Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA)

We are looking for a visionary leader as the first Chair of ARIA, the Advanced Research and Invention Agency. Modelled after the ARPAs in the United States, ARIA’s mission is to pursue high-risk, high-payoff research in breakthrough technologies that create a strategic advantage for the United Kingdom. The Chair will work closely with ARIA’s newly appointed CEO, Dr Peter Highnam, currently Deputy Director at DARPA.

The agency will have a high degree of freedom and autonomy from central Government, minimal bureaucracy, and maximal financial flexibility. The Government is committed to providing at least £800m in funding for the agency till 2025/26. The ARIA Bill, giving explicit parliamentary consent for the body’s unique characteristics to be protected for the long term, has almost completed its passage through both Houses.

The Chair is a key figurehead for ARIA and will be integral to shaping the new organisation and ensuring its success and the UK’s continued leadership globally on research and innovation. They will work with the CEO and other Board members, leading ARIA in pursuit of its objectives. The Chair will act as custodian for ARIA’s mission and objectives and be responsible for supporting overall direction and management, ensuring that the Board takes an effective governance role.

The successful candidate will be an experienced board member with a strong understanding of the UK R&D landscape, and global science. They will bring a good understanding of governance and other governing body management issues such as an understanding of compliance and probity as these relate to a publicly funded organisation. An inquisitive and intuitive thinker, they will be able to remain objective in scrutinising ARIA’s executive and holding it to account. They will be able to balance the competing and conflicting strategic pressures from central Government, inside ARIA, and from external stakeholders.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is committed to the principle of public appointments on merit with independent assessment, openness, and fairness of process and to providing equal opportunities for all. Applications are welcome from all, but we particularly encourage applications from women, people from an ethnic minority, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference QAPASA1. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 16 March 2022.