• Organisation: Publishers’ Licensing Services (PLS)
• Position: Non-Executive Director (NED) – ALPSP Representative
• Salary: Reasonable expenses paid (unremunerated role)
• Location: UK (hybrid; meetings primarily in London

Description

Time commitment: Approximately 10–15 days per year

Term: Four-year term

About PLS

Publishers’ Licensing Services (PLS) has provided rights and licensing services to the publishing industry since 1981. Today, PLS represents over 4,500 publishers and collected and distributed more than £48 million in 2024/25.

A non-profit collective management organisation, regulated by government, PLS is owned and directed by the four main UK publishing trade associations – the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP), the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG), the Publishers Association (PA) and the Professional Publishers Association (PPA), PLS’ primary role is to maximise the value of published content, enable its legitimate re-use, and protect copyright through effective collective licensing, permissions and rights management services.

PLS works closely with the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) and operates in a complex legal, commercial, and digital environment where strong governance and effective oversight are essential.

The Role

PLS is seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Director (NED) to its Board as an ALPSP representative. The role is intended for a senior individual from a Learned Society or University Press, bringing sector insight and a strong understanding of governance, alongside experience relevant to digital and technology oversight.

The primary focus of the role is to contribute fully to the Board’s overall governance, strategy, and assurance responsibilities. In addition, the successful candidate will support the Board in strengthening its oversight of digital strategy and technology-related risk, with the potential for this remit to extend to providing CLA Board oversight in due course.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the development, oversight, and delivery of PLS’s strategy

• Providing independent challenge and support to the executive team

• Ensuring robust governance, financial oversight, and risk management

• Supporting Board-level oversight of digital strategy, technology investment, and delivery

• Providing guidance on IT systems governance, including resilience, scalability, and operational risk

• Supporting oversight of cybersecurity, data protection, and information risk

• Acting in the best interests of PLS while representing the perspectives of the ALPSP community

About You

This role would suit a senior leader from a Learned Society or University Press with experience of operating in complex, mission-driven organisations and an appreciation of both strategic governance and digital risk.

Previous non-executive or trustee experience is desirable but not essential. Candidates new to board roles are welcome, provided they can demonstrate sound judgement, strategic thinking, and an understanding of governance responsibilities.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Senior management or leadership experience in a publishing, scholarly communications, or research-led organisation

• Experience contributing to digital strategy or technology-enabled change at organisational level

• Knowledge of cybersecurity risk, data protection, and information governance

• Working knowledge of data governance and privacy frameworks

• Understanding of operational risk, business continuity, and assurance

What We’re Looking For

• Strong governance mindset and ability to operate at board level

• Confidence to provide constructive challenge and balanced judgement

• Collaborative and collegiate approach

• Commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency

• Alignment with the missions of PLS, CLA, and ALPSP

PLS and ALPSP are committed to improving diversity and inclusion at board level and strongly encourage applications from candidates from under-represented backgrounds.

How to apply

To apply, please submit:

• A short CV
• A brief covering statement outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience

Closing date: 27 February 2026

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: wayne.sime@alpsp.org