PraxisAuril is the UK’s professional association for knowledge exchange based in Cambridge, UK. Knowledge exchange is a collaborative, creative endeavour that translates knowledge and research into impact in society and the economy.
PraxisAuril supports and develops knowledge exchange practitioners working in universities and private and public sector research organisations to manage research commercialisation, collaboration and other types of engagement between researchers and external organisations to deliver social and economic impact through innovation and enhanced productivity and skills.
We deliver training, networking and advocacy for our members who are drawn largely from the UK’s higher education sector but also from the wider research base and associated industries. Our purpose is to develop, promote and connect the UK’s knowledge exchange practitioners as a key element of the UK’s mission to deliver social and economic impact from its world-leading research base.
The association is governed by a Board of Directors, currently drawn primarily from our membership and sector stakeholders. You can view our Board members here.
Applicants should share our commitment to delivering world-leading professional development for knowledge exchange, supporting our members as a community of practice, and raising PraxisAuril’s profile and influence in the UK’s research and innovation sector.
The Opportunity
The PraxisAuril Board defines, evolves and communicates policy and strategy; monitors and controls implementation and performance of strategic plans and programmes; and ensures corporate governance. The company is at an exciting time in its development as we undertake to become a fully-fledged professional association for knowledge exchange.
As part of our regular Board rotation schedule, up to three Directorships will become available on 1 October 2024, for a four-year term. Board members are expected to:
- act with independent judgement, using their skills and experience for the benefit of the Board
- be committed to working in the best interests of PraxisAuril and its members
- commit the necessary time to carry out the function of a Board member
- demonstrate a participative and team working ethos in Board discussions and decisions
- undertake such training as specified by the Board from time to time.
Responsibilities
- Prepare for and participate fully in Board and, where applicable, sub-committee meetings. Quarterly meetings are in-person by preference at locations with good transport links. An annual Board away-day may require an overnight stay.
- Work with other Board members to develop and implement the Company’s strategic objectives, delivering a robust and sustainable business plan.
- Be an ambassador for PraxisAuril, in support of its strategic goals including contributing to our annual conference and other events as appropriate.
- Offer an independent and informed perspective on the overall running of the company.
These responsibilities translate to roughly 10 days of commitment per year.
Directors are Members of the Company and are authorised to act in line with the provisions of the Companies Act 2016. Please note that the role is voluntary but meeting-related travel and subsistence will be reimbursed.
About You
The PrA Board should reflect a diverse mix of skills, backgrounds and experience from diverse organisational types pertinent to our strategic mission and reflective of our membership across the four nations of the UK.
- Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of Board level strategic activity, be able to contribute to a member-centred organisation and know how to add value as a non-executive.
- An awareness of the research and innovation sector, and the role of knowledge exchange, would be useful but is not essential.
- We would welcome applications from the devolved nations to represent better our UK-wide membership.
Experience Required
Following a skills audit across current Board members we wish to appoint individuals with expertise and professional knowledge in one, or more of the following:
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- Human Resources and compliance
- Financial Management and management accounting
- Digital infrastructure, security and compliance
- Management of a professional body or chartered membership association
Experience may have been gained in a higher education provider, public or private research setting, or in business.
How To Apply
Applications by email are by a letter addressed to the Chair, Amanda Selvaratnam, to recruitment@praxisauril.org.uk outlining suitability for the role together with an accompanying CV and the names and contact details of two referees. Referees will not be contacted until later in the process and not without the candidates’ prior agreement.
Closing date: Midday, Friday 12th July 2024.
Interview Process
Applications will be reviewed, and a shortlist drawn up for interview which will be online via Zoom or similar. Interviews will be taken by the Chair, two colleagues from the board, and the executive director. We expect interviews to take place in early September, with appointments from 1 October 2024 (start of the financial year).
Please address any questions regarding these appointments to the Chair c/o recruitment@praxisauril.org.uk.