Chair - NCB

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Job description starts below:

Who We Are

Network Certification Body (NCB)
Independent assurance and certification | UK Rail Infrastructure

Remuneration: £15,600 per annum
Term: Three years

NCB - Rail Assurance is seeking an experienced and credible Board Chair to lead the governance of a specialist assurance and certification organisation operating at the heart of the UK rail industry.

Established in 2012, NCB provides independent assurance, assessment and certification services across some of the UK's most significant rail and infrastructure programmes. With turnover of approximately £6.2m and a team of around 50 people, including 40 engineers located across the UK, NCB works with clients including Network Rail, HS2 and organisations delivering major third-party infrastructure projects.

Our vision is to be the assurance and certification partner of choice for the rail industry. Our mission is to enable our customers' outcomes and protect their reputations through trusted assurance and certification services.

About the role

The Chair has a pivotal role in leading the Board and ensuring its effectiveness, while supporting the continued development of a highly respected, technically specialist organisation.

Working closely with the Managing Director and the Board, the Chair will create an environment in which robust debate, constructive challenge and effective decision-making can flourish.

This is an opportunity to apply significant Board and governance experience within a purpose-led organisation operating at the intersection of assurance, safety, compliance and critical national infrastructure.

The successful candidate will help shape NCB's long-term strategic direction while ensuring that the organisation continues to uphold the independence, integrity and impartiality expected of an accredited certification body.

Your experience and skills

The Chair will:

• Lead the Board and ensure that it operates effectively, with an appropriate balance of support, scrutiny and constructive challenge.
• Build an effective working relationship with the Managing Director, providing support and challenge while respecting the distinction between Board and executive responsibilities.
• Facilitate high-quality strategic discussion and effective decision-making.
• Work with the Board and executive team to influence the long-term strategy and development of NCB.
• Ensure appropriate oversight of organisational performance, governance, risk and assurance.
• Maintain productive relationships with the shareholder and key stakeholders.
• Safeguard the independence, integrity and impartiality that underpin NCB's role as an accredited certification and assurance organisation.
• Ensure the Board maintains appropriate oversight of NCB's governance, accreditation and regulatory obligations.
• Support the Board in anticipating the opportunities and challenges facing NCB and the wider assurance and certification landscape.

Person specification

We are seeking an established senior leader with significant Board-level leadership experience gained as a Chair, Non-Executive Director or senior executive.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

Board leadership and governance - significant experience operating at Board level, with a strong understanding of effective corporate governance and the respective responsibilities of the Chair, Board and executive leadership.

Strategic leadership - experience contributing to and constructively challenging organisational strategy, with the judgement to balance long-term development with effective oversight of current performance.

Risk and assurance - a strong understanding of risk management, assurance frameworks and the responsibilities of Boards operating in regulated environments.

Safety-critical or highly regulated environments - senior-level experience within an organisation where safety, regulation, compliance, accreditation or independent assurance is fundamental to its work and reputation.

Stakeholder leadership - the credibility and interpersonal skills to build trusted relationships with shareholders, executives, Board colleagues, regulators, customers and other senior stakeholders.

Independence and judgement - the confidence to challenge constructively, encourage different perspectives and ensure that decisions are reached objectively and with appropriate consideration of risk.

Knowledge of UK corporate governance principles is essential.

Experience within the rail sector is not essential. We welcome applications from individuals whose experience has been gained across infrastructure, transport, aviation, utilities, energy, nuclear, engineering, certification, professional services and other highly regulated or safety-critical sectors.

Time commitment

The Board formally meets five times per year, in addition to an annual Strategy Day.

The Chair will also maintain regular engagement with the Managing Director and shareholder representative and participate in shorter periodic meetings to review the previous period's business performance.

Candidates should therefore be able to commit sufficient additional time outside formal Board meetings to develop an effective understanding of the organisation, maintain key relationships and fulfil the responsibilities of the Chair.

Term and remuneration

The appointment will be for an initial three-year term.

The role attracts remuneration of £15,600 per annum.

Reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the duties of the role will be reimbursed in accordance with NCB's expenses policy.

How to apply

To apply, please submit:

• A current CV, setting out your career history, Board experience and relevant professional achievements; and
• A covering letter of no more than two pages, explaining your interest in the appointment and demonstrating how your experience, skills and knowledge meet the requirements set out in the person specification.

Your covering letter is an important part of the assessment process and should provide specific evidence of your suitability for the role rather than simply restating the information contained within your CV.

Closing date: Friday 30th October 2026

Following the closing date, applications will be assessed against the requirements of the role. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, with further details of the selection process provided at that stage.

NCB welcomes applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds who can bring different perspectives, experiences and insights to the Board.