No, the scheme is exclusively available to colleagues from members within the UKRN community.

The scheme is designed to provide opportunities for colleagues who are considering a NED role as their next career move. The Community of Interest is available to all UKRN member employees who have an interest in meeting like-minded colleagues to network, share information and learning together. The 12-month placement programme is designed to be as inclusive as possible, and we welcome applications from everyone, regardless of job grade or demographics. However, the NED roles offered by participating host organisations can have different requirements, so there will be an element of selection to ensure the best possible fit for the roles during the matching phase of the application process.

Yes – the Community of Interest (CoI) and LinkedIn group are completely separate to the 12-month placement programme. You are encouraged to join the CoI group first, where you can network , share information and learn together (you can apply to join HERE). You can remain a member of the CoI without applying to join the placement programme and, conversely, you don’t have to be a member of the CoI in order to apply for the placement programme.

The programme is intended to expand the potential pool of candidates for NED roles, and is therefore targeted at those people without any prior NED experience. However, we do ask candidates to have an understanding of the role and we endeavour to maximise the potential of candidates who can bring diversity of thought and experience, which may have been gained in these types of voluntary role.

The placement programme is a learning and development opportunity; it is not a recruitment programme. It is hoped that individuals participating would strengthen any future applications they make for such roles, but the programme itself will not provide NED vacancy opportunities.

There are no charges to join the Next Gen NEDs Scheme; it is provided as part of UKRN membership. The Community of Interest Group is free to join for colleagues from all UKRN members and the Placement Programme is also free to colleagues from participating members. However, there are other resource commitments (such as your time to prepare and attend meetings, plus travel where these are in person) that should be considered.

It is a 12-month commitment that runs alongside your existing role.  Time required does vary depending on which board, panel or committee you are matched with (if successful).  You can anticipate those being once per month or quarterly, up to 2hrs in duration and whilst some will be in-person, others may be virtual/hybrid.  You should allow for your own preparation and research time prior to each meeting, and we recommend a pre-brief and de-brief with your mentor sponsor before and after each meeting. The NED roles offered by participating host organisations can have different requirements, so there will be an element of selection to ensure the best possible fit for the roles during the matching phase of the application process.