The EPSRC EDI Hub+ is seeking members to join our existing Strategic Advisory Board. The Strategic Advisory Board currently comprises 12 invited members appointed under the original proposal. We now plan to appoint additional members through an open call to broaden representation across the Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences (EPMS) research and innovation community.
The purpose of the Strategic Advisory Board is to monitor the Hub’s impact, added value and reach, providing strategic steer to ensure the Hub’s sustainability.
Closing date: Friday 20th February, 4:00pm UK time
Number of positions: Up to 5
Length of term: Until October 2028
Time commitment: The Strategic Advisory Board will meet annually around the Hub’s conference (usually in-person, with the option to join online), with the option to meet once more per year online as needed.
Remuneration: This is a voluntary role. All Strategic Advisory Board members are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs, in line with the UKRI’s travel, subsistence, and expenses policy. An additional, separate, fund has been allocated for Strategic Advisory Board members requiring accessibility support.
For Strategic Advisory Board members who are unsalaried or freelance, the EDI Hub+ follows the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) guidance on renumeration.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for people with expertise and a track record in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences (EPMS) in the UK research and innovation system. Engagement in institutional, national and regional initiatives is desirable, but not essential.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. For this open call we particularly encourage applications from early-career researchers, research and innovation professional services staff, research technical professionals, and industry. We are keen to see diversity in our Strategic Advisory Board, in terms of geographic spread, roles, and individual characteristics.
What you will be doing
The Strategic Advisory Board will monitor the Hub’s impact, added value and reach, providing strategic steer to ensure the Hub’s sustainability.
The role of the Strategic Advisory Board will be outlined in the Terms of Reference, which will be confirmed at the first meeting. The list of activities may include:
- Reviewing the progress made on key Hub milestones and performance against success indicators, and provide feedback on the workstreams activities and the project as a whole.
- Providing feedback on the direction of the Hub’s activities, the way they are conducted and the way decisions are made.
- Reviewing and advising on major changes to the Hub’s structure and activities to maximise the Hub’s impact and sustainability.
- Advising on the overall strategic direction of the Hub and provide views on changes in external environment, including community needs and priorities, and how such changes could affect the Hub.
- Ensuring compliance with EPSRC’s responsible research and innovation principles.
- Ensuring accountability to the Hub’s equality, diversity and inclusion plan.
- Assessing the engagement with the wider UK engineering, physical and mathematical sciences research and innovation community and make recommendations for future engagement activities.
- Acting as ambassadors for the Hub, highlighting its activities and any relevant achievements to other key stakeholders, as well as supporting the creation of partnerships and strategic links.
- Attending the Hub’s conference and other relevant events as appropriate.
- Advising on opportunities to maximise the impact of Hub activities
How to apply
To apply, complete this application form (including personal details and a short statement of your professional experience and why you want to join the Strategic Advisory Board). The application form will close on Friday 20th February, 4:00pm UK time.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a short telephone or MS Teams interview with a member of the EDI Hub+ Management Board.
How we will assess your application
Applications will be shortlisted by a selection panel made up of EDI Hub+ Management Board representatives against the following selection criteria:
- The alignment of your expertise and experience with our ‘Who we’re looking for’ criteria.
- Your motivation to be a member of the EDI Hub+ Strategic Advisory Board.
The outcomes of the selection process will be announced in March 2026. The next Strategic Advisory Board meeting will take place on 25 March 2026, immediately following the EDI Hub+ conference.
Further information
Data protection
Your application will include personal data about you. This will be stored and processed in line with the EDI Hub+ privacy policy.
Confidentiality
The Strategic Advisory Board is a forum for open and honest communication, some of which individual members may not wish to be repeated outside of meetings. We ask all members to demonstrate due care and consideration of this, both in their professional and personal conversations and on external platforms or social media, to avoid any deliberate or inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information.
Conflicts of interest
Occasionally, personal or business interests of members may conflict with their role as a member of the Strategic Advisory Board. To ensure honest and transparent discussion, members will be asked to disclose any conflicts of interest at the time of their appointment and to update this information bi-annually.
Get in touch
To ask a question about this opportunity, or about the application process, please contact the EDI Hub+ via email at [email protected].