The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) is a world-class economics research institute based in London, UK. Founded in 1969, the IFS is a non-profit organisation which is committed to promoting sustainable public finances and sound economic policies. Its research and analysis is used by policymakers, academics, and journalists worldwide to better understand the impact of public policy decisions on individuals, households, and businesses.

The IFS employs a team of economists, policy analysts, and professional staff who work collaboratively to produce high-quality research and analysis on a wide range of economic and public policy issues. Their work covers a broad range of topics, including tax policy, social security, education, healthcare, and the labour market. The IFS is also known for its work on inequality, poverty, and social mobility.

One of the IFS's key strengths is its independence. It is entirely independent of government and political parties, and its research and analysis is not influenced by external factors. This independence allows the IFS to provide objective, evidence-based research that is trusted by policymakers and the public.

Through flagship initiatives such as the Mirrlees Review the IFS Green Budget and the IFS Deaton Review of Inequalities, the IFS has been guiding politicians and civil servants in implementing effective economic policies. Through its work in the media and through public initiatives like the IFS Tax Lab it opens up the policy debate and promotes a wider understanding of economics.

Looking ahead, the IFS is committed to continuing to produce world-class research which informs public policy decisions and contributes to the broader public debate. With its talented team of economists and policy analysts, its commitment to independence and objectivity, and its reputation for excellence, the IFS is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of economics research for many years to come.

The IFS seeks up to three new Trustees who will use their skills and experience to help the Board to provide effective governance and to make strategic decisions. Trustees examine, challenge and support the operational delivery and strategic direction of the IFS's major projects and research work. They bring an independent perspective to the work of the IFS, with specific subject matter expertise.

Trustees at the IFS are accountable to the Charities Commission and are responsible for ensuring that the income and property of the IFS are applied fairly and correctly. The Board of Trustees is a subset of, and reports to, the IFS Council, which meets once a year. Council members are a key stakeholder group and the Board actively engages with them on governance matters. The IFS Council also gives advice to the Board on strategic matters involving the Institute's finances and research.

The broad areas of the work of the Board include:

• Strategic direction: ensuring that the IFS is responding to the changing external environment across its research and programme areas
• Performance: monitoring the performance of the executive team against strategic and operational plans
• Assurance: contributing to the identification and monitoring of risk. Ensuring there are adequate short and longer term financial plans in place to deliver the strategy. Adhering to the highest standards of charity governance

Specifically, Trustees will be expected to:

• Attend Board meetings, which take place five times a year, including one strategy day
• Provide support, constructive challenge and advice to the director and senior management team
• Ensure that IFS activities further the charitable aims of the organisation, maintaining the reputation of the organisation for conducting high quality impartial analysis that is well communicated
• Assist with succession planning, and involvement in the recruitment process for the role of director of the Institute
• Review budgets and strategic plans and take advice from the Audit committee to ensure that the finances of the organisation are scrutinised and understood
• Occasionally advise the IFS director or their colleagues between meetings on significant issues that may arise.
• If relevant, take part in a sub-committee (currently Audit, Investment and Nominations Committees)
• If needed, act as an ambassador for – and defender of – the IFS

The IFS is seeking up to three new Trustees to join its Board. The successful candidates should have a proven track record of providing strategic direction and oversight to organisations, and should possess strong leadership and management skills. Applicants will have a strong sympathy with the aims of the IFS and an interest in the UK policy environment. They will be committed to promoting evidence-based policy making and will have a good understanding of the UK policy landscape.

Desirable criteria for the role include expertise at a strategic level in human resources, or information and communications technology with knowledge about recent technological transformation: deeper representation of these skillsets will be a strategic benefit for the Board. This experience could be in the private, charity or higher education sectors. Applications are also welcome from highly-regarded leaders from other fields who have an interest in supporting the work of the IFS.

Personal attributes that the successful candidate should possess include the ability to collaborate with others and take part in meetings in an inclusive way. They should have wise political judgement and demonstrate commitment to acting with selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, and honesty, and displaying leadership (the Nolan Principles). They should also be committed to diversity and inclusion and able to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion within the organisation.

Michael Ridge, Chair
Jonathan Athow
Jamie Bell
John Chown
David Gregson
Peter Kane
Caroline Mawhood
Orna NiChionna
Nick Timmins

More information about the Board and the IFS's governance can be found here

The Board ordinarily meets five times per year in February, May, July, September and December. Meetings are held in hybrid format at the IFS's London offices, and Trustees are encouraged to attend in person as often as possible. The September meeting is often combined with a day-long strategy discussion involving trustees and the senior management team.

In addition, where relevant, Trustees are encouraged to join sub-committees relevant to their area of expertise which meet a few times a year, either in person or online: currently there is an Audit Committee that oversees the IFS's finances, an Investment Committee that oversees the investment of the IFS's financial assets, and a Nominations Committee that makes recommendations for potential new Council and Trustees. Trustees serving on any of these committees need to allow appropriate time commitment for preparatory work between meetings.

Trustees are not remunerated, although reasonable out-of-pocket expenses can be paid.

The IFS actively encourages equality and diversity and it looks to recruit across age, gender, ethnicity and background. It is keen to see a diverse membership of the Trustee body and committees and to improve the diversity of the Board and ensure that it is representative of the communities it supports. As such, applications from women and those from an ethnic minority background are 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.