The CFA Society of the UK (“CFA UK” or “the society”) is a diverse community with a shared purpose. Together, we grow talent. We are 12,000 dedicated professionals who have a talent for investing. We are one of the largest membership bodies solely dedicated to the investment profession. And, by using our extensive contacts and expertise, we help our members take their career forward.
The board is the governing body of CFA Society of the UK (CFA UK or the society) and its members are statutory directors of the society. The society is a not-for-profit organisation and therefore the volunteer position is not remunerated.
As a board member, you’ll directly contribute to the society’s success by bringing your expertise, insights, and commitment to help CFA UK meet its strategic objectives. You’ll collaborate with fellow board members and the staffed office to develop strategic plans and policies.
Board's Purpose
- To set the society’s strategic direction.
- To oversee the running of the society’s activities, ensuring that its finances and resources are well managed.
- To ensure that the society furthers the interests of members and the investment profession.
- To govern the society in accordance with company law and its Articles of Association.
Board member responsibilities and activities
- Prepare for and attend one board meeting per quarter (2-3 hours), the annual strategy meeting (up to 1 day) and the society’s annual general meeting (2-3 hours) All meeting to be attended 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).
- 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.
- Attend society and CFA Institute events to represent the board and the society and to engage actively with our members and other stakeholders.
- Undertake an initial induction programme and subsequent development activities in order to ensure you have, and keep up to date, the right knowledge and skills to perform the role.
- Commit to an expected term of at least three years, up to a maximum term of six years.
- 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 Member of the society, although you do not need to be a CFA Charterholder.
The nominating committee (which oversees the nominations and selection process for this role), having reviewed the balance of the board, has identified the following priorities in recruiting for these roles. Nominees do not need to have all of the desirable skills, knowledge, and experience or priority areas of expertise:
Essential skills, knowledge, and experience
- 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 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 members of the board, our members and volunteers and the staffed office team.
- Willingness to contribute actively to board meetings and be involved in other committees’ work.
- Able to work as part of a team and on occasion lead a small sub-group to complete tasks.
- Self-motivated to follow through on tasks between meetings.
- Society knowledge gained through other volunteering activities or experience of building community within a membership organisation.
Desirable skills, knowledge, and experience
- Board and governance experience, although a full induction and on-going development opportunities will be provided to help develop appropriate skills and knowledge.
- Financial oversight experience, including of effective governance and oversight of an organisation’s financial position, resources and prospects and its system of controls and risk management.
- Knowledge of information technology infrastructure and operations, including cybersecurity and use of artificial intelligence within an organisation.
- 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.
Priority areas of expertise for this year’s selection process
- Portfolio management and analysis (buy side, sell side or credit).
- Pension fund, endowment, wealth or other asset ownership.
- Client engagement.
- Private markets.
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 membership and our stakeholders.
- The “shared experience” of volunteering – you can learn more about what to expect from volunteering in our FAQs.
The board is committed to enhancing the diversity of its membership including diversity on the basis of gender, geographic origin, ethnicity, age and other factors. Cognitive diversity is actively encouraged.
Deadline for applications: 23 May 2025
Initial interviews for shortlisted nominees are anticipated to be held from 12 June 2025 onwards. It is intended that all nominees will be contacted by 9 June 2025.