Centre for Cities is the leading think tank dedicated to improving the economies of the UK's largest cities and towns. It is an independent, non-partisan research and policy institute dedicated to helping Britain’s cities improve their economic performance. Through its well-evidenced research and events it provides practical policy solutions and helps shape the debate on a wide range of urban economic issues including leadership and governance, skills, housing, entrepreneurship and infrastructure.  

The Centre was first established in March 2005 as a team within the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). Following a successful initial phase at IPPR, the Centre became an independent company in April 2007. The organisation regularly convenes experts, policy-makers and practitioners from a diverse range of backgrounds – cities, academia, employers, Whitehall and politicians from across the political spectrum – to explore the key issues and develop ideas and insights that can be used by cities and national government.

Its mission is to help the UK’s largest cities and towns realise their economic potential and it plans to achieve this by producing rigorous, data-driven research and policy ideas to help cities, large towns and Government address the challenges and opportunities they face. In partnership with LSE, it runs the What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth, which analyses which policies are most effective in supporting and increasing local economic growth.

The new Trustees will use their specific skill set and relevant experience to help the Board make strategic decisions and expand its reach through its research. The Trustees will have a strong alignment and commitment with the vision and mission of the Centre and will proactively help to work towards its success and growth.

In addition to the formal Board meetings, Trustees will be willing to undertake informal engagement with the charity, including providing advice on an ad hoc basis to the management team. Trustees will be expected to use their knowledge and experience to help the Board reach sound decisions; assist the senior leadership team with advice as required; and keep informed about, and support as appropriate, the activities of the organisation.

Trustees will help support the executive team to examine and challenge the operational delivery and strategic direction of the charity's major projects, programmes and events. The Board of Trustees will ensure that the activities, research and policy ideas of the charitable company meet public benefit requirements. 

Centre for Cities seeks up to two new Trustees with prior Board experience from any sector and a strong track record of leadership. The ideal candidate will have an interest in, and general knowledge of, UK urban economies and the related policy environment.

The candidate will bring finance experience and will join the Finance and Audit Committee. The Committee supports the Board of Trustees in their responsibilities for maintaining financial governance arrangements. The successful candidate will be a team player, with a strong track record and an understanding of financial management. Sound judgement, strong communication skills and a commitment with the mission and values of the charity are also essential.

Trustees will bring a strong understanding of charity or corporate governance and will help ensure that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document. Lastly, Centre for Cities would prefer to appoint a Trustee who is not from London / the South East because the Board has sufficient representation from these geographical locations and it seeks candidates from other areas in order to have better representation of cities across the UK.

Nigel Hugill, Chair
Alex Plant
Martin Reeves
Tom Riordan
Nicola Yates
John Cummins
Alan Harding 
Miranda Sharp
Joe Burns

This role is unremunerated. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board. Time commitment will include three Board meetings (March, July and November) and ad hoc regular communication when required.

This organisation is based in London and it would prefer to appoint a Trustee who is not from London / the South East because the Board has sufficient representation from these geographical locations. The Board seeks candidates from other areas to evenly represent cities across the UK. Therefore, Trustees can dial into virtual meetings and in-person attendance is not required for this role.

Centre for Cities welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. It is particularly keen to improve the diversity of the Board and ensure that it is representative of the communities it supports. As those from an ethnic minority background and women are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.