Could you be our next Advisory Board Chair?
Women on Boards CIC® was established in 2023 with a clear purpose:
to create fairer opportunities for women in business and entrepreneurship to access leadership and board positions.
Over the past three years, that purpose has remained constant. Our understanding of how lasting change happens has evolved.
Through national research, strategic partnerships and conversations with entrepreneurs, academics, policymakers and business leaders, we have reached an important conclusion.
Lasting change cannot be achieved by supporting individuals alone.
It also depends upon the strength of the organisations within which they work.
Today, Women on Boards CIC® is entering a new phase of its development.
Alongside our programmes supporting women, we are developing practical frameworks, evidence and national initiatives that strengthen leadership, governance and organisational capability across the UK’s SME community.
As our work grows in influence, we believe our governance should evolve alongside it.
We are therefore seeking a Chair of our Advisory Board to continue grow and help guide Women on Boards CIC® through its next stage of maturity.
Together with our Advisory Board, our current Chair has played an important role in helping establish the organisation and will continue to contribute as a valued member of the Advisory Board.
This appointment reflects not a change in purpose, but a natural evolution in leadership as the organisation enters its next chapter.
2023
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Women on Boards CIC® established
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Collaborative Partner UN Women UK
2024
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Official launch at the House of Lords.
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1 year National Think Tank held at Barclays, Canary Wharf.
2025
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Official WOBCIC Report 2025 launch at the House of Lords with Research Partner LSE
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APPG on Equitable Governance setup
2026
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Launch of WOBCIC Network, hosted by PwC UK
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Secretariat to the APPG on Equitable Governance
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National conversation expanded
The next chapter
Our ambition is no longer simply to create opportunities for women.
It is to help create stronger organisations that make those opportunities possible.
We believe better leadership, stronger governance and healthier organisational cultures benefit everyone.
Women + Businesses + Communities + The wider economy
The next stage of our work focuses on creating practical infrastructure that enables organisations to strengthen capability, demonstrate good governance and contribute to fairer, more sustainable growth.
That work requires thoughtful stewardship.
It requires independent judgement.
It requires experienced leadership.
Can you help shape the next chapter of Women on Boards CIC®?
Why this appointment matters
Every organisation reaches a point where experience becomes as valuable as ambition.
Women on Boards CIC® has reached that point.
The organisation now has strong foundations, trusted partnerships and increasing national recognition.
The challenge ahead is different.
It is no longer about establishing credibility.
It is about stewarding influence.
We are seeking someone who;
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can help shape the organisation strategically whilst preserving the values that have brought us this far.
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understands that governance is not simply oversight.
It is creating the conditions in which organisations make better decisions, develop stronger leadership and remain true to their purpose.
The opportunity
This is not a traditional Chair appointment.
It is an opportunity to help shape an organisation that is influencing conversations around leadership, governance and organisational capability within the UK’s SME community.
Working alongside the Co-CEOs and Advisory Board, you will provide strategic leadership, constructive challenge and independent perspective.
You will not be expected to become involved in operational delivery.
Instead, your contribution will come through judgement, experience and thoughtful counsel.
You will know when to challenge.
When to encourage.
When to ask difficult questions.
And when to create space for others to lead.
Who we are looking for
We are not seeking a particular career background or sector.
You may have chaired a board, led a significant organisation, built a successful business or held executive or non-executive appointments.
Whatever your experience, you are likely to recognise yourself in many of the following characteristics;
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think strategically and consider long-term risk and success
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ask thoughtful questions before offering solutions
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value good governance as a driver of organisational capability
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understand organisational growth beyond financial performance
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bring credibility through sound judgement and integrity
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enjoy mentoring senior leaders through challenge and encouragement
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value collaboration over hierarchy
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values strong relationships and encouraging key partnerships
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remain curious and open to different perspectives
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understand how influence is earned through relationships and trust
Above all, you believe organisations can become stronger through thoughtful governance.
The relationship between Chair, Advisory Board and executive leadership is fundamental to organisational success.
The Chair provides leadership to the Advisory Board.
The Co-CEOs, Payal,Walker and Sandra Wiggins provide executive leadership and organisational delivery.
These roles are distinct and are also complementary.
We are looking for a Chair who values openness, curiosity and constructive challenge.
Someone who enjoys helping organisations mature rather than directing them.
Someone who understands that leadership is often demonstrated through influence rather than authority.
What success looks like
Success will not be measured by visibility.
Nor by operational involvement.
Instead, it will
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Be reflected in an organisation that continues to mature with confidence.
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An engaged and effective Advisory Board.
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Executive leaders who feel appropriately supported and constructively challenged.
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Growing credibility with partners, policymakers and stakeholders.
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Better strategic decisions.
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Stronger governance.
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A resilient organisation capable of delivering lasting public benefit.
Ultimately, success will be demonstrated through the quality of the organisation itself.
Time commitment
This is a voluntary, non-remunerated appointment.
The role typically requires between one and two days each month.
This includes:
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six Advisory Board meetings each year
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regular meetings with the Co-CEOs
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attendance at selected organisational events
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occasional stakeholder meetings where your experience adds value.
We recognise the demands placed upon experienced leaders and are committed to ensuring your contribution is purposeful and time is productive
Our process
We are seeking a Chair who shares our purpose and is excited by the opportunity to help shape the next stage of Women on Boards CIC®.
To apply, please submit via the form below:
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A current CV.
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A covering letter (no more than two pages) outlining:
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why this appointment interests you;
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the perspective and experience you would bring;
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how you believe your leadership would contribute to the continued development of Women on Boards CIC®.
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Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Panel comprising of Advisory Board members and the Founders. The panel will assess each application against the role criteria, leadership experience and alignment with the organisation's purpose and values before agreeing a shortlist for interview.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with the Selection Panel. Following the interviews, the appointment will be agreed jointly by the Founders and Advisory Board, recognising the importance of a strong and collaborative partnership to lead the organisation through its next stage of development.
Important dates;
13th July 2026
Applications open
12th-23rd October 2026
Shortlisted candidate selection conversation
4th September 2026
Closing date
30th October 2026
Appointment confirmation
21st September 2026
Candidates informed of outcome
27th November 2026
First Advisory Board meeting