Governor

About us

The Wellcome Trust is a politically and financially independent global charitable foundation dedicated to improving health through science. Established in 1936, it is funded entirely through returns from a £39.9bn investment portfolio, enabling a planned £16bn spend between 2022 and 2032 across discovery research, infectious disease, mental health, and climate and health. 

Wellcome’s mission, a healthier future for all, is grounded in collaboration, diversity of expertise, and bold, high‑impact scientific ambition.

We are now seeking to appoint two Governors to join our Board of Governors. The Governor role is a senior non‑executive appointment on Wellcome’s Board of Governors, responsible for shaping long‑term strategy, safeguarding the endowment, and ensuring exemplary governance. Governors act as statutory directors of The Wellcome Trust Ltd., providing strategic oversight, setting risk appetite, holding leadership to account, and serving as ambassadors for Wellcome’s mission and its commitments to equity, diversity, anti‑racism, and inclusion.

We are looking to recruit Governors with experience in two specific areas: 

AI/Data Science

A highly respected and visionary leader in data or computational sciences, with demonstrable contributions to foundational AI and data science as applied to scientific and health research. The successful appointee will bring a strong appreciation of the conceptual and technical frontiers shaping current and future research and the ability to apply this insight effectively to Wellcome’s activities.

The ideal candidate will have a background in computer science or data science, with clear and demonstrable contributions to foundational data science and artificial intelligence, particularly as applied to science and health research and strategy. They will bring a strong appreciation of the conceptual and technical frontiers of both current and emerging science, with an ability to understand how these frontiers are likely to develop over time. They will be able to apply their expertise thoughtfully and effectively to Wellcome’s activities, using their scientific insight to inform, challenge, and support decision‑making in line with Wellcome’s purpose.

Scientific Leader

A notable scientific leader with a distinguished career in biomedical research and a strong network of research relationships. The successful candidate will be UK based and have been directly exposed to breakthrough science and will bring the insight and credibility that come from shaping research at the highest levels within major scientific organisations or academic institutes

The ideal candidate will bring substantial leadership experience within a scientific organisation or academic institute, underpinned by a distinguished academic career in biomedical science and a strong, well‑established network of research contacts. They will be UK based and have clear exposure to breakthrough science and a proven, successful track record in a non‑executive role across a corporate, academic or third‑sector context. With sound judgement and the ability to contribute thoughtfully at board level, they will add real value to strategic discussion and effective governance.

How to apply

We have appointed the leadership advisory firm Spencer Stuart to lead the search for these two Governor positions. 

If you are interested in applying please send your up-to-date CV and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role to: [email protected]

Closing date for applications is Thursday 19th February.

You can view Spencer Stuart’s privacy policy here.

Please note any application submitted directly to Wellcome may not be considered.

Time Commitment

Wellcome anticipate a time commitment of approximately 35 days per year. There are typically 6 Board meetings per year, 5 of which run over 2 days, and one shorter online Board meeting to consider the Charity’s annual accounts.

Remuneration

Governors are appointed under a contract for services, which is currently remunerated at £71,054 per annum. Governors can claim reasonable expenses properly incurred for attending board meetings, such as travel, or on other Wellcome related business.

The appointments are for three years, requiring confirmation by the Board of Governors at the expiry of the first year. The appointments can be extended, by the board, by up to two additional terms of three years to a maximum of nine years.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do  

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at [email protected].  

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