At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic support and oversight to the Board, ensuring effective governance.
- Company: Join UK Deaf Sport, the leading organisation for deaf sport in the UK.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses covered and the chance to influence national sport.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 12 days per year with inclusive recruitment practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for deaf athletes and shape the future of sport.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership or Board-level experience, ideally in sport or charity sectors.
We are seeking a Senior Independent Director with Board-level or senior leadership experience who can provide independent oversight, constructive challenge, and strategic support to the Chair and Board. A voluntary role with expenses covered.
UK Deaf Sport is the leading organisation for deaf sport in the UK, working to ensure deaf people have equal opportunities to participate and excel in sport and physical activity. Our vision is Every Deaf Person Active and Inspired by Sport and Physical Activity.
We are now seeking to appoint a Senior Independent Director (SID) to join our Board at an exciting time of growth and opportunity.
About Senior Independent Director – Voluntary
This is a pivotal moment for UK Deaf Sport as we continue to strengthen our governance, expand our reach, and increase opportunities for deaf athletes across the UK and on the world stage. As Senior Independent Director, you will play a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness of the Board, supporting the Chair, and providing independent oversight during a period of continued development and ambition.
The role
The Senior Independent Director is a key member of the Board and works closely with the Chair and Non‑Executive Directors to ensure strong governance, accountability, and strategic leadership.
Key responsibilities
- Acting as a sounding board and trusted advisor to the Chair
- Supporting Board effectiveness and governance standards
- Representing the views of Non‑Executive Directors and stakeholders
- Providing constructive challenge to support effective decision‑making
- Supporting succession planning and Board evaluation processes
Who this role is for
This role is best suited to individuals with senior leadership or Board‑level experience, such as:
- Non‑Executive Directors, Trustees, or Board members
- Senior executives with governance experience
- Leaders within sport, charity, public, or regulated sectors
Key qualifications and attributes
- Strong understanding of the Code for Sports Governance
- Experience working in or alongside the charity, sport, or disability sector
- The ability to provide inclusive leadership, challenge, and independent judgement
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Lived experience of deafness or strong links to the deaf community are highly valued.
Time commitment
Approximately 12 days per year, including Board and committee meetings. A combination of online and in‑person meetings.
What you will gain
- Influence the strategic direction of a national organisation
- Contribute to improving opportunities for deaf people in sport
- Build Board‑level experience within a respected governing body
- Work alongside passionate and committed colleagues
Inclusion and accessibility
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We actively welcome applications from people within the deaf community and those with lived experience of deafness.
Supported by the organisation:
- Adjustments throughout the recruitment process
- Flexible interview formats where needed
Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.
Senior Independent Director - Voluntary in Birmingham employer: Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire
UK Deaf Sport is an exceptional employer dedicated to promoting equality and inclusion in sport for deaf individuals. By joining our Board as a Senior Independent Director, you will not only influence the strategic direction of a national organisation but also work alongside passionate colleagues committed to making a difference. With a focus on governance and development, this voluntary role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change while gaining valuable Board-level experience.
Contact Details:
Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Independent Director - Voluntary in Birmingham
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join forums, or even reach out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Show Up Prepared
When you get that interview, make sure you’re ready to impress! Research the organisation, understand their mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see you shine and show us why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Be Authentic
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! We value authenticity, so share your passion for sport and inclusion. Let us see the real you and how your unique experiences can contribute to our vision of every deaf person active and inspired by sport.
✨Follow Up
After your interview, drop us a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in our minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and remind us why you’d be an awesome addition to the Board!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Independent Director - Voluntary in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Inclusion:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We want to see how you can contribute to our vision of ensuring every deaf person is active and inspired by sport.
Demonstrate Your Governance Experience:Be clear about your Board-level or senior leadership experience. We’re looking for candidates who can provide independent oversight and constructive challenge, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for this role at UK Deaf Sport.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Code for Sports Governance and any relevant policies. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the landscape and can provide the oversight needed in this role.
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusion
Since UK Deaf Sport is all about equality and inclusion, be prepared to share your thoughts on how to promote these values. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've championed diversity or supported underrepresented groups.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the Board's current challenges and future goals. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking skills.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous Board-level or senior leadership roles. Focus on how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Senior Independent Director, especially in governance and strategic support.
