Board Member

About CFA UK 

Board’s purpose

• To set the society’s strategic direction and oversee its delivery
• To oversee the society’s activities, ensuring that our finances and resources are well managed
• To ensure that the society furthers the interests of our members and the investment profession more widely
• To govern the society effectively, in accordance with company law, its Articles of Association and good governance practice.

Board member responsibilities and activities 

• To prepare for, and contribute to, one board meeting per quarter (each circa 3 hours), the annual strategy meeting (up to 1 day) and the society’s annual general meeting (2-3 hours). All meetings are held in person in London. In addition, there may be ad-hoc board meetings, when necessary, as well as board briefings on more detailed matters (these are generally held virtually). 
• To undertake other volunteering roles as appropriate, for example as a member or chair of one or more of the society’s committees, as a board liaison for a committee and/or as an officer of the board.
• To attend society and CFA Institute events to represent the board and the society and to engage actively with our members and other stakeholders.
• To undertake an initial induction programme and subsequent development activities in order to ensure you have, and keep up to date, the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the role.
• To commit to an initial expected term of at least three years, with a second three-year term also possible subject to re-election by members.
• To act as a statutory director of the society, comply with the general duties of directors, acting with integrity and upholding the board’s code of conduct.
  

Who are we looking for?

Mandatory qualification

Board members must be Regular Members of the society, although you do not need to be a CFA Charterholder.

• Experience in a senior leadership and/or operational oversight role
• Capable of building strong relationships and exercising diplomacy when engaging with other parties, including with policy makers, regulators, CFA Institute, our members and volunteers, the staffed office team and other internal and external stakeholders 
• Ability to think strategically and provide oversight, guidance and constructive challenge 
• Ability to communicate effectively in various settings, including board meetings, at events and with the society’s stakeholders
• Desire to show courtesy and respect to others, including other members of the board, our members and volunteers and the staffed office team 
• Willingness to contribute actively to board meetings and to be involved in committee work and other society activities
• Supportive of colleagues, able to work as part of a team and on occasion lead a small sub-group to complete projects and tasks
• Self-motivated to follow through on tasks between meetings
• Knowledge of CFA UK and/or experience in building community within a membership or volunteer‑based organisation (for example through prior volunteering)
• Committed to working with integrity and able to demonstrate appropriate independence.

Priority areas of expertise 

The nominating committee has also identified the following priority areas of skills, knowledge and experience: 

• To promote the interests of our members, board and governance experience (a full induction and on-going development opportunities are provided to all board members to help develop and maintain appropriate skills and knowledge)
• Digital transformation and delivery and/or oversight of significant information technology infrastructure and operations projects, including a sound understanding of cybersecurity challenges and the use of artificial intelligence 
• Active customer engagement, with experience translating customer needs into products and services and optimising customer experience, ideally within a membership or education context
• Experience in the oversight and/or delivery of qualifications and the regulatory requirements that apply to them
• Financial oversight, including of effective governance and oversight of an organisation’s financial position, resources and prospects and its system of controls and risk management
• An understanding of how those working across the investment community acquire skills and knowledge through qualifications, professional learning and training and experience in assessing educational needs and opportunities
• Experience in one or more of the following investment areas:
  • Portfolio management and analysis (buy side, sell side or credit)
  • Pension fund, endowment, wealth or other asset ownership
  • Client engagement
  • Private markets
  • Experience of volunteering and/or governance in a not‑for‑profit context.

What you will gain:

• The ability to make a difference to the long-term strategy and prospects of CFA UK and to influence our relationship with CFA Institute as one of its largest local member societies.
• Development of your leadership and governance skills at a senior level.
• Deeper understanding of the society, our members and volunteers and CFA Institute.
• Recognition for your contribution in shaping and delivering services to our members and our stakeholders.
• The “shared experience” of volunteering. You can learn more about what to expect from volunteering in our FAQs.