About the job
We're looking for two experienced candidates to join our board as Non-Executive Directors. As Members of the Board, the Non-Executive Directors together with the Chief Executive Officer are collectively responsible for fulfilling the role of the Board in running British Friendly for its long-term success in the interests of its members and other stakeholders. The Board oversees British Friendly's financial health, risk management, and strategic direction, supporting the executive team in delivering the organisation’s strategy.
Key Responsibilities
* Strategic Oversight: Contribute to shaping and evaluating British Friendly’s long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with its mission and values, as well as the best interests of our members.
* Governance and Risk Management: Provide independent challenge and scrutiny of British Friendly’s risk framework, financial sustainability, and corporate strategy.
* Financial and Operational Insight: Review and interpret financial reports, budgets, and performance metrics, ensuring the organisation’s fiscal health.
* Corporate Responsibility: Uphold high ethical standards, ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting best practices in governance.
In addition, you will also join one of our Board committees which provides oversight and support, as well as constructive engagement with our Chief Executive Officer and his team.
What you will bring to the role
For the two roles our requirements are;
Role 1
It is essential that you have;
* Relevant distribution, product or operational experience gained in financial services.
* A strong track record in financial services.
* A good understanding of the regulatory requirements.
* Previous experience as an approved person, holding an SMF in financial services.
* Board or committee experience as an Executive or Non-Executive Director.
* Demonstrable skills in providing effective challenge and support as part of a high performing board.
* A high level financial and business acumen; capable of interpreting complex issues.
* Integrity, independence, and freedom from conflicts of interest.
* Capacity to undertake the role.
It is preferable that you have;
* An understanding and an affinity with the UK mutual sector and the key benefits of a member focused commercial entity.
* An understanding of consumer duty.
* An understanding of operational resilience.
Role 2
It is essential that you have;
* Experience of Audit and Risk Committees, their role in governance and oversight and have an appetite to join this committee.
* A strong track record in financial services.
* A good understanding of the regulatory requirements.
* Experience as an approved person, holding an SMF in financial services.
* Board or committee experience as an Executive or Non-Executive Director.
* Demonstrable skills in providing effective challenge and support as part of a high performing board and team.
* A high level financial and business acumen; capable of interpreting complex issues.
* Integrity, independence, and freedom from conflicts of interest.
* Capacity to undertake the role.
It is preferable that you have;
* An understanding and an affinity with the UK mutual sector and the key benefits of a member focused commercial entity.
* An understanding of consumer duty.
* An understanding of operational resilience.
Future Potential and Succession Planning
In recruiting these roles, we have a view to the future and will be interested to meet candidates who have an interest in potentially progressing to chair one of our Board Committees or the main Board as effective succession planning is a vital part of building the Board skill base and ensuring that we have the right people in place for the future. Our Board and Committee chairing roles are the British Friendly Board, The British Friendly Audit and Risk Committee and the British Friendly Remuneration and Nomination Committee. We are looking for candidates who can provide succession potential for these roles.
About British Friendly Society
British Friendly is a mutual insurer with a clear purpose: helping people protect what matters most. Founded in 1902, we have no shareholders - everything we do is for the benefit of our members. Our award-winning products include traditional investment-linked policies and modern Income Protection solutions, sold through financial advisers across the UK. In 2025, we won Outstanding Added Value (Provider) and in 2024 Outstanding Individual Income Protection at the Cover Excellence Awards.
If you’re passionate about delivering great outcomes, shaping the future of our Society, and working in a collaborative environment, British Friendly is the place for you. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
About the Board
https://members.britishfriendly.com/about-us/board/
How to apply?
If you are interested in joining the team, please email the following documents to hr@britishfriendly.com:
* An up-to-date CV.
* A covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining your interest in either Role 1 or Role 2. Please use this letter to demonstrate your suitability against the essential and preferable skills and experience listed in the job description.