Independent Non-Executive Director – Chair of the Board
About the role
Independent Non-Executive Director – Chair of the Board
We are seeking an Independent Non-Executive Chair to lead the Boards of Dulas Ltd and Polestar Cooling Ltd, providing Group level oversight, governance leadership, and strategic stewardship on behalf of the Members. This is a rare opportunity to chair a values driven, member owned group operating across two distinct but complementary sectors – renewable energy and life sciences manufacturing – at a time of both opportunity and complexity.
As Group Chair, you will:
- Provide independent leadership of the Boards, ensuring effective governance across both Dulas Ltd and Polestar Cooling Ltd, in line with legal best practice and Dulas’ Articles of Association.
- Ensure the Group remains accountable to its Members, operating in line with its purpose, values, and democratic governance model.
- Lead Board effectiveness, culture, and decision making, enabling robust challenge and collective responsibility.
- Support the Boards in overseeing strategy, financial sustainability, risk, and long term impact across the Group.
- Work closely with the Managing Director to support, challenge, and hold to account executive leadership – without stepping into operational management.
- Act as a steward of the Group’s reputation, values, and member led culture.
Chair–Managing Director Relationship
You will work in close partnership with the Managing Director, providing support, constructive challenge, and clear governance oversight. The relationship is founded on mutual trust, clarity of roles, transparency, and shared commitment to the Group’s mission and Members.
Who We’re Looking For
We are interested in candidates who bring:
- Significant board level or senior leadership experience, ideally including chairing or vice chairing.
- Strong understanding of SME governance, with experience of complex or multi‑entity organisations.
- Comfort operating across different sectors and business models, with the ability to hold a strategic, Group wide perspective.
- Sound financial literacy and experience overseeing organisational performance and risk.
- A strong personal alignment with member ownership, democratic accountability, and values led business.
- The confidence to challenge constructively, and the humility to listen and build consensus.
- Experience of member owned, employee owned, co operative, social enterprise, renewable energy, manufacturing, or life sciences environments would be particularly welcome – but above all, we are seeking someone who shares our values and commitment to stewardship.
Why Join Us
- Chair a mission driven group doing meaningful work in renewable energy and global health.
- Work with engaged Members, a committed Board, and an experienced executive team.
- Play a pivotal role in stewarding a member owned organisation for long term impact, not short term gain.
About the Group
Dulas Ltd is a member owned and member governed, purpose led business. Polestar Cooling Ltd is a fully owned, separate legal company, 100% owned by Dulas with a focus on manufacturing specialist Life Science equipment on behalf of the parent company. Both businesses are united by a commitment to delivering positive social, environmental, and economic impact alongside strong commercial performance.
The Group includes:
- Dulas Ltd – a long established and internationally respected renewable energy and sustainability consultancy, working across energy access, climate resilience, and low carbon systems.
- Polestar Cooling Ltd – a specialist life sciences and cold chain manufacturing business, designing and manufacturing innovative cooling solutions that support healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and global health outcomes.
Together, the Group combines technical excellence, ethical trading, and long term stewardship, with Members at the heart of governance and accountability.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and covering letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience to jobs@dulas.org.uk.
We welcome interest from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to inclusive and values based recruitment.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 31st May 2026; however, we will contact candidates who apply before this date. Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we successfully identify a suitable candidate for the role.
We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement listed. If you feel you can add value to the role and to our organisation, even if you do not meet all of the essential criteria, we warmly encourage you to apply.
Q. When will the closing date be for application?A. The closing date is 31st May 2026 although we may close the role earlier if we are successful finding the right candidate.
Q. When will you be shortlisting for interview?A. We will shortlist for interview week commencing 8th June 2026.
Q. When will the interview be held?A. We will interview week commencing 22nd June 2026. There is flexibility around this week.
Q. Will there be a second interview?A. Yes – tbc.
Q. Who will be on the interview panel?A. For the first interview the interview panel will consist of:
- Executive Managing Director
- Three Member Elected Directors
- Human Resources Manager
For the second interview a member from our Members Advisory Committee (MAC) will also be present.
Q. Where will I be expected to go to attend the interviews?A. Yes, we would hold the interviews in our Head Office in Machynlleth, Mid‑Wales.
Q. When will the formal start date for the position be?A. The formal start for this position will be 10th December 2026 at our Annual general Meeting (AGM). However, we will require members to approve the appointment in advance at our September Quarterly Business Meeting, which will allow a short handover with the existing NED.
Location
UK based (with some meetings in Mid-Wales and Bognor Regis)
Time commitment
Minimum 15 days per year
Term
Fixed term from December 2026, renewable annually (subject to member approval). Note that Members will approve the new role holder at our September business meeting with the role formally starting from December 2026.
Remuneration
£15,000 annually plus reasonable expenses
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