Independent Director, Digital and Operational Resilience

The Independent Director Role

This is a full Board appointment, rather than a purely technical role. Alongside strong technology or resilience credentials, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to wider Board discussions on strategy, performance, risk and governance. Selection will take account of the approved role requirements, the Board’s committee needs and the relevant independence criteria.

Key Board Responsibilities

Take an active part in the Board’s oversight of strategy, performance, risk and governance.

Exercise independent judgement and avoid relationships or interests that could compromise, or appear to compromise, objectivity.

Contribute across the Board agenda, not only on technology and resilience matters.

Question and challenge management constructively, while respecting the distinction between oversight and executive responsibility.

Support high standards of governance, accountability, disclosure and confidentiality in line with applicable legal and listing requirements.

Disclose directorships, interests, shareholdings, related-party relationships and any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest.

Have enough time to prepare properly, attend Board and committee meetings, complete induction and keep up with relevant developments.

Role Purpose

The Board is looking for a senior technology, cybersecurity, engineering or resilience leader who can explain complex issues clearly and keep the discussion focused on business impact. The Director will help the Board understand the choices, risks and investment priorities connected with technology, cyber security, digital change and operational resilience.

Key Responsibilities

Review the organisation’s technology direction, digital transformation plans and governance arrangements.

Test whether management is genuinely prepared to prevent, manage and recover from a serious cyber incident.

Help the Board judge whether key systems and digital infrastructure are secure, reliable and resilient.

Examine business-continuity and resilience plans for critical operations, including reliance on key third parties.

Scrutinise major technology investments, delivery risks and expected benefits, and help the Board consider relevant emerging technologies.

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

Meet all statutory requirements relating to eligibility, independence, integrity, competence, time commitment and fitness to serve as a director of a listed issuer.

Be independent of the organisation, its management and significant shareholders, with no unresolved conflict that could affect objective judgement.

Hold a relevant degree and any professional qualification specified for the role.

Have a strong professional and regulatory record and be willing to complete comprehensive due diligence.

Communicate clearly, exercise sound judgement and work collaboratively enough to influence decisions and build consensus.

Bring experience and perspectives that add to the diversity of the Board.

Experience and Qualifications

A degree in information technology, computer science, engineering, information security or a related field; a postgraduate qualification is an advantage.

Substantial senior executive or Board-level experience in cybersecurity, technology leadership, digital infrastructure or operational resilience within a complex organisation.

Demonstrated experience in technology governance and risk oversight at executive or Board level.

Practical knowledge of cyber incident management, business continuity, disaster recovery, third-party risk and resilience testing.

A relevant professional certification, such as CISA, CISM, CISSP or an equivalent recognised credential, is strongly preferred.

Evidence of Impact

Your application should include brief, specific examples of at least two of the following:

Improved cyber maturity, technology governance or operational resilience at enterprise scale.

Led or oversaw recovery from a material technology or cyber incident, or tested preparedness through credible simulations.

Delivered or governed a significant digital or technology transformation with measurable outcomes.

Added Advantage

Experience in a sizeable, regulated or operationally complex organisation.

Oversight of complex technology ecosystems and critical third-party services.

Previous service on a Board or risk, technology or audit committee.