Chair and Non-Executive Directors

Public Practice is at a pivotal stage, transitioning from a start-up to an established, influential organisation driving public sector system change. In the coming years, the organisation will be looking to expand its services, diversify income streams and grow its impact beyond the UK.

We are recruiting a new Chair and two Non-Executive Directors to ensure the Board has the leadership and expertise to guide this next phase and maximise impact at a critical moment for the public sector.

ROLE 1: CHAIR OF THE BOARD

The Chair provides leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, strategic oversight, and support for the CEO. They act as a visible ambassador for Public Practice, strengthening its credibility with central and local government, funders, and the wider placemaking and public sector.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Board to ensure effective governance, decision-making, and strategic oversight.

• Support, challenge, and advise the CEO while maintaining clear boundaries between governance and executive management.

• Represent Public Practice externally to funders, government, and sector partners.

• Chair Board meetings and the annual Strategy Away Day, ensuring all voices are heard.

• Guide the Board through its next phase of organisational growth, influence, and system change.

Attributes

• Leadership & vision: able to guide the Board and organisation through pivotal change.

• Local government insight: strong understanding of local government, public sector reform, innovation and place-based services.
  Governance expertise: experienced in board leadership, decision-making, and risk oversight.

• Networks & influence: established relationships across central/local government including MHCLG, funders, and the wider placemaking and local government sector.

• Strategic thinker: can see the organisation's role in the wider system and challenge constructively.

Bonus: previous experience as a chair or trustee in small/medium charities or mission-led organisations.

Time commitment & term

• Approximately 60 hours per year; shadow from April 2026, full role from October 2026.

• Term: Chair role is 2 years, with potential renewal.

ROLE 2: NON-EXEC DIRECTOR - PEOPLE & CULTURE

To provide expertise and strategic oversight on HR, organisational design, and culture, supporting Public Practice to build a high-performing, inclusive, and values-driven team.

Key responsibilities

• Advise on people strategy, organisational design, and workforce planning.

• Provide guidance on equity, equality, diversity, inclusion (EEDI) initiatives.

• Support the Board in reviewing HR policies, staff wellbeing, and leadership development.

• Act as a critical friend to the CEO and executive team on people-related decisions.

• Ensure the organisation maintains strong culture and governance in HR matters.

Attributes

• HR & organisational design expertise: experienced in people strategy, team structures, and leadership development.

• EEDI champion: able to embed equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in organisational culture.

• Critical friend: offers constructive challenge while supporting the CEO and leadership team.

• Culture-focused: committed to building and sustaining a positive, values-led working environment.

Bonus: Familiarity with local government workforce issues / organisational design and/or experience as a trustee or adviser in small/medium organisations with high-impact missions.

Time commitment and term

• Approximately 60 hours per year.

• Term: 2 years, with potential renewal.

ROLE 3: NON-EXEC DIRECTOR - FUNDING STRATEGY & PARTNERSHIPS

To provide expertise on strategic income diversification, partnership development, and sector influence, supporting Public Practice to secure sustainable resources and strengthen its impact.

Key responsibilities

• Advise on fundraising strategy, including trusts, foundations, sponsorship, and partnerships.

• Support marketing and impact-narrative development, and sector positioning, to enhance credibility and influence.

• Act as a critical friend on business model innovation and financial sustainability.

• Facilitate introductions to potential funders, partners, or influencers where appropriate.

• Contribute to the Board's oversight of income diversification and risk management.

Attributes

• Income diversification experience: knowledge of trusts, foundations, sponsorship, and partnership models.

• Strategic influence: can strengthen Public Practice's impact-narrative, sector positioning, and credibility.

• Networks & facilitation: ability to connect the organisation with funders, partners, and sector influencers.

• Marketing & positioning: able to advise on brand, communications, and sector-facing messaging to enhance visibility and impact.

• Commercial acumen: understanding of sustainable business models and risk.

Bonus: previous trustee or senior advisory experience in small/medium mission-led organisations.

Time commitment & term

• Approximately 60 hours per year.

• Term: 3 years, with potential renewal for an additional term