CPI
Founded in 2004 to help companies embrace and prosper from new technologies and knowledge, CPI is an independent, not for profit technology innovation centre and part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. We work with universities, investors, SMEs and large corporates to translate inventions and concepts into products and processes that enhance health and well-being, protect and improve our environment and increase productivity across industries.
Our deep understanding of innovation processes combined with our 2 outstanding technical expertise and facilities enable our partners to quickly and cost-effectively bring new products to market. In doing so, we support the development of next-generation manufacturing organisations which require highly skilled jobs and will result in sustained economic growth for the UK.
We support major markets such as; pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, electronics, food, agriculture, and energy through our dedicated innovation centres across the North East of England and Scotland.
The role of the Non-Executive Director is to act as an independent Board member, upholding the highest standards of integrity and supporting the Chair to instil appropriate values, behaviours and culture in the boardroom and beyond. Equally important is to be an active advocate for CPI in the market, engaging with a wide range of public and private stakeholders, including Government, and offering a critical point of interface with fast emerging markets and innovative technologies. This key appointment will help to ensure CPI can support the commercialisation of great ideas that deliver both social benefit and a significant return on investment.
The responsibilities of the Non-Executive Director are:
- Provide constructive challenge, strategic guidance, offer specialist advice and hold the Executive to account;
- Satisfy the integrity of the financial statements and CPI’s risk management and internal control systems;
- Oversee succession planning for the Board and Executive team;
- Discharge your duties faithfully, diligently and in line with CPI’s articles and legislation;
- Provide advice to the CPI Board on Government policy and industry priorities.
- Collaborate with the Board to develop strategy, considering the influence of external factors; provide constructive challenge and specialist views for strategic guidance and to hold management to account.
CPI seeks candidates with the integrity, independence and the broad business experience required of all Non-Executive Directors. They must be well placed to challenge constructively and to help develop proposals by bringing strong, independent judgement, knowledge and experience to bear in the Board’s deliberations. They will be commercially and strategically shrewd, with the ability to develop trusted relationships.
Equally important will be creativity, flair, commercial acumen and entrepreneurialism. Prepared to be brave and bring fresh thinking to the boardroom with a passion for technology and innovation; not afraid of operating at the cutting edge and breaking new ground.
Specifically:
- Whilst not essential, ideally experience of working as a Non-Executive Director with a demonstrable appreciation of the role of the board.
- We are interested in a wide range of Industrial/ commercial market experience, broadly defined but relevant to CPI, as well as familiarity of operating at the axis of Government, Academia and Business.
- Whilst not essential, experience of working with Government and with Government connections would be helpful.
- Commercial awareness with the ability to constructively challenge people, systems and plans.
- Highly numerate and literate.
- Excellent communication skills: persuasive and influential, diplomatic, effectively builds rapport with individuals, stakeholders and groups.
- Commitment to observing the equality and diversity policies of the company. CPI recognises the value of diversity in the boardroom and throughout the business. It considers all aspects of board diversity, including skills, experience, background, ethnicity and gender.
CPI holds four Board meetings per year, as well as board committee meetings and a two-day strategy workshop. Other commitments will be ad hoc, as required by the business.
It is anticipated that the Non-Executive Director would spend ten to fifteen days each year engaged on activities for CPI. The Non-Executive Director will receive a fee of £18,917.60 p.a.
The Whitehall & Industry Group are supporting CPI with the recruitment process. To apply for this position please provide the following by the 21st April 2025:
- A detailed CV (maximum two sides) setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements.
- A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification.
- Diversity monitoring form – A hard copy can be downloaded from this page and can be submitted alongside your CV and Cover Letter via email to [email protected]. Alternatively, you can submit your documentation on this page.
- Your data will be stored separately from your application and will at no time be connected to you or your application.
- We are committed to ensuring that all candidates can participate in the application process fairly. Should you require any reasonable adjustments or arrangements, please include this information in your application.
Alternatively, please contact [email protected] for further information on how we can support you throughout the recruitment process.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a call to discuss the role, please contact Cezanne Ritchie-Hutchinson, Talent Manager at The Whitehall & Industry Group via email at [email protected].