CDI Co-opted Director; Business Development

Position Overview

The CDI is funded by membership fees, training activities and commercial partnerships, contracts and relationships. Surplus income is invested by the organisation to enhance our services and support for members, as well as our activities to champion the profession. Our 2030 Strategy includes aims to increase our commercial income, so the CDI Board is seeking to appoint a Co‑opted Director to bring business development expertise and insight to the strategic direction and governance of the organisation.

This person will act as a Director of the CDI, with the general responsibilities of all Directors. In addition, they will bring a specific focus on business development to support the expansion of the CDI’s income, including growth of commercial services, bid/tender expertise, grant applications and more.

This is not a delivery role, but an opportunity for an experienced Business Development leader to provide strategic support, insight and expertise to the CDI Board, CEO and CDI team. This is an unpaid, volunteer role.

This is a voluntary role with travel and accommodation expenses reimbursed for Board meetings.

• Determining the CDI’s strategic objectives and policies.
• Setting strategic goals and objectives that align with the CDI’s vision.
• Helping identify opportunities that can help the Institute achieve its strategic objectives.
• Monitoring progress towards achieving the objectives and policies.
• Reading and interpreting financial statements.
• Identifying potential financial or other risks and helping to develop strategies to mitigate such risks.
• Appointing senior management.
• Accounting for the company’s activities to members and other stakeholders.

• Strategic Business Development leadership:
  • Contribute to the long‑term business development strategy aligned to the organisation’s purpose, values and 2030 Strategy.
  • Challenge and support strategic proposals related to growth, diversification and sustainability of income.
  • Provide sector insight and external perspective on market trends, risks and opportunities affecting the membership base.
  • Provide informed oversight (not operational delivery) of business development activities and KPIs.
• Income generation and financial sustainability:
  • Advise on non‑subscription income streams, e.g.:
    • Sponsorship and partnerships
    • Commercial services or products
    • Bids and grant applications
  • Support the board in evaluating the financial viability and risk profile of business development initiatives.
• Partnerships, sponsor ships & external relationships:
  • Advise on the development of strategic partnerships that enhance income, reach, member benefit or the profile of the profession.
  • Support the development of a grant‑application approach, to raise funds to support the work of the CDI and activities to advance the sector.
  • Use professional networks, where appropriate, to link to potential partners or sponsors and provide credibility during high‑value discussions.
  • Ensure partnerships are ethical, reputation‑enhancing and aligned with organisational values.
  • Ensure proper decision‑making frameworks are in place for commercial ventures, including conflict‑of‑interest management.
• Support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive:
  • Act as a critical friend to the Chief Executive and team leading business development.
  • Offer mentoring or sounding‑board support where appropriate, without crossing into day‑to‑day management.
  • Bring external best practice and lessons learned from other sectors or organisations.

• Attend Board meetings (typically two online and two in‑person per year).
• Attend the Finance and Risk Committee meetings (typically four per year, all online).
• Participate in other sub‑committees/sub‑groups/working groups of the Board, as required.
• Meet regularly with the CDI Chief Executive to discuss commercial strategy and progress.
• When appropriate, act as a sounding board for the Chief Executive and team on large commercial or grant opportunities.
• Facilitate links to key grant funding or commercial organisations.
• Participate in short‑listing panels for the CDI UK Career Development Awards (UKCDA).
• Participate…