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Board Chair

Greater London

Genomics England

Organisation Type

Public sector

Industry / Sector

Health / Medical Services

About The Organisation

Genomics England is a global leader in enabling genomic medicine and research, focused on creating a world where everyone benefits from genomic healthcare. Building on the 100,000 Genomes Project, we support the NHS’s world-first national whole genome sequencing service and run the growing National Genomic Research Library, alongside delivering numerous major genomics initiatives. By connecting research and clinical care at national scale, we enable immediate healthcare benefits and advances for the future.

Our mission is to provide the evidence and digital systems so that by 2035 genomics could play a role in up to half of all healthcare interactions, whilst securing the UK’s position as the best place to discover, prove and benefit from genomic innovations.

We are accelerating our impact and working with patients, doctors, scientists, government and industry to improve genomic testing, and help researchers access the health data and technology they need to make new medical discoveries and create more effective, targeted medicines for everybody.

Behind the Healthcare and Research outcomes, Genomics England delivers through designing, developing and operating complex healthcare software systems. Today over half our headcount are directly involved in the delivery of software from Product, Design, Engineering and Bioinformatics to Data Engineering, Architecture and Service Management.

We’re on the cusp of big changes with the real prospect of genomics becoming the fabric of everyday healthcare through the lifetime – from birth to old age.

Position Description

We are seeking a new Chair, to succeed Baroness Blackwood as she comes to the end of her term this year.

This is a rare board leadership opportunity in a pioneering national body with the potential to impact the lives of millions of people. Candidates for this important and visible role are likely to be experienced chairs and/or board members, accustomed to managing complexity and to dealing with external stakeholders at an appropriately senior level, including within Government.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will lead an exceptional Board, each member bringing a range of experience and capabilities and having a passionate interest in, and responsibility for, our work. They will provide support and challenge to our Chief Executive and work closely with key strategic stakeholders. They will also act as an ambassador and the public face of the organisation in partnership with the Chief Executive, working constructively and openly with the Department of Health and Social Care and our sole shareholder, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.