Strategic Board: expressions of interest invited for advisor appointments

About Oxford Insights

Oxford Insights is the premier AI and data advisory firm for sovereign nations. Founded in 2017, we publish the Government AI Readiness Index (GAIRI) – the most widely cited national benchmark of AI capability, used by UNESCO, the G20, and over 40 governments. We work with governments across the GCC, Central Asia, Latin America, and the UK on AI strategy, digital transformation, and responsible AI governance.

The opportunity

We are establishing a Strategic Board to advise the CEO on the next phase of Oxford Insights’ growth. The Board will bridge the gap between an advisory body and a more formal governance structure, with a clear mandate to support international expansion, strengthen our market positioning, and prepare the firm for the CEO’s intended transition to a Strategic Chair role by FY2029.

We are seeking up to four advisors, including a Chair, who will bring a combination of commercial networks, international credibility, and practical experience of scaling professional services firms.

What the Board does

• Meets four times per year, each meeting split into two streams: trading and performance (45 min) followed by a strategic theme (45 min)
• Reviews a standing decisions register covering major calls: acquisitions over £500k, geographic entry, senior executive hires, and equity events
• Enables sub-committees – an International Sub-committee is envisaged from the outset
• Commits to two ad hoc calls per quarter and two warm introductions per year
• Offers 1–2 “office hours” sessions per year with Senior Consultants and Principals

What we are looking for

We have identified five priority domains. Candidates need not cover all five; we are assembling a board where each seat earns its keep.

• International expansion – live networks in GCC, Central Asia, and/or Latin America at government-buyer level. Track record of converting introductions into revenue.
• Scaling professional services – experience growing a consulting or advisory firm from £2–3m to £10m+. Understands the operational challenges of scaling delivery capacity internationally.
• AI policy positioning – credibility in the AI governance and ethics space, anchored on frameworks like GAIRI. Able to represent the firm in multilateral and government settings.
• M&A and integration – practical experience of acquiring and integrating small professional services firms or data businesses.
• Founder-to-Chair transition – has personally navigated the shift from executive leadership to a Strategic Chair role. The rarest skill on this list.

Terms

Tenure: three years maximum, renewable annually. Chair-led renewal recommendation, CEO confirms.

Commitment: four meetings per year, two ad hoc calls per quarter, reasonable preparation, and two introductions per year.

Remuneration: anchor advisor (Chair): £12–15k per annum. Standard advisor seats: £4k per annum. All figures to be confirmed.

Equity: no equity participation. Advisory independence is preserved.

Commissioned work: project work beyond the advisory commitment is chargeable separately by agreement.

Conflicts: disqualifying conflicts resolved before appointment. Annual written register of all paid roles, shared with all members.

Indemnity: no D&O cover is provided for advisory members.

Termination: 30 days’ notice from either side. Material adverse impact clause with right of response.

How to express interest

Please contact Richard Stirling at richard@oxfordinsights.com with a brief note on your background and which of the five domains you would bring to the Board. A CV is welcome but not required at this stage.