Chair

Genomics England is a global leader in enabling genomic medicine and research, focused on creating a world where everyone benefits from genomic healthcare. Building on the 100,000 Genomes Project, we support the NHS's world-first national whole genome sequencing service and run the growing National Genomic Research Library, alongside delivering numerous major genomics initiatives. By connecting research and clinical care at national scale, we enable immediate healthcare benefits and advances for the future.

Our mission is to provide the evidence and digital systems so that by 2035 genomics could play a role in up to half of all healthcare interactions, whilst securing the UK's position as the best place to discover, prove and benefit from genomic innovations.

We are accelerating our impact and working with patients, doctors, scientists, government and industry to improve genomic testing, and help researchers access the health data and technology they need to make new medical discoveries and create more effective, targeted medicines for everybody.

Behind the Healthcare and Research outcomes, Genomics England delivers through designing, developing and operating complex healthcare software systems. Today over half our headcount are directly involved in the delivery of software from Product, Design, Engineering and Bioinformatics to Data Engineering, Architecture and Service Management.

We're on the cusp of big changes with the real prospect of genomics becoming the fabric of everyday healthcare through the lifetime - from birth to old age.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a new Chair, to succeed Baroness Blackwood as she comes to the end of her term this year.

This is a rare board leadership opportunity in a pioneering national body with the potential to impact the lives of millions of people. Candidates for this important and visible role are likely to be experienced chairs and/or board members, accustomed to managing complexity and to dealing with external stakeholders at an appropriately senior level, including within Government.

The successful candidate will lead an exceptional Board, each member bringing a range of experience and capabilities and having a passionate interest in, and responsibility for, our work. They will provide support and challenge to our Chief Executive and work closely with key strategic stakeholders. They will also act as an ambassador and the public face of the organisation in partnership with the Chief Executive, working constructively and openly with the Department of Health and Social Care and our sole shareholder, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Closing date: 10 th August 2026

Genomics England is actively committed to providing and supporting an inclusive environment that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion best practice both within our community and in any other area where we have influence. We are proud of our diverse community where everyone can come to work and feel welcomed and treated with respect regardless of any disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or social background.

This role is a Ministerial appointment and is remunerated at £26,600 per annum for circa 4 to 6 days per month. The term of appointment will be for three years, renewable for a further term, and in exceptional circumstances renewal for a third term.