Non-Executive Director

The organisation

Big Society Capital is a financial institution with a social mission, set up in 2012 to build the social impact investment market in the UK. It gives charities and social enterprises access to repayable finance representing cheaper and more flexible capital to enable them to grow and become more resilient thereby increasing their impact on society.

Big Society Capital has two roles. The first is to act as a champion for the social impact investment market, increasing awareness, encouraging others to engage in the market, developing research, improving impact measurement and policy advocacy for the sector. The second role is as an investor, providing capital to social impact investment finance intermediaries, who in turn provide finance and support to charities and social enterprises. The rationale behind investing through intermediaries rather than directly in frontline organisations is that, by supporting the intermediaries to grow and become more sustainable, these organisations will be able to attract more investment to the social sector than Big Society Capital could do alone. Big Society Capital has built a diverse market of finance providers whilst ensuring the existing providers of finance to the sector maintain their focus and sustainability.

The role

Big Society Capital is looking to appoint a new Non-Executive Director as a result of a Director retiring in June 2019.

Candidates must have an appreciation of the organisation’s key role in building the social impact investment market in the UK, the challenges it faces and an understanding of how to deploy its assets in ways that combine maximum social impact with a sustainable and robust investment process.

The ideal candidates will have the seniority and stature, along with impeccable credentials, to enhance the experience level of the current Board. The other Non-Executive Directors of Big Society Capital represent a broad balance of social sector and financial experience.

Candidate Experience

The new Director will need the financial skills, competencies and experience to contribute to the Board.  Candidates will be able to demonstrate senior executive experience in making and managing investments in non-public markets and an understanding of operating under the regulatory oversight of the Financial Conduct Authority.  An understanding of risk evaluation and monitoring will be important.  Candidates should be able to demonstrate an interest in, or engagement with, social impact investment.

Candidates will recognise the financial and reputational demands of the profile and the public accountability of Big Society Capital.

Social sector experience would be desirable and experience of handling communications for a high-profile entity would also be helpful.

The Director will be able to provide challenge to the executive team and help them and the Board evaluate strategic options to ensure these issues are given sufficient focus and debate.

Personal Attributes

Candidates will have a blend of the following attributes:

• A strong interest in social investment.
• A willingness and enthusiasm to represent and build the profile of Big Society Capital externally.
• The credibility and external networks to form and maintain productive and enduring partnerships in areas related to social investment.
• Comfortable advising senior policy makers as well as financial or social sector leaders
• A strong intellect and understanding of working in a complex governance structure.
• A questioning mind combined with a reputation for integrity and sound judgement.
• The ability to draw on a wealth of experience and to consider a wide range of factors when making decisions.
• Clear interest and ability to contribute broadly to the Board in its deliberations and strategic decisions
• The ability to promote a culture of openness and trust and gain the respect of other Board members.
• A strong communicator with the interpersonal skills and an ability to engage, influence and develop effective relationships to drive consensus-building.
• Someone with some experience of the social issues addressed by BSC would also be advantageous

If you are interested in applying, please click "Apply" with a covering letter and CV by 15th February, 2019.

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