England
Company description
Please do not apply directly to Genomics England - this advert is for information purposes only. We have engaged Odgers to work with us to recruit this role, any applications received directly at Genomics England will be forwarded to Odgers.
Genomics England is a global leader in enabling genomic medicine and research, focused on creating a world where everyone benefits from genomic healthcare. Building on the 100,000 Genomes Project, we support the NHS’s world-first national whole genome sequencing service and run the growing National Genomic Research Library, alongside delivering numerous major genomics initiatives. By connecting research and clinical care at national scale, we enable immediate healthcare benefits and advances for the future.
Our mission is to provide the evidence and digital systems so that by 2035 genomics could play a role in up to half of all healthcare interactions, whilst securing the UK’s position as the best place to discover, prove and benefit from genomic innovations.
We are accelerating our impact and working with patients, doctors, scientists, government and industry to improve genomic testing, and help researchers access the health data and technology they need to make new medical discoveries and create more effective, targeted medicines for everybody.
Behind the Healthcare and Research outcomes, Genomics England delivers through designing, developing and operating complex healthcare software systems. Today over half our headcount are directly involved in the delivery of software from Product, Design, Engineering and Bioinformatics to Data Engineering, Architecture and Service Management.
We're on the cusp of big changes with the real prospect of genomics becoming the fabric of everyday healthcare through the lifetime – from birth to old age.
Candidate brief
You will find the Chair full job description and other supporting information, including how to apply and key dates and steps for the recruitment process, within this link Genomics England Chair Candidate Brief
Job description - the opportunity
We are seeking a new Chair, to succeed Baroness Blackwood as she comes to the end of her term this year.
This is a rare board leadership opportunity in a pioneering national body with the potential to impact the lives of millions of people. Candidates for this important and visible role are likely to be experienced chairs and/or board members, accustomed to managing complexity and to dealing with external stakeholders at an appropriately senior level, including within Government.
The successful candidate will lead an exceptional Board, each member bringing a range of experience and capabilities and having a passionate interest in, and responsibility for, our work. They will provide support and challenge to our Chief Executive and work closely with key strategic stakeholders. They will also act as an ambassador and the public face of the organisation in partnership with the Chief Executive, working constructively and openly with the Department of Health and Social Care and our sole shareholder, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
For more information about this exceptional opportunity and to apply, please visit: www.odgers.com/96303
Person specification, essential criteria:
Additional information
Appointment:
This appointment is subject to Ministerial approval.
Remuneration:
This role shall pay to you directors’ fees of £26,600 per annum, in twelve monthly instalments, with tax and/or National Insurance contributions administered at source via the company’s payroll. No further fees shall be payable to you unless approved by the Shareholder. Reasonable expenses are also payable in accordance with our Travel and Expenses Policy, but expenses incurred in relation to travel to our London office are taxable.
Term of appointment:
Three years, renewable for a further term, and in exceptional circumstances renewal for a third term.
Time commitment:
It is anticipated that you will be required to devote approximately 4-6 days per month to your role. This will include attendance at board meetings and any other requirements to be agreed with the Shareholder and consideration of all papers prior to the meeting. By accepting the appointment, you confirm that you are able to commit sufficient time to the role to meet the Company’s expectations.
How to Apply
In order to apply, please submit a comprehensive CV along with a covering letter which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria. Please include referee details which cover six years of your most recent employment. Referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without prior permission from candidates.
The preferred method of application is online at: www.odgers.com/96303
If you are unable to apply online, please email: [email protected]
All applications will receive an automated response.
Any postal applications should be sent direct to Peter Mason, Odgers, 20 Cannon Street, London, EC4M 6XD.
Key Dates
Closing date for applications – 10th August
Selected candidates will be invited to attend a preliminary interview with Odgers in early September. Then, following a formal shortlist meeting, those candidates selected for shortlist will undertake stakeholder meetings and a final interview with Genomics England due to be held in October 2026 (Date TBC).
Due diligence
Due diligence will be carried out as part of the application process, which may include searches carried out via internet search engines and any public social media accounts.