At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure fair athlete selections for the Men’s Olympic Programme and uphold selection integrity.
- Company: Join British Rowing, the governing body for rowing in England.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with travel and accommodation cost reimbursement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on athletes' Olympic journeys and support fairness in selection.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in high performance rowing and strong judgement skills required.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 10-15 days per year with opportunities for growth.
The External Selector provides independent scrutiny within the Men’s Olympic Selection Group to ensure that athlete selections are:
- Made in line with the Selection Policy and Performance Strategy
- Transparent, consistent and evidence-based
- Free from conscious or unconscious bias
- Clearly communicated and understood by athletes and coaches
External Selectors help uphold the integrity of the selection system and contribute directly to selecting crews in line with British Rowing's standards.
Responsibilities
- Participation in selection activity: attend major trials and relevant assessments as defined in the annual performance strategy.
- Prepare for and attend Selection Group meetings (in person and virtual).
- Review selection evidence, including athlete data, testing results and selection narratives.
- Maintain deep knowledge of the Selection Policy and performance strategy.
- Maintain knowledge of the full cohort of athletes under consideration.
- Independent challenge and oversight: ensure nominated coach follows agreed process, identify potential bias, contribute to balanced decisions, support fairness and confidence.
- Athlete interaction: respond to athlete queries, communicate respectfully and within policy.
- Maintain confidentiality, uphold British Rowing policies (Safeguarding, Anti‑Doping, Water Safety), act in good faith.
- Support continuous improvement of the selection process.
A Bit About You
Skills and Experience
- 10+ years’ experience in high performance rowing (coach, selector, athlete or manager).
- Understanding of Olympic level performance standards.
- Ability to assess multiple data sources including matrices and seat racing.
- Strong judgement and ability to remain unbiased.
- High levels of discretion.
- Excellent observational skills, communication and professionalism.
Desirable
- Prior experience selecting crews in a squad environment.
Time Commitment
Approximately 10–15 days per selection year, including fixed attendance at named trials and training centre days, preparation and review time, and participation in ad‑hoc meetings if required. This varies year to year depending on the competition calendar.
Additional Information
Remuneration
Voluntary role with reimbursement of reasonable travel and accommodation costs.
Application Process
A current CV. A one‑page cover letter explaining suitability. Applications close on Wed 14 January 2026. Interviews will take place on 10 February 2026. For any queries relating to the role, please email: laura.leondiades@britishrowing.org.
About Us
British Rowing is the governing body for rowing, supporting grassroots rowing in England and preparing the GB Rowing Team for the Olympics, Paralympics, and other international competitions. We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnership. If you require reasonable accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know by indicating your needs in the application form or by emailing hr@britishrowing.org.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Part‑time
Job Function Other
External Selector - Men’s Olympic Programme in Reading employer: British Rowing
Contact Detail:
British Rowing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Selector - Men’s Olympic Programme in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the selection process inside out! Familiarise yourself with the Selection Policy and Performance Strategy so you can speak confidently about them during interviews. This shows you're not just interested, but genuinely invested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former selectors and coaches in the rowing community. They can provide insights and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to the sport.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to bias and decision-making. Think of examples from your experience where you've had to make tough calls. This will help you demonstrate your strong judgement and professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining British Rowing and contributing to the Olympic Programme.
We think you need these skills to ace External Selector - Men’s Olympic Programme in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Standout CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your 10+ years of experience in high-performance rowing and any relevant roles you've held. Tailor it to showcase your skills in selection processes and your understanding of Olympic standards.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be a one-page masterpiece that explains why you're the perfect fit for the External Selector role. Be sure to mention your ability to assess data and maintain fairness in selections, as well as your commitment to upholding British Rowing's values.
Show Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your deep knowledge of the Selection Policy and Performance Strategy in both your CV and cover letter. This shows us that you’re not just applying for the role, but that you truly understand what it entails and are ready to contribute from day one.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy! Just follow the instructions and make sure to submit before the deadline on 14 January 2026.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Rowing
✨Know the Selection Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’ve thoroughly read and understood the Selection Policy and Performance Strategy. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to transparency and fairness in the selection process.
✨Prepare for Evidence Review
Familiarise yourself with the types of data and evidence that will be reviewed during the selection meetings. Being able to discuss athlete data, testing results, and selection narratives will show that you’re ready to contribute meaningfully to discussions.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be interacting with athletes and coaches, practice clear and respectful communication. Think about how you would respond to potential queries from athletes, ensuring you maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
✨Showcase Your Unbiased Judgement
Be prepared to discuss how you would handle situations where bias might creep into the selection process. Share examples from your experience that highlight your strong judgement and ability to remain impartial, as this is crucial for the role.