Co-Opted Non Executive Director

Co-Opted Non Executive Director

About Capital Enterprise

Capital Enterprise exists to drive positive impact for the UK economy by empowering innovators from all backgrounds, ensuring the fairer distribution of innovation support, and raising the voices of the entrepreneur support system at the highest levels. Our vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to start and scale a business. 

Capital Enterprise has four main areas of activity:

• Pioneering specialised startup innovation programmes;
• Serving founders and startups from communities that are under-represented in the UK tech start-up ecosystem;
• Co-developing tech startup ecosystems in underserved regions of the UK;
• Supporting ambitious startups to raise investment.

We are mission-driven, not profit-driven. 

About the role

As a board director you will be working in partnership with the Capital Enterprise Executive Team and wider Board, to advise, develop and champion a sustainable future for Capital Enterprise that ensures we achieve our mission to make the UK the best place in the world to start and scale a business.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Direction: Collaborate with the CEO to establish long-term goals and strategies, ensuring Capital Enterprise remains aligned with its mission and responsive to the needs of its stakeholders.
• Policy Formulation: Create and sanction policies guiding operational and ethical standards, setting a framework for decision-making and conduct within the organisation.
• Financial Oversight: Guarantee the financial well-being of Capital Enterprise through diligent budget approval, planning and monitoring, safeguarding the organisation’s assets. 
• Governance: Maintain legal and ethical integrity, ensuring all actions and decisions comply with pertinent laws, regulations and ethical norms.
• Performance Evaluation: Conduct assessments of the CEO and Leadership Team’s performance, providing constructive feedback to foster leadership effectiveness.
• Stakeholder Communication: Engage actively with external stakeholders, promoting Capital Enterprise’s direction, achievements, and needs effectively.

What we are looking for:

• Attendance: Commit to attending at least 75% of monthly board meetings per year, ensuring active participation in governance and strategic decision-making.
• Term: Willingly serve a term ranging from two to four years, contributing to the continuity and stability of Capital Enterprise’s leadership.
• Preparation: Arrive at meetings prepared, having thoroughly reviewed all pertinent documents and reports in advance to facilitate informed discussions.
• Committee Work: Actively participate in or lead internal committees and bodies, contributing to areas critical for Capital Enterprise’s success.
• Advocacy and Ambassadorship: Champion Capital Enterprise in the wider community, promoting its mission, programmes, and needs, and enhancing its visibility and impact.

Essential:

• Demonstrate a passion for entrepreneurship
• Successful track record of achievement throughout your career
• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders to achieve organisational objectives
• A proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision making
• A history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences
• A track record of commitment to promoting equality and diversity
• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board as required, and a willingness to speak your mind.

Desirable:

• Willingness to be available to the Executive Team for advice and enquiries
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of directorship
• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Understanding how to build ecosystems and partnerships
• Able to use your connections to advance the organisation 
• Ability to influence key people and organisations
• Finance and audit background.

Experience:

• Local Authority Economic Development experience outside of Greater London (preferably with experience of the Metro Mayoral sectors of the North West, Midlands or Yorkshire)
• Experience of the commercial innovation sector - either as a Chief Innovation Officer or the Chief Technology Officer or equivalent of a technical or engineering business
• Deep-Tech sector experience
• Central Government Policy experience in the technology/innovation sector, with knowledge of UKRI/Innovate UK R&D policy

Education/Qualifications:

• Significant experience of operating with or on a board in a not-for-profit, public sector or commercial organisation

What we offer

We are a fast-growing team with a presence in cities across the UK and a flexible approach to hybrid/ remote working. We are currently concentrated in the Golden Triangle and Northern Triangles, and frequently meet up to co-work. We also gather as a team at least quarterly. 

How to apply

Click on the 'Apply now' button below. The closing date for applications is Friday 3rd May 2024.