GBCC Board Member

We are currently recruiting new Board Directors at GBCC:

The Great Britain - China Centre (GBCC) is a public body under the auspices of, but independent from, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). GBCC works to support a robust and effective UK relationship with China which furthers the UK’s national interests, and to facilitate bilateral dialogue and exchanges. Working in close partnership with HMG and other UK institutions including parliament, the political parties, the judiciary and the legal profession, academia and business, GBCC occupies a niche role creating diverse entry points for UK-China dialogue on bilateral as well as global questions.  

In operation since 1974, GBCC has established unique networks in China, the UK and globally. Our relationships and influence have provided trusted and consistent mechanisms for exchange throughout changing political climates. 

The Board of Directors comprises independent non-executives, including Members of Parliament, and is attended by representatives of the FCDO and the British Council. GBCC’s Chair is Isabel Hilton OBE, and the Honorary President is Sir David Lidington. The Board meets in London four times a year, and there is a number of sub-committees in which directors are expected to participate. GBCC’s directors are also expected to commit time outside the formal Board commitment to use their expertise to assist the Chair and the executive team in achieving GBCC’s strategic and operational goals. Board members are expected to spend approximately two days per month on GBCC business. 

GBCC now seeks to strengthen its Board and would welcome applications from those with a keen interest in, and experience and knowledge of, China. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: audit and financial management; fundraising and income generation; legal and governance expertise and the implications of digital and tech advances for our work.  

GBCC is eager to encourage diversity on its Board. Applications are encouraged from all candidates regardless of ethnicity, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, age or ability. In particular, GBCC welcomes application from across all nations and regions in the UK.  

Board meetings and sub-committee meetings are held during working hours and typically take place in central London. GBCC welcomes questions about reasonable special adjustments from prospective applicants. GBCC welcomes applicants who are not permanently based in the UK, but will prioritise those who can commit to attending the majority of Board meetings in person.  

GBCC is recruiting new Board members for commencement in January 2026. The appointment is for three years, with the possibility of renewing for another three-year term. The positions are not remunerated.  

Applications, including a CV and a covering letter setting out why the candidate believes they would be suitable for appointment, should be sent by e-mail. Please email a copy of your CV together with the covering letter in a combined pdf document marked “GBCC Board recruitment 2025”.   

The application deadline is October 19, 2025 

Interviews during the week of November 17 2025. If a candidate would like to discuss any aspect of the Board position before submitting an application, please email the GBCC Chair, Isabel Hilton OBE on the same email.