Non Executive Directorships

Non-Executive Director Strategic Challenge & Market Design

Location: Various

Date Posted: 21/03/2025

Closing Date: 21/04/2025

£35,000 per annum 30 days/annum

About the appointment

Introduction

Energy is the lifeblood of society and the economy. Great Britain’s increasingly complex energy system must be planned and operated in a way that considers the interactions across electricity, gas and other forms of energy. Consideration must also be given to the interdependencies with other sectors, such as water, transport, telecommunications and industry. Traditionally, the nation’s energy system has been split into the two core areas of gas and electricity, but faced with a need for fundamental transformation, the pace of change continuing to accelerate and a clear government ambition to reach ‘Clean Power’ by 2030, a single entity has been established with responsibilities across the whole energy system.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) was launched in October 2024; a new independent, government-owned body that is now translating policy into immediate strategy across the whole system. At NESO, we are bringing together activities required to deliver the plans, markets and operations of the energy system of today and the future. This builds on the legacy experience of the Electricity System Operator, where we had extensive expertise in balancing electricity supply and demand 24/7, while making sure the networks we operated and the markets we served were prepared for the future. Bringing the broader range of activities together in one organisation encourages holistic thinking on the most cost-efficient and sustainable solutions to the needs of our customers, society and the economy.

As we continue to build the skills within NESO and enhance the organisation’s governance, we are seeking a new non-executive director (NED) to join the board. As well as playing a key role in driving the organisation’s overall mission, values, and strategic direction, this NED will specifically bring the “investor mindset” to the board, underpinned with specific expertise on the changing energy market dynamics, and will therefore bring a focus and perspective on investment across the sector. They will offer critical support and challenge on NESO’s planning and recommendations, which in turn will deliver much-needed long-term certainty and stability for investors and accelerate the growth of the UK’s clean energy industries.

This is an exciting time to be at the heart of what is an unprecedented move to bring an independent, impartial voice to energy system planning and operations, and ultimately work towards optimal outcomes for energy consumers. If this opportunity excites you, and you have the skills and experience we are seeking I would be delighted to hear from you.

Dr Paul Golby CBE FREng

Chair, National Energy System Operator

Appointment description

The incoming Non-Executive Director (NED) will help with the continuing establishment of NESO as a new business and the development of its governance as an independent advisor to Government. They will help NESO navigate heightened political, industry, and public scrutiny, including by managing increased risks and ensuring robust assurance over new processes and systems.

A strong relationship between the sector and the investment community is imperative to a successful transition for the UK energy sector and therefore the board of NESO would like to appoint a NED who will bring the “investor mindset” to the board of directors with specific expertise on the changing energy market dynamics, bringing a focus and perspective on investment across the sector. They will ideally bring the voice of the investor to the board discussion, highlighting to the broader board and executive how the investment committee might react to the agenda set by NESO. They will play a central role in shaping the board’s recommendations and decisions that underpin the substantial investment required to transform the country’s energy system. NESO has already recommended, and the Government has accepted, proposals to achieve a Clean Power electricity system by 2030 and the need to secure over £40bn in annual investment. The NED will play a pivotal role as the board oversees how these investment recommendations are optimized, through careful design, to attract investors, whilst minimizing impacts on communities and ensure that their wider benefits are seized upon.

Looking ahead, NESO is also responsible for producing the first ever strategic spatial plan (SSEP) for energy out to 2050, across land and sea in Great Britain. The NED will provide strategic oversight and critical challenge as the business develops the first iteration of the plan, which will take a strategic approach considering energy needs at a national and regional level, and across different types of energy including electricity, gas and hydrogen. This whole energy system approach will also take into account societal and environmental interests, as well as safeguarding system resilience and ensuring a low-cost system.

With the NED’s input, the board will ensure the SSEP is strategically elevated, and support NESO’s aspiration for energy infrastructure planning to ultimately give investors’ confidence on where to build and when.

The NED should build strong relationships with the chair, fellow NEDs, and executive directors, fostering a culture of transparency and effective communication. Finally, the NED will be expected to support the organisation’s mission, values, and strategic direction, while ensuring that the organisation’s activities uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability.

NESO is committed to building a diverse and inclusive board and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support job applicants and ensure that you are comfortable and not disadvantaged in the recruitment and assessment process. If you require a reasonable adjustment to be made or would like to discuss your requirements in more detail, please tell us what changes you require. Reasonable adjustments are not just for people with a disability.

Board composition

The Board is composed of a dynamic mix and vibrant group of individuals, each bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence in governance and strategic oversight. Please see Appendix I for an overview of the current NESO Board of Directors.

Person specification

Essential criteria

To ensure a well-rounded Board, we seek candidates who possess the following qualifications and experiences:

We expect candidates with a track record of shaping the strategic vision of an organisation and its development, ensuring high quality corporate governance, and setting positive organisational cultures.
We value candidates with robust leadership experience, especially in complex and fast-paced organisations. Their strategic mindset and ability to navigate intricate business landscapes are crucial, while demonstrating the ability to challenge in an effective manner. Resilience to external scrutiny and political and/or institutional pressures will be needed.
Candidates must maintain independence and have no conflicts of interest.
The successful candidate will command the respect and confidence of the NESO Board and leadership and other stakeholders, including government, regulators and the industry.
We seek individuals with sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and the capacity to encourage and constructively challenge under scrutiny. An open and straightforward communication style is vital.
Commitment to the adherence of the Seven Principles of Public Life – selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

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Other Positions Available:

Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Climate Change Committee x 2

Location: Various

Date Posted: 11/04/2025

Closing Date: 11/05/2025