Chair in Birmingham

McBride Sport Board search are delighted to be supporting Welsh Boxing in their search for a new Independent Chair. Funded by Sport Wales, Welsh Boxing is the recognised national governing body for amateur boxing in Wales. It is a national member of World Boxing and is also a home nation member of the British Amateur Boxing Association (BABA).

Formed in 1910, the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association (WABA) was established as a way of promoting and developing amateur boxing in Wales. Today, as a limited company by guarantee, they have over 130 affiliated clubs with members of all genders, ethnicities and ages – and the work they do is more important than ever. As the sport goes from strength to strength, their Board of Directors help to ensure Welsh amateur boxing’s continued growth, overseeing the effective day-to-day and long-term governance and delivery of Welsh Boxing’s objectives.

This Independent Chair position presents an opportunity to lead a dynamic Board and team into an exciting time of transition for boxing in Wales. Capable of embracing Welsh Boxings Vision of ‘Improving Lives Through the Power of Boxing’ and their Mission ‘where boxing clubs are the heartbeat of cohesive, safe, and active communities across Wales and to deliver a world leading, athlete centred boxing performance programme’ the new Independent Chair will be passionate, innovative and knowledgeable and provide effective strategic leadership in achieving the targets set in Welsh Boxing’s ambitious strategic plans. Key aspects of the role include:

• Responsibility for leadership of the Board, ensuring its effectiveness in all aspects of its governance role.
• Leading the Board in developing an ethical culture in line with the values of the organisation.
• Being pivotal in creating the conditions for overall Board and individual Board member effectiveness and ensures constructive relations between Board members and staff.
• Acting as the figurehead of the Board in relation to corporate events and in its dealings with key stakeholders.
• Ensuring that the body’s finances are managed effectively and is able to explore all resource opportunities to help Welsh Boxing achieve its aims and potential.
• Acting as an independent point of contact for Welsh Boxing members or other stakeholders, as required.
• Along with the Senior Independent Director, Finance Director, and CEO, forming an informal ‘executive’ group to respond to urgent, ad-hoc issues that might arise between Board meetings.
• Attending WABA Board meetings as called for (minimum of four per year (two in person/two via video conference), plus ad hoc meetings as required) and contribute appropriately to ensure that the organisation’s objectives are achieved within the budget set by the Board. In-person, physical Board meetings are usually held in Cardiff.
• Providing strategic insight and support to the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team as required.
• Supporting appropriate activities, competitions, and events to raise the profile of Welsh Boxing.
• Preparing appropriately for each Board meeting and to keep up to date with current developments within amateur boxing and more generally in the broader sporting environment.
• Participating in an agreed annual appraisal and review process for Board members

To be successful in this challenging but rewarding position applicants will ideally have had:

• High-level involvement in the management of a substantial private or public sector organisation.
• Evidence of the ability to act with professionalism and probity, and with a strong philosophy of equity, inclusion and diversity.
• Evidence of leading in a change environment.
• Experience of successfully chairing a Board of Directors or similar.
• Experience on other Boards or management where strategic planning was part of the role.
• Awareness and understanding of issues facing sports organisations at domestic and/or international level.
• Experience of dealing at a high level with individuals in the world of politics, business and the media.
• Legal and Corporate Governance experience would be beneficial

The Board consists of up to twelve non-executive Directors drawn from a variety of backgrounds based on their skill sets, knowledge, and experience, including a Chair appointed by the Board, a Finance Director and Director of Regulation both elected at an AGM as well as various sub-committees with Directors appointed to them and various working groups and advisory panels designed to operate as appropriate and when required

This voluntary role is a four-year term of office.

For more information or a copy of the Candidate Information Pack please contact Neil Edwards

Closing date - Friday 25th July 2025