Introduction from the Secretary of State
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the Building Digital UK (BDUK) Non-Executive Director role.
This is an exciting time to join the BDUK Board. These roles provide the strategic leadership necessary to deliver the Shared Rural Network, which will bring 4G coverage to 95% of the UK, and Project Gigabit, which is investing £5 billion in rolling-out gigabit-capable broadband to rural communities and hard-to-reach areas. The importance of digital connectivity in every corner of the UK cannot be understated. Not only will households in these communities be able to more reliably access online services, such as streaming and banking; better digital connectivity will be a major boost to businesses and local economies too.
We are recruiting two non-executive directors to the BDUK Board. We are especially looking for candidates with a strong record in delivering technology-led programmes. You must also have knowledge and understanding of the telecoms industry.
My Ministerial colleagues and I are committed to fair and open recruitment processes across all public appointments that we make. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented groups.
Should you need any further assistance or information, my officials would be happy to talk to you about this significant role.
If you are interested in the role and in driving forward the work of BDUK, I encourage you to apply.
Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
Role description
BDUK Non-Executive Directors advise the Chief Executive and senior management on the strategic direction and management of the agency. They have a key role in ensuring continuous organisational improvement, high performance management, service delivery, accountability, and effective corporate governance.
Organisation description
BDUK is an executive agency of DSIT, responsible for the roll-out of gigabit-capable broadband and the expansion of 4G mobile coverage in hard-to-reach areas of the UK. It works with supplier and communities to ensure access to fast and reliable digital connectivity. BDUK delivers two overarching programmes: Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network.
Project Gigabit is the government’s £5 billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities access to lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband. It targets homes and businesses that are not included in broadband suppliers’ plans, using local, regional and cross-regional contracts. These contracts are complimented by a number of other programmes, including:
- Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme: Up to £210 million in vouchers to give eligible communities immediate financial help with the costs of getting gigabit speeds.
- GigaHubs: Up to £110 million to connect public sector buildings such as GP surgeries, libraries and schools in hard-to-reach parts of the UK.
- Superfast Programme: The Superfast Broadband Programme is now largely providing gigabit-capable speeds and will reach half the remaining premises that have slow broadband speeds.
The Shared Rural Network is a £1 billion government deal with the UK’s four mobile network operators to improve 4G coverage and level-up connectivity across the UK. The public and private investment in a shared network of phone masts will significantly improve mobile coverage for an extra 280,000 premises and 16,000km of roads across the UK.
Regulation of appointment
This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the
Commissioner’s website