Great British Energy is the government’s publicly owned, energy development company with a mission to accelerate clean power deployment to create jobs, boost energy independence, and ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers, and communities reap the benefits of clean, secure, homegrown energy.

This is not a typical Chair role. This is an opportunity to shape a new national institution on behalf of the British people – a publicly owned energy company committed to serving the country.

GBE are seeking a Chair to lead a values-driven Board as Great British Energy enters its next phase of maturity. The successful candidate will join in autumn 2026, after the completion of GBE’s initial organisational set-up. The Chair will lead efforts to embed GBE as a lasting and dynamic pillar of the UK’s energy and economic landscape ensuring it delivers real value for the British people.

As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, oversight, and accountability during a pivotal period of growth and national significance. This role requires balancing the traditional responsibilities of a Chair with championing reshaping public ownership for the modern world.

GBE are looking for an individual who is motivated by public service and committed to Great British Energy’s mission to accelerate clean power deployment to create good jobs, boost energy independence and secure the benefit of clean, secure homegrown energy for the UK.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Leadership: Proven leadership experience as Chair or CEO of a large, complex organisation, ideally in energy, infrastructure, or public service. 
• Mission-driven: Deeply motivated by public service and committed to Great British Energy’s mission. Brings a forward-looking vision for public ownership in the 21st century, focused on delivering public value, commercial success, and long-term energy security. 
• Governance and Strategic Oversight: Strong understanding of corporate governance and the responsibilities of a Chair, with demonstrable ability to provide strategic direction and constructive challenge to executive leadership. 
• Political and Stakeholder Engagement: Politically astute yet determinedly impartial, able to navigate complex political, governmental, and investment landscapes to build consensus across sectors. 
• Communications and Influence: Exceptional communication skills, including experience in high-profile public-facing roles and media handling. Confident in navigating both government and private sector investment landscapes. 
• Ambassador: A reputation for building strong multi-stakeholder relationships and acting as a trusted ambassador for a high-profile organisation, with credibility and influence at the highest levels across government, industry and communities

Desirable criteria

• Organisation-building: Experience in establishing or scaling up a new organisation.
• Policy and Regulation: Familiarity with the UK’s regulatory and policy landscape for energy and climate.

Completed applications must be submitted to [email protected] by no later than 9am on Friday the 14th August.