Non-Executive Director - Great Britain-China Centre

The Great Britain-China Centre is a public body under the auspices of, but independent from, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Its remit is to promote understanding between the UK and China. It works to strengthen the UK-China relationship by building trust, supporting dialogue and undertaking project work between government, judiciary and policy making actors on key governance, rule of law and reform issues. It has developed a reputation as an international leader for its project work with influential Chinese partners.

With forty-five years of experience, GBCC has established unique networks in Chinese, British and European legal, judicial, academic and political spheres. Our relationships and influence have provided a trusted and consistent mechanism for exchange throughout changing political climates.

The Board of Directors comprises independent non-executives, including Members of Parliament, and is attended by representatives of the FCO, the British Council and the China Britain Business Council. Our Chairman is Sir Martin Davidson and our Honorary President is Lord Mandelson. The Board meets in London four times a year, and there is a number of sub-committees in which directors are expected to participate. Its directors are also expected to commit time outside the formal Board commitment to use their expertise to assist the Chairman and the executive team in achieving GBCC’s strategic and operational goals. Board members would be expected to spend approximately two days per month on GBCC business.

GBCC now seeks to strengthen its Board and would welcome applications from those with a keen interest in, and experience and knowledge of, China. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of: fundraising; law and the rule of law; marketing and communications; international development and programme delivery.

GBCC is eager to increase the diversity of its Board. Applications are encouraged from all candidates regardless of ethnicity, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity.

Board meetings and sub-committee meetings are held during working hours, and typically take place at Portcullis House or the GBCC offices in Belgrave Square. Both venues are wheelchair accessible, and GBCC welcomes questions about reasonable special adjustments from prospective applicants.  

GBCC is recruiting three new Board members, with staggered commencement dates over the year. The relevant Board meetings dates for 2019 are April 25, June 20, and October 10. The appointment is for three years, with the possibility of renewing for another three-year term.

Applications, including a CV and a covering letter setting out why the candidate believes they would be suitable for appointment, should be sent by e-mail to Merethe Borge MacLeod at merethe.borgemacleod@gbcc.org.uk. The application deadline is Sunday February 24^th, 2019. Candidates will be contacted after March 10 for interviews during the period March 11 – 22, and successful candidates will be informed by March 28.

If a candidate would like to discuss GBCC or its role or any other issue before submitting an application, they should contact the Chairperson on martin.davidson@gbcc.org.uk.