Non-Executive Director
Connected Places Catapult London
Role: Non Executive Director
Location: London/ UK commitments
Renumeration: Info available in the candidate pack
When connected places work, it is good for people, prosperity, and the planet. By acting as a catalyst in the domains in which we work, we accelerate the innovation lifecycle for new products and services that address societal challenges and unlock economic growth.
We work with businesses, knowledge partners, and public bodies to bridge the gap between discovery and the market so that the opportunities of innovation can be adopted and scaled in communities, towns, and cities across the country. Our purpose in the market reflects the enabling role we play in the innovation lifecycle to address market barriers.
We seek to support adoption and scaling of the best innovations, both enabling the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and helping to ensure these innovations benefit more places across the UK. Bridging the gap between a promising idea and the marketplace is not easy.
Many innovations fail to become real products or services because innovating can be complex, difficult, expensive, and risky. Bridging the gap between a promising idea and the marketplace is not easy. A transformative idea needs to be tested in the real world.
There are risks that must be mitigated and complexities to navigate, and it is also crucial to demonstrate viability and value. Even then, the idea might not be ready for the market. Most innovating businesses therefore need support for research, testing, product development, growth, and scaling.
We are open to considering candidates from a range of sectors. However, experience of working with small or medium businesses; expertise in the transport and infrastructure domains; and a track record in innovation or entrepreneurialism are of particular interest.
Connected Places Catapult is committed to fostering an equitable and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. We believe that a diverse range of experiences and perspectives is vital to our success in driving innovation. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and are dedicated to ensuring that our selection process is fair and transparent.
Location: London/ UK commitments
Renumeration: Info available in the candidate pack
Time Commitment: 2 days per month
Term Length: Each non-executive appointment is made for a term of three years. Note that in most circumstances, Non-Executive Directors can serve up to a maximum of two terms.
Closing Date: 08/06
About Connected Places Catapult:
The Catapult Network was established by Innovate UK to accelerate pioneering work and research in innovation to drive economic growth.
Places will be more sustainable, regenerative and resilient, with prosperous economies, and thriving communities. We frame this definition around the human experience, and by highlighting the complexity of systems in a connected place. This is where we bring knowledge to bear, looking across transport and the built environment.When connected places work, it is good for people, prosperity, and the planet. By acting as a catalyst in the domains in which we work, we accelerate the innovation lifecycle for new products and services that address societal challenges and unlock economic growth.
We work with businesses, knowledge partners, and public bodies to bridge the gap between discovery and the market so that the opportunities of innovation can be adopted and scaled in communities, towns, and cities across the country. Our purpose in the market reflects the enabling role we play in the innovation lifecycle to address market barriers.
We seek to support adoption and scaling of the best innovations, both enabling the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and helping to ensure these innovations benefit more places across the UK. Bridging the gap between a promising idea and the marketplace is not easy.
Many innovations fail to become real products or services because innovating can be complex, difficult, expensive, and risky. Bridging the gap between a promising idea and the marketplace is not easy. A transformative idea needs to be tested in the real world.
There are risks that must be mitigated and complexities to navigate, and it is also crucial to demonstrate viability and value. Even then, the idea might not be ready for the market. Most innovating businesses therefore need support for research, testing, product development, growth, and scaling.
This is where Connected Places Catapult can help. We can bridge that gap by helping to commercialise great ideas and cutting edge research in ways that also help grow the economy and create new jobs. In doing so, we focus our efforts on innovations that tackle some of our biggest social, economic and environmental challenges — both here in the UK and around the world
Role Remit:
As part of the Board, Non-Executive Directors provide strategic leadership to Connected Places Catapult and support to the Executive team whilst scrutinising the organisation’s performance and progress against its strategy and targets. Members of the Board are also expected to contribute to the Projects, EDI & Sustainability Committee and at least one additional sub-committee (Audit & Risk or Remuneration & Nominations) aligned to their experience and expertise.We are open to considering candidates from a range of sectors. However, experience of working with small or medium businesses; expertise in the transport and infrastructure domains; and a track record in innovation or entrepreneurialism are of particular interest.
Connected Places Catapult is committed to fostering an equitable and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. We believe that a diverse range of experiences and perspectives is vital to our success in driving innovation. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and are dedicated to ensuring that our selection process is fair and transparent.
If you require any reasonable accommodations to support your application or participation in the interview process due to a disability, please inform us at the earliest opportunity so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Key Responsibilities- Contribute as an active and supportive member of the Board, directing Connected Places Catapult’s strategic development through decisive leadership, clear plans and targets;
- Work with Board Members to provide governance and strategic oversight;
- Provide an external, independent perspective imparting advice to the Board and Executive accordingly;
- Scrutinise and monitor the performance of Connected Places Catapult, ensuring that it delivers in line with its core objectives, strategy and values;
- Challenge and support the CEO and Executive team in their decision making;
- Maintain an awareness of local and national policy and how it impacts on Connected Places Catapult’s work;
- Act as an ambassador for Connected Places Catapult, championing its interests locally, nationally and internationally, representing the organisation effectively to external stakeholders via your contacts and social media networks, assisting in developing effective relationships as appropriate;
- Maintain absolute integrity, independence and professionalism in view of the exposure to delicate and confidential issues at Board level.
- Commercially astute, with a successful track record of achievement, ideally within city and transport, finance, built environment and/or place leadership.
- Experienced in robust and effective governance mechanisms either at Non Executive or Executive level;
- Strong communication and influencing skills, the ability to listen effectively and challenge constructively, supporting collective decisions and balancing challenge with assurance and support;
- Clear commitment to the Catapult's values with a track record of objectivity, integrity, impartiality and honesty, with a strong commitment to public service values such as diversity, equity and inclusion;
- Demonstrate a passion and commitment to Connected Places Catapult, its strategic objectives, mission and values;
- Experience of working with the organisations/ sectors targeted by Connected Places Catapult such as start-ups, SMEs, investors or academia;
- Evidence of significant personal achievements in driving and delivering change and improvements in a fast moving, innovative environment, ideally involving technology application;
- An appreciation of Connected Places Catapult’s remit and ability to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the growth of innovation in the sector;
- Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours;
- Highly credible, with robust interpersonal skills and the ability to build openness and trust, you will foster and build productive and collaborative relationships.
Benefits
Candidate pack to be sent to those that apply and move to screening stage.
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