Non Executive Board Member

The Opportunity We are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join the Board of Directors for our not-for-profit social research company.
Our organisation is committed to advancing social research that informs and shapes policies for the betterment of communities and society at large.
As a board member, you will play a crucial role in guiding our mission, ensuring our financial stability, and enhancing our impact.
This is an opportunity to support CFE Research in its mission to improve public policy through good, independent research and evaluation.
It is suited to those who have knowledge of CFE's core areas including education, wellbeing, physical activity sports participation or workforce development.
You will act as an impartial adviser, bringing relevant skills, knowledge and experience to provide oversight to shape strategy decisions.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.
We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability status.
We actively encourage interest from people with an understanding and experience of the barriers under-represented communities face.
This would help us within the key policy areas in which we work and also as an employer who is keen to diversify its workforce.
RequirementsMeetings and time commitment The Board meets in-person (Leicester Office) four times a year.
Two-hour meetings are generally scheduled for the second week of the month in February, May, September, December.
Additional time will be required for reading papers and preparing for meetings, for advisory meetings and calls on an ad hoc basis.
Terms Board members serve a one-year term, with the possibility of renewal for an additional term based on performance and mutual agreement.
This is a volunteer position.
However, reasonable expenses incurred during board duties will be reimbursed.
Key Responsibilities Governance: Provide strategic leadership and governance, ensuring the organisation operates within its mission and adheres to its values.
Policy knowledge: Contribute to the organisation's understanding of core social policy areas.
Strategic Planning: Participate in the development and implementation of long-term strategies and goals.
Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial performance and sustainability of the organisation, including budget approval and fundraising efforts.
Advocacy and networking: Act as an ambassador for the organisation, promoting its work and expanding its network of collaborators and customers.
Use established connections within relevant sectors and demonstrate a willingness to leverage these networks to benefit of CFE.
Application Process Interested candidates should submit the following: CV: Detailing relevant experience and qualifications.
Cover Letter: Explaining your interest in the role, how you can contribute to our mission, and any specific areas of expertise you bring.
References: Contact information for at least two professional references.
Closing Date: 31 January 2025 Selection Process Review of Applications: The existing Board members will review all applications and shortlist candidates based on the alignment of their qualifications with the needs of the board.
Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with the Chair, Managing Director and one other board member.
Appointment: Successful candidates will be formally appointed to the board at the following Board meeting.
For More Information Please contact: Sarah Trivedi, Corporate Services Director/Company Secretary ****** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About CFE Research CFE Research is one of the UK's leading agencies providing research and evaluation services in wellbeing, education, and workforce development, with a cross-cutting focus on social inclusion.
We have a core team of research professionals and collaborate with internationally renowned academics, consultants, and partner organisations who bring additional specialist knowledge and expertise.
As an independent, not-for-profit company, we deliver robust, insightful findings that inform policy and practice at national and local levels.
Our clients include central government departments, local authorities, voluntary and community sector organisations, major funders, regulators, and higher education providers.
A Flavour of Our Work Wellbeing CFE has substantial experience in large-scale, multi-site and longitudinal studies within this policy area.
Specifically, these projects have a focus on improving outcomes for people facing multiple disadvantages, including homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse, and criminal justice contact.
For example, CFE is evaluating the Ministry of Justice's Problem Solving Courts (PSCs) pilot as part of the Government's 10-year Drug Strategy.
The evaluation will offer interim findings and recommendations, supporting a gender-specific approach to criminal justice.
A significant part of CFE's work within our wellbeing strand involves delivering research related to physical activity and sports participation.
We help clients understand how to make physical activity more inclusive and accessible for under-represented groups.
This includes evaluations of some flagship initiatives.
CFE recently worked with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority to review football stadiums.
The research informed changes to the all-seater policy and introduced safe standing in licensed football grounds.
Education CFE has a strong reputation in understanding professional development and leadership in the teaching profession.
We evaluate teacher resources, extra-curricular activities, and enrichment programmes designed to enhance student attainment, confidence and interest in subjects like STEM and the arts.
We also have expertise in teacher recruitment and retention.
Additionally, we specialise in neurodiversity and SEND in schools, assessing professional development and interventions supporting neurodiverse students.
An example is this type of project is the evaluation of Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme for the Department for Education.
The work will determine the impact of PINS and inform potential expansion.
Workforce Development This area of work includes our evaluations of Skills Bootcamps nationally and in London, regional skills training for employers in Sheffield, and T Level Professional Development programmes.
Also, CFE has worked with the National Apprenticeship Service to develop the Higher Apprenticeships Prospectus.
We conducted qualitative research on progression opportunities in HE for advanced apprentices and also undertook a study on the future of degree apprenticeships for Universities UK.
We have researched post-16 education choices with the Institute for Fiscal Studies for the Social Mobility Commission.
Currently, we are working with Power to Change on its bi-annual Community Business Market study.
This will report on how the community business sector is contributing to the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of communities.