EFQM is a not-for-profit membership foundation in Brussels which was established in 1989 to increase the competitiveness of European organisations and the European economy. Since then, it has helped 50,000 organisations to improve performance and manage change more effectively. By using its world-leading EFQM Model and its Technology platform supported by best practice, organisations can focus on improving their priorities, their purpose, and their people.

EFQM is an international, multinational and ethnically-diverse organisation that operates directly and indirectly in more than 50 countries and in 25 languages and has offices in Dubai, London and Brussels.

Through an integrated and carefully-designed portfolio of training and services, EFQM works side by side with leaders to better equip their teams as they manage excellence, cultural change and transformation. Its aim is to help organisations deliver positive performance and meaningful benefits for all of their key stakeholders and society as a whole.

In the coming years, EFQM's strategy is to further develop a more established, recognised presence in Europe, particularly in France and Germany, as well as continuing its international expansion. It will also continue to grow its very successful operations in the Middle East. In addition, EFQM is prioritising the development and financing of its own in-house assessment tool and tech platform, AssessBase, which will be used to support organisations in their journey towards outstanding performance, cultural change and transformation.

EFQM is a not-for-profit membership Belgian Foundation that largely operates as a limited company.

The EFQM Board's role is to ensure that EFQM’s strategy and its implementation are aligned with the mission of the Foundation, taking into account the views and expectations of all stakeholder groups. It also strives to maximise the added-value for members and to secure EFQM’s sustainable financial independence. The Board of Directors consists of senior executives of EFQM members and other organisations.

Responsibilities of the Board Directors may include:

• Contributing to the Board’s collective role in setting the organisation’s strategic direction and providing effective oversight of its operation and governance
• Ensuring that the organisation uses its resources in line with its status as a Foundation
• Carrying out the core responsibilities of governance
• Safeguarding the reputation and values of the organisation and have an active concern for diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to increasing the impact of the organisation
• Acting as an ambassador and advocate for the organisation and using their networks to promote its work
• Having a commitment to integrity, honesty, accountability and openness
• Attending and engaging in training and events as required

EFQM seeks to appoint a new Independent Board Director with senior, client-facing professional services or client-facing technology experience. 

Given that the Board is already well-represented by those operating in organisations to which it offers its services, EFQM is keen to hear from those with experience of delivering advisory services, perhaps as a lawyer, accountant or consultant or other B2B environments. They will have a good understanding of market trends as well as how EFQM can best position itself to develop further business and grow internationally.

With international expansion in mind and to best represent the geographical areas that the EFQM represents, candidates from France and Germany in Europe, Asia, Middle-East and USA are particularly encouraged.

Please note: candidates must ensure that there is no possibility of conflict with their current organisations before they put themselves forward for this role. 

There are four Board meetings every year. These are held virtually and so EFQM is open to appointing candidates from anywhere in the world. Reasonable international travel expenses can be reimbursed. There would be the option to join the Finance and Risk Committee which would be an additional Committee meeting. There is voluntary two-day conference, including a formal dinner and gala event with representatives from EFQM's membership organisations in Europe. Directors are elected for a two-year period.

EFQM actively encourages equality and diversity and it looks to recruit across age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, disability and background. It is keen to improve the diversity of the Board and ensure that it is representative of the communities it supports. Therefore, applications from under-represented groups and especially ethnic minority backgrounds, 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.