Boardroom insights: navigating the role of non-executive director

Non-Executive Director (NED) pathways for Imperial alumni

Are you an Imperial College London graduate ready to make a lasting impact in the public sector?

Join us for an exclusive event for alumni of Imperial to support you in exploring how your world-class education and years of expertise can address key 21st-century challenges in areas such as sustainability, technology, public health and security through NED roles.

Why Attend?

• Discover the role of a NED: Learn what it takes to position yourself for recruitment into a NED role, how to succeed as a NED, the responsibilities you’ll hold and the impact experienced professionals can make in the public sector.
• Explore opportunities: Find out about the diverse NED roles available in emerging and critical fields—where your Imperial education gives you a competitive edge.
• Gain insider knowledge: Hear directly from representatives from the UK Cabinet Office about the key qualities they seek in NED candidates and how to present your experience effectively.

This event will feature expert speakers from the Cabinet Office Propriety and Ethics Appointments Unit, and a panel of successful Imperial alumni who have transitioned into NED roles. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded senior professionals, aspiring NED’s and those already in position.

Join us to learn how you can contribute to society’s biggest challenges through public sector leadership and explore a rewarding leadership path as a NED.

Attendees can expect a memorable evening of in-person networking plus exclusive insights through a keynote presentation and panel discussion. Refreshments will be served following the discussion.

Meet the alumni panel

• Dr Dominique Allwood (MBBS BSc MPH MBA FFPH)
  Chief Medical Officer, UCLPartners

  Dominique Allwood has over two decades of experience in healthcare, spanning clinical medicine, public health, healthcare leadership, management, innovation, and improvement. She is an award-winning leader with a broad portfolio of executive, non-executive, and leadership roles across public sector and nonprofit health organisations.

  Currently, she serves as Chief Medical Officer for UCLPartners, a healthcare innovation partnership, where she leads on emerging technologies, net zero and health equity. Dominique currently sits on the Board of the Patient Revolution (a U.S.-based non-profit) and is also a Governor of University College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. She is passionate about increasing diversity of Boards and has previously participated in a Non-Executive NExT Director Programme, designed to support individuals from under-represented groups in becoming non-executive directors. She served as an Associate Non-Executive Director of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust from 2019 to 2021.

• Hande Côté, PhD
  
  Head of Engineering, Johnson Matthey

  
  With over 16 years of international experience in the energy, chemicals, manufacturing, and utilities sectors, Dr Hande Cote is a results-oriented woman engineering leader with a passion for driving operational excellence, asset performance, and sustainable practices.  Her career has been defined by a commitment to engineering innovation, asset digitalization, and creating impactful change within complex organizations. Recognized as a leader in her field, Hande was ranked #4 among senior women leaders in the manufacturing sector in March 2023. She is an active member of the Women’s Engineering Society, mentoring women in STEM and advocating for greater diversity and inclusion within the engineering profession. 
  
  Hande serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Industrial Advisory Board at the University of Leeds and the Women in Manufacturing UK Initiative.