Chair
Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS)
London
Voluntary basis with expenses reimbursed
The IFS’s overarching aim is to promote effective economic and social policies by improving understanding of how policies affect individuals, families, businesses and the government’s finances. Impact on policy at local, regional and national levels is at the heart of our mission. Our lives are profoundly affected by choices about how the government raises money, and how it spends it.
THE ROLE
Over the last 50 years we have built a reputation for the rigour of our academic and policy research, for its relevance, and for the clarity, objectivity and impartiality with which we communicate it. We are politically independent and publish all of our work freely on the IFS website. We are incredibly successful at securing funding from Research Councils, Foundations, businesses, charities and government departments for specific research projects, enabling us to conduct world-class research that we publish – without fear or favour – in leading academic journals and on the IFS website.
All of our policy analysis is underpinned by this research and that’s why we are often in high demand for commentary and analysis. We are mentioned in the UK media tens of thousands of times each year, give hundreds of media interviews, present evidence to Select Committees, Commissions, Ministers and Civil Servants in Westminster, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
We also give hundreds of presentations to stakeholders and partners across local and central government, third sector and business. This is something of which I am immensely proud, but it is also the type of activity that is incredibly difficult to raise funds for.
The IFS is seeking its next Chair. This appointment requires a highly accomplished individual in their field, with presence and influence at the most senior levels, and the credibility to work with a superb Board and Council. You may be an economist; but wherever you are, you will have a strong interest in public policy and demonstrate the integrity and personal standing needed to ensure the independence of the IFS from political and other vested interests.
