Member of CaSE Board of Trustees – Chair

The Board of Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) is seeking its next Chair. This high-profile individual will steer CaSE’s evolution as the UK’s leading independent voice for R&D, at a time of great change and opportunity for the charity. They will channel their passion for science, engineering and wider R&D into the role and bring fresh perspectives to CaSE’s exciting programme of work.

Alongside this Chair role, CaSE is also advertising for general trustees.

About CaSE

Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) exists to advocate for UK R&D, for the benefit of lives and livelihoods.

We are a charity and the leading independent voice for UK R&D, supported by a diverse membership of businesses, universities, professional bodies, research charities and individuals. Our members span discovery research, science, engineering and innovation across the public, private, and charitable sectors. 

We collaborate with our members, partners and the public to lend our expert voice to decisions about R&D and develop non-partisan solutions that can help R&D to thrive. 

CaSE is a small organisation that has a big impact. Recent projects include a horizon-scanning exercise to map the trade-offs facing policymakers and R&D organisations, an innovative campaign to raise political awareness of R&D during the Holyrood and Senedd elections, and a landmark national tracker study to monitor public attitude to R&D. CaSE also maintains an active media presence and hosts events, such as our flagship Annual Lecture.

Our website offers more information on CaSE’s Purpose and Values, and our Board.

The opportunity

This is an opportunity to shape the UK’s leading independent voice for R&D. As Chair, you will be tasked with getting the most out of CaSE’s talented Board members and strategically channelling this to support CaSE’s small but highly productive team.

While the role is not remunerated, trustees can claim reasonable travel expenses.

The appointment would run for three years from November 2026 (when the current Chair reaches the end of their term), with the option of a second term. 

The expected time commitment is ~10 hours per month, including quarterly Board meetings, committee work and external representation.

The role

CaSE is entering an exciting new phase, with plans to further expand its impact, profile and income. The Chair leads the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its fiduciary, statutory, strategic, and advocacy responsibilities. They are responsible for ensuring the Board functions effectively in support of CaSE’s mission, acting as a trusted partner to the Executive Director (ED) and adopting an ambassadorial role for CaSE with policymakers and members.

While candidates will be expected to have a broad range of relevant skills, the deep expertise and commitment of the wider CaSE Board offers space for in-role development to strengthen any specific skills gaps.  

Key responsibilities for the role include:

Who we’re seeking

Successful candidates can come from any background or sector, but will be able to demonstrate:

• Passion for science, engineering and wider R&D, and the benefits this activity can bring to lives and livelihoods across the UK.
• High integrity, independence of judgment, and a commitment to supporting CaSE to maximise the organisation’s impact against its mission.
• A record of ambitious and supportive and leadership in a complex organisation.
• Proven experience chairing a governing board or similar governance forum, and exceptional facilitation skills that can channel diverse views towards consensus.
• Personal profile and connections at the highest levels with communities that can help CaSE fund and achieve its mission, including R&D and political audiences.
• Appetite, capacity and credibility to be an ambassador for CaSE at events and meetings, the majority of which occur in London.

Application process

CaSE believes that a diverse Board is a more effective Board. With this in mind, we particularly welcome applications from groups underrepresented on our Board.

To apply, please submit the following to recruitment@sciencecampaign.org.uk by 23:59 on Tuesday 1 September 2026:

• Up to 500 words outlining your interest in the role and your relevant skills, knowledge and experience
• Your CV (2-page maximum)

We ask applicants to consider submitting a diversity monitoring form alongside their application. This confidential form has no impact on the recruitment process but enables us to evaluate and improve our recruitment process.

Click here to download the diversity monitoring form.

All information submitted will be handled in accordance with the CaSE Privacy Policy.

To discuss the role or request adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact Nesh Ismail, CaSE Office Manager (recruitment@sciencecampaign.org.uk), who can arrange a call with Perdy Fraser, Chair of CaSE’s Nominations and Appointments Committee or Alicia Greated, CaSE’s Executive Director.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview on Monday 21 September, followed by a potential in-person interview at CaSE’s offices in central London on Tuesday 6 October.