Uk Hydrographic Office

**Role: Non-Executive Director**

**Terms: £18,000 per annum (approx. 30 days per year)**

**Location: Taunton**

**About the UKHO**

The UKHO is a world-leading centre for hydrography, specialising in maritime geospatial data to support safe, secure and thriving oceans.

As an Executive Agency and Trading Fund of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), we provide this information and expert advice to UK government as part of our public task. The Royal Navy and other defence users rely on our data for safe navigation and work with our staff to support operations that help protect the nation and help it prosper.

We also source, analyse and process data from seabed to surface, to help partners around the world make the best use of our marine environment. This includes mariners and shipping companies, who have used our ADMIRALTY products and services for 225 years for safe and efficient navigation.

We are the Primary Charting Authority for over 60 coastal states. Engaging with partners across the globe we support nations with safe, efficient and effective management of their maritime space.

Working alongside international governments and commercial partners, we gather data that supports the development of our blue economy, so that our oceans can provide a sustainable source of economic growth. This helps improve livelihoods and provide jobs in new and existing sectors - from renewable energy and aquaculture, to blue carbon and insurance.

Elsewhere, collaboration with the scientific community is helping us to monitor and manage the health of seas and coastal environments. When paired with cutting edge technologies, our shared data sets are helping to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect our oceans for the future.

Working alongside these partners and others, we will continue to innovate to provide data solutions that meet the changing needs of our customers. And together, we will make the best use of our oceans in safer, more secure and more sustainable ways.

**Size and composition of the UKHO Board**

As one of six non-executive directors, including the Chair, on the UKHO Board alongside three executive members, you'll contribute to overseeing business performance, managing risk, ensuring governance, and shaping strategic direction. Your appointment complements the diverse skills of fellow board members.

With the navigation market evolving due to international regulatory changes, the global maritime economy expanding, and competition in data provision intensifying, the UKHO is undergoing a major service transformation programme which fundamentally impacts how the organisation operates. This transformation will enable it to become a digital-first business offering value-added navigational and maritime services.

Your expertise in and leadership of effective service delivery are crucial for achieving this objective. You'll provide insight into technological, commercial, content, and product aspects of the business, guiding both strategic and operational decisions.

Your role involves advising the UKHO Chief Technology Officer and their team on strategic technology and data choices. Additionally, while focusing on data and technology advancements within the UKHO, you'll contribute to shaping plans and strategies to sustain and enhance the organisation's market position.

**About the Role**

The role necessitates strategic thinking and board-level experience in a data-driven environment aimed at delivering commercial and customer value through digital services. Reporting directly to the Chair of the UKHO Board, who reports to the relevant Minister in the Ministry of Defence, you'll play a pivotal role in collective decision-making on crucial business matters.

Fundamental tasks encompass attending board and sub-committee meetings, advising on corporate strategy, and contributing to senior staff selection.

Essential qualifications include effective service delivery, customer-centricity, expertise in data and technology, operational experience, and proficiency in digital strategy.

**Essential Criteria**

Professional Expertise:

- Knowledge and hands-on experience of service transformation that fundamentally influences the operational dynamics of an organisation. This encompasses a track record of successfully implementing changes in service delivery which significantly impact an organisation’s operational effectiveness and efficiency.
- Experience of working at or near board level in a customer or service-orientated environment, ideally digital-focused but with a commercial angle with a deep appreciation for understanding customer needs.
- The ability to drive innovation with digital strategy experience in enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Experience of working in an organisation of a comparable size and complexity to the UKHO.

Strategic Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement Expertise:

- The ability to lead strategically with an independent spirit and questioning mind.
- Strong communication, int