Non-Executive Director

Health Research Authority

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is looking to appoint a Non-Executive Director to The Health Research Authority (HRA). The HRA is responsible for improving the UK’s research regulation environment, creating a streamlined approval process to help researchers develop high quality studies and to facilitate a thriving science and research environment for health that strengthens the UK’s global position. Its systems act as the gateway for research applications, ranging from observational studies in care settings, tissue banks and research databases, to large, multi-centre clinical trials of new medicines and advanced therapeutics.   

The HRA’s Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) play a key role in the effective governance and leadership of the organisation. They contribute to the work of the board, both by actively participating in board discussions and more widely, contributing to the board’s governance, performance management and development of strategy for the HRA.  

Applicants must be able to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to operate effectively as part of a team on the board of a national public body. You must also have a strong career track record of significant delivery at a senior level within the private, public or voluntary sectors and possess the skills and experience in at least one of the following areas:

•    major organisational change programmes, ideally in a large public sector environment, involving external stakeholders and partners.

•    an ability to evidence a commitment to driving continuous improvement and value for money for the public purse

•    experience of working in or with another Government department such as the Office for Life Sciences or the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology.

Remuneration will be £7,883 per annum for a time commitment of 2 to 3 days per month.  The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care determine the length of appointment, which may be for up to a maximum of 4 years.

If you require an alternative format, please call Karen Dinsdale on 0113 254 5625 or Ben Jones on 0113 254 6557 quoting the reference VAC- 9012.

The closing date for applications is midday on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.

The Department of Health and Social Care values and promotes diversity. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.