Governing Board Member - Nuffield Family Justice Observatory

Overview

The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory improves the lives of children and families by using data and research evidence to hold up a mirror to the family justice system. The research we commission, synthesise or undertake ourselves helps to shed light on children and parents’ experiences before, during and after their cases are heard in the family court. In publishing research, convening discussions between professionals and getting alongside innovative practice, we aim to inspire changes in practice and policy that improve children’s and families’ lives.

We are developing a new strategy for  which will focus on working towards a family justice system which:

• Has a shared mission to help children and young people to thrive
• Enables children and families to participate in vital decisions about their lives
• Treats people fairly and with equity.

At this very exciting time for the organisation, candidates will join an enthusiastic and energetic board committed to the mission of improving the lives of families who come into contact with the FJS, driven by appetite for creating positive social impact.

We are currently looking to recruit some new members to the Nuffield FJO Board as several of our existing board members have completed their terms. We are open to applications from a variety of backgrounds, and we are particularly keen to receive applications from individuals:

• Pioneering strategic change maker(s) with experience of leading change across complex systems, ideally involving children’s services with education/police/health or similar
• Individuals with knowledge of the Welsh family justice context, including a Wales-wide view of children’s social care, family courts, Cafcass Cymru.
• Individuals with senior level experience of children’s services (ideally a current or former Director of Children’s Services)
• Government/Civil Service policy experience
• Experience of working to increase equity in access to, and experience of, public services.

Board members are expected to attend four meetings per year and undertake additional work in between meetings (such as chairing events or providing ad hoc advice). There is an honorarium of £2,000 per annum. Board members are appointed for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of a further three-year appointment.

Further information and to apply

For further information, please click through to the vacancy listing on the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory's website. To apply, candidates should email a CV and a cover letter (no longer than 2 sides of A4, and which sets out their relevant experience and motivations for applying) to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Candidates are also welcome to send any questions to this address.

The closing date for applications is 09:30am (GMT) on Monday 16th February 2026 with interviews expected to take place w/c March 16th 2026.

We are hopeful that successful candidates will be able to join the Board meeting taking place on Monday 23 March 2026, after which the next Board meeting takes place on Monday 20th July 2026.