Board Director (Non-Executive)

Voluntary role (reasonable expenses covered)

Term: up to three years

FOR Cardiff is entering one of the most exciting and influential phases in its history. As Cardiff shapes its future as a capital city, we are developing our 2026–2031 Business Plan, expanding our impact and redefining the role a modern Business Improvement District can play in economic resilience, place leadership and inclusive growth.

We are recruiting up to three new Board Directors as part of this process. Appointments will be made based on the skills and perspectives needed to complement the existing Board and to support FOR Cardiff through the next phase of its development.

This is the first time FOR Cardiff has run an open recruitment process for Board appointments, and we are keen to attract business people from across Cardiff who bring fresh thinking, lived experience and skills that complement our existing Board.

Who we are looking for

You do NOT need to be:

• A current levy payer
• A senior executive or chief officer
• An experienced board director

You do need to:

• Care about Cardiff and its future
• Bring skills, insight or experience that strengthen our Board
• Be willing to contribute constructively, collaboratively and with integrity

We particularly welcome applicants who reflect the diversity of Cardiff’s business community and align with our Equality City commitments and ESG ambitions.

Skills and experience sought

We are particularly interested in applicants with the following skills and experience:

• Finance or audit
• SME and Independent business experience
• Data and insights
• HR, people or organisational development
• ESG, sustainability or social value

Why join us

As a Board Director you will:

• Influence the strategic direction of Cardiff’s capital city BID
• Help shape a five-year plan that will guide investment, partnerships and delivery
• Work alongside a committed, values-led Board and executive team
• Gain board-level experience within a high-profile, place-based organisation

Time commitment

Approximately:

• 4 Board meetings per year
• Occasional working group or strategy sessions
• Preparation time in advance of meetings

Download a copy of the role specification here.

How to apply

Applicants are asked to submit:

• A short CV
• A supporting statement outlining your interest and relevant skills (max 500 words)

To recruitment@forcardiff.com by the deadline 30th January.

Interviews will take place week of 9th February.

Appointments will be made following interview.

For an informal discussion please reach out to Executive Director, Carolyn Brownell on recruitment@forcardiff.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How many Board Directors are you recruiting?

We are recruiting up to three new Board Directors through this process. Appointments will be made based on the skills, experience and perspectives needed to complement the existing Board.

2. Do I need to be a FOR Cardiff levy payer or member?

No. You do not need to be a current levy payer or member to apply. We welcome applications from people who bring relevant skills, experience or insight and who are interested in the future of Cardiff.

3. Do I need previous board experience?

No. Previous board experience is not required. We are looking for people who can contribute constructively, think strategically and bring valuable skills or perspectives. Support and induction will be provided.

4. Do I need to be a senior leader or business owner?

No. You do not need to hold a senior leadership role. We are interested in skills, experience and lived experience, not job titles.

5. What skills are you looking for?

We are recruiting to identified skills gaps on the current Board. These include areas such as finance, property and regeneration, SME experience, people and organisational development, ESG and sustainability. Strength in one or two areas is sufficient.

6. How much time will the role involve?

Board Directors typically attend around four Board meetings per year, with additional time for preparation and occasional strategy or working group sessions.

7. Is the role paid?

This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

8. How long is the term of appointment?

Appointments are for an initial term of up to three years, with the option of renewal for a further term.

9. How will applications be assessed?

Applications will be assessed against a skills-based matrix aligned to current Board gaps. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, where a transparent, weighted scoring framework will be used to ensure fairness and consistency.

10. How does FOR Cardiff support equality, diversity and inclusion?

FOR Cardiff is committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of Cardiff’s business and communities. We actively welcome applications from under-represented groups and assess candidates on skills, values and contribution rather than background or seniority.

11. What should I include in my supporting statement?

Your supporting statement should be no more than 500 words and explain:
• Why you are interested in the role
• The skills, experience or perspectives you would bring
• How your values align with equality, inclusion and ESG principles

12. Can I apply in an alternative format?

Yes. If you require an alternative format or reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate this.

13. What happens after interviews?

Following interviews, appointments will be confirmed by the Chair. Successful candidates will take part in an induction programme covering governance, the BID model, Equality City commitments and the development of the 2026–2031 Business Plan.

14. Who can I contact for an informal conversation?

Details of a contact for informal enquiries will be included in the advert.