UKRN Next Generation Non-Executive Director (NED) Scheme – Cohort 6

Requirements of the role

The UK Regulators’ Network’s (UKRN) Next Generation Non-Executive Director (NED) scheme aims to create unique opportunities for colleagues working at UKRN member regulators to boost their careers, by making a difference through non-executive work.

The objective of the scheme is to widen the talent pipeline for Non-Executive Directors in the public sector and support the sustained success in the appointment of under-represented candidates to non-executive positions on panels, committees or boards.

Part of the scheme is a 12-month placement programme, which offers an opportunity for individuals to gain experience in board, committee and panel work across participating UKRN members, together with mentoring from an existing NED, in order to strengthen any future applications they may make for such roles.

The sixth cohort of our placement programme will be running from January to December 2027 and is now open for applications. There will be 13 positions across 7 participating regulators, including a range of Board, Committee and Panel placements.

Please note, that only colleagues from participatory members can apply for this scheme. Those members are FCA/PSR, CAA, Ofgem, Ofcom, Ofwat, SSRO, Utilities Regulator NI, and the ORR.

Role description

The placement programme offers an observer (i.e. non-participatory) role, attending all relevant meetings for a 12-month period. Successful candidates will be allocated a dedicated mentor from their host regulator, to support them and help ensure they can engage with the content presented at their Board or Committee.

Successful candidates will engage in all relevant activities for their placement, with the time commitment varying by organisation. Types of activities you will undertake include attending meetings (and making time to read all relevant materials in advance), as well as potential visits with host organisation stakeholders, engaging with other board and committee members, as well as meeting with your allocated mentor throughout the year.

Person specification

We expect candidates to demonstrate that their participation meets the aims of the programme as outlined above. Across the assessment process we will be assessing candidates against five competencies: skills & potential, understanding of NED roles, development goals, diversity and communication. This is reflected in the criteria below:

• Good understanding of role of non-executive directors in a public sector context
• Ability to assimilate large volumes of information (e.g. meeting packs)
• Clear plan/learning goals for 12-month placement year
• Good strategic awareness and/or ability to see the bigger picture
• Strong communication skills (verbal, oral, written)

Inclusion & accessibility

We aim to operate an inclusive application process and therefore will provide appropriate adjustments when necessary. You should speak to the contact are your home organisation if you require any adjustments to support your application. Candidates should obtain support from their line manager for their application, to ensure that they can commit sufficient time to participate in the scheme.

Selection process details

After the application window closes on Wednesday 16 September 2026, there will be an initial sift of candidates to identify those being invited for interview. We are planning that successful candidates in this first phase will be notified by Friday 2 October 2026, and interviews will take place in the weeks commencing 12 and 19 October 2026. We will aim to notify successful candidates about the outcome of interviews in due course.

After this, we expect that it will be necessary for host regulators to conduct additional security checks on successful candidates where required (up to SC clearance for some host regulators), before we can confirm that placements are going ahead. It will also be necessary for successful candidates to declare any conflicts of interest that may be relevant to their placement, which will also need to be considered at this time.

Apply & further information

Applications need to be submitted via ORR, which you can access via the link below.

If you have any questions or want any further information about the Next Gen NED scheme, including the 12-month placement programme, please contact UKRN via our dedicated inbox (NGN_UKRN@caa.co.uk).

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