The Associate NED is a developmental, non‑statutory board role designed to broaden the diversity, skills and lived experience at Delt’s Board discussions, while also supporting succession planning. This is an opportunity to work in a board environment, contribute to strategic decisions, and develop as a NED in a supported setting.
This role is suitable for individuals who bring strong professional expertise, system insight or community perspectives, but who may not yet have held a formal board‑level appointment. Previous non‑executive experience is not necessarily required.
The Associate NED will participate fully in Board discussions, contributing independent thought, insight and challenge. While Associate NEDs are not company directors and do not carry the statutory responsibilities of a full NED, they are expected to operate to the same high standards of professionalism, confidentiality and integrity.
The Associate NED role is intended to:
- Provide the Board with additional perspectives, insight and challenge
- Strengthen Board capability in priority and emerging areas
- Support inclusive leadership and long‑term succession planning
- Create a supported route into NED leadership for high‑potential individuals
This is a structured development opportunity. Associate NEDs will be supported through:
- A comprehensive induction to Delt, its governance and operating environment
- Mentoring by an experienced Non Executive or Board member
- Access to training and development in areas such as governance, finance, risk and strategy
- Ongoing feedback and reflection with the Chair
We are specifically looking for individuals that bring specialist expertise or insight in digital, AI, cyber, finance or transformation. In addition, we welcome applications from individuals who:
- Share Delt’s values and public service ethos
- Are curious, reflective and keen to develop board‑level skills
- Are able to provide independent thought and constructive challenge
- Are committed to inclusive leadership and ethical governance
We particularly encourage applications from people who are currently under-represented at board level, and from those who may not otherwise see themselves as “traditional” non-executives.
£250 per day for board, committee and related meetings; time commitment: approximately 1 day per month.
The Associate NED appointment is for a fixed two-year term, with potential afterwards to progress to an Independent NED role.
Please refer to our How to Apply page for guidance and recommendations on arranging conversations with our Executive Research Partner, Chair and Chief Executive Officer before submitting your application.
Following these conversations, please submit a CV (maximum two pages) and a supporting statement that clearly identifies the Associate Non-Executive Director role and includes responses to the three questions below (maximum 300 words per question).
- What motivates you to apply for the Associate NED role at Delt, and why is this type of developmental board role the right next step for you at this point in your career?
- Drawing on your professional, community or lived experience, how do you believe that you would add value to Board and committee discussions at Delt, even if you have not previously operated at board level?
- Associate Non‑Executive Directors are expected to provide constructive challenge while continuing to develop their own board‑level capability. Can you describe a situation where you have offered independent challenge or advice in a senior or complex setting?
Please also provide contact details for two professional references. Referees should be people who can comment authoritatively on you as a person and as an employee or board member and will not be contacted without your prior consent.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are all integral to our organisational ethos and values. It is critically important to us that every Delt employee works in an inclusive environment which has a culture of mutual regard and respect. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
