The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is searching for Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to strengthen the organisation’s governance, strategic leadership and accountability.

This is an exciting opportunity for experienced candidates to join a Board committed to diverse perspectives, integrity and excellence and contribute to a pivotal public interest organisation safeguarding national quality infrastructure. The successful candidates will play a key role influencing our strategic direction in areas that have international impact.

Applications are invited from candidates bringing expertise in one or more of the following sectors: healthcare, forensic science, sustainability, engineering and construction.

Role overview

This prestigious role involves providing objective scrutiny, broad external perspectives and detailed analysis to support UKAS in fulfilling its mission and values. The successful candidates will also be responsible for ensuring impartiality, robust governance and alignment with sector developments.

Key responsibilities

Governance and strategy – guiding long-term strategic direction in alignment with UKAS’s role and its strategic priorities

Integrity and impartiality – ensuring that the organisation maintains independence and avoids conflicts of interest

Monitoring excellence – reviewing performance, financial sustainability, risk frameworks and organisational effectiveness

Committee contribution – serving on key board committees (for example Audit and Risk, Remuneration or Nominations)

Stakeholder insight – offering external industry perspectives and fostering engagement with government, sector stakeholders and civil society

Leadership – championing UKAS’s PRIDE (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence) values, promoting transparency and accountability

Collaborative oversight – working constructively with Board and Executive members while retaining critical independence.

Essential experience and skills:

Board or senior executive-level experience in public, private or regulated environments
Strong track record in strategic leadership, governance, financial literacy and risk oversight
Proven ability to provide independent, evidence-based challenge
Understanding of responsibilities within public interest or arms-length organisations
Commitment to ethical standards and public service values
Sector-specific expertise in one or more of the following areas: healthcare, forensic science, sustainability, engineering and construction.

Desirable expertise:

Knowledge of conformity assessment, technical standards or quality assurance
Familiarity with regulatory or arms-length bodies
Demonstrated expertise in digital transformation, encompassing the design and implementation of IT systems, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence solutions
Experience of organisational change leadership
Prior non-executive or trustee roles in public or non-profit sectors
Established networks across government, industry or internationally.

Time commitment and term

The successful candidates will need to commit approximately 10 days a year to the role and be available to attend board meetings in London. The initial term is three years (renewable, subject to performance review and member approval).

How to apply

Applications should include:

A current CV
A supporting statement addressing how you meet the criteria of the role
A declaration of any conflicts of interest or reputational matters

If you’re motivated to help guide UKAS as it continues to uphold public trust, facilitate international trade and adapt to technological change, especially in the sectors noted above, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

About UKAS

UKAS is the only National Accreditation Body for the UK, recognised by the UK Government to evaluate conformity assessment bodies (such as testing, inspection, certification, verification/validation and calibration organisations) against internationally agreed standards.

Operating as a non-profit-distributing private company in the public interest, UKAS holds a Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and plays an essential role in facilitating international trade through accreditation networks such as EA, IAF, and ILAC.

Diversity and Inclusion

UKAS is dedicated to building an inclusive Board reflective of the communities and sectors it serves.