non Executive Directorships

£950/day approx 2 days/month

Vacancy Description

Do you want to help shape and deliver one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe? If so, then you can play a key role by applying to join the HS2 Board.

HS2 is at the heart of the Government’s plans to build back better from Covid-19, creating thousands of jobs and providing certainty at a time when people need it the most.

This railway is a long-term investment which will bring our biggest cities closer together, boost productivity and provide a low-carbon alternative to cars and planes for many decades to come. HS2 will become the spine of the country’s transport network, playing a key role in achieving the transition to carbon net zero by 2050. But its transformational potential goes even further. By creating thousands of apprenticeships and tens of thousands of skilled jobs, HS2 will fire up economic growth and rebalance opportunity across this country.

The Secretary of State for Transport is seeking a Non-Executive Director to join the board of HS2 Ltd with a real opportunity to shape the direction of this critical and highly visible project.

As Non-Executive Director, you will champion the HS2 vision and objectives, challenging Board decisions where appropriate to maintain the aspired strategic direction and culture of the organisation whilst holding the leadership team to account for effective and efficient delivery against the agreed strategy and business plan. This will include offering alternative perspectives to the sector norm, with the ability to consider strategic, complex and often sensitive issues from an informed and balanced perspective. A particular focus is on driving continuous improvements in HS2’s approach to communications and engagement with communities along the route, and for driving the Government’s goal for greater transparency.

Person Specification

You will need recent and relevant Executive Board or Non-Executive Director experience with the tenacity and interpersonal skills to operate in a high-profile organisation tasked with delivering against demanding objectives. All candidates should be able demonstrate the following:

• Experience of the planning process for large, complex programmes and best practice for the associated risk management required
• Excellent insight into the public’s priorities, acquired from working in customer-facing businesses or other fields with significant public exposure
• Leadership, people and team management skills including strong coaching and development experience
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• An ability to exercise independent judgement and to constructively challenge and encourage
• The ability to drive innovation and implement change

Additionally, expertise in the following specialisms is desirable with the strongest candidates being able to demonstrate experience in each area:

• Engaging with and managing a range of communities and stakeholders
• Working with government and elected representatives

HS2 is committed to being open and inclusive to all sections of society and we welcome applications from any gender, ethnicity or any other diverse background.

How to Apply

If you wish to apply for these positions, please supply the following by 9am 1 March 2021:

A CV setting out your career history and including details of any professional qualifications.

A short supporting statement (maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 font) giving evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the criteria of the role and required specialism(s). Please provide specific examples.

In addition, you are expected to complete and return via email the supporting documentation form attached separately, relating to referees, diversity, nationality, political activity and conflicts of interest.

Completed applications should be emailed to NED_DFTShareholding@dft.gov.uk