Non Executive Director

The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) – Non-Executive Director

DWP is seeking a Non-Executive Director for The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) to provide strategic oversight and robust governance. The successful candidate will demonstrate independence, sound judgment, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) investigates and determines complaints and disputes about the way that occupational and personal pension schemes are run. The Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman considers decisions made by the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) Board under the PPF's internal procedures and decides on appeals against decisions by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Financial Assistance Scheme. Although the roles are provided for separately in legislation, they are held by one post holder, supported by a single organisation, also called The Pensions Ombudsman.

TPO provides a free and accessible service for dealing with pensions complaints. Determinations are final and binding on all parties, subject only to appeal in the High Court on a point of law.

TPO is a Tribunal Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored by the DWP.

The Role of a Non-Executive Director

We welcome applications from individuals who may be applying for their first non-Executive Director role, where they bring relevant experience, diversity, and a fresh perspective. The successful candidate will:

• Contribute to and review the strategic direction of TPO;
• Provide constructive challenge and support to the Ombudsman and Executive Board to improve performance, customer experience and innovation;
• Ensure that TPO’s internal controls, risk management and governance arrangements are robust and effective;
• Monitor delivery against statutory objectives, performance measures and strategic priorities;
• Support the Board in strengthening digital capability and the use to drive improvements in service delivery;
• Engage positively with stakeholders, representing TPO externally where appropriate; and
• Uphold high standards of governance, including the Seven Principles of Public Life.

Essential Criteria

We are seeking candidates with the right skills and abilities to complement the existing Board members. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate:

• An understanding of the work, priorities and challenges of TPO and the context within which it operates;
• Ability to work at board level or equivalent, with a proven track record of delivery of objectives of an organisation, small or medium projects and programmes.
• Effective decision-making skills with the ability to critically analyse a wide range of information; and
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, accept challenge and constructively challenge others with clarity and respect.

Desirable Criteria

• An interest in private pensions or public services
• Experience contributing to organisational improvement and innovation, including supporting digital or service transformation.

Location: London

Number of Roles: 1

Remuneration: £6000 per annum

Time Commitment: A minimum time commitment of 12 days per annum

Length of Term: Fixed term of between three and five years

The vacancy closes at 17:00 on 16/02/2026. For more information and to apply to this role please click apply.