Non Executive Director

Non Executive Director

London Full-Time No home office possible
Sport + Recreation Alliance

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support and challenge the Chair, lead appraisals, and strengthen Board effectiveness.
  • Company: Play England, championing children's right to play.
  • Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses reimbursed, plus training and mentoring.
  • Other info: Encouraging diverse applicants, especially under 30 and from underrepresented communities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on children's play rights and governance.
  • Qualifications: Governance experience and commitment to EDI and safeguarding.

Salary Voluntary role, with pre‐agreed expenses payable

We are the national governing body for squash in England, and lead the development and delivery of the sport on both a national and local level.

We strive to help the sport grow and work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to provide engaging opportunities, from developing grassroots programmes and resources to producing world‐class athletes.

More than 200,000 people in England play squash each week at more than 1,500 venues. We help more than 500 affiliated clubs to prosper and create thriving squash communities.

Squash will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics – a defining milestone for the sport globally and a transformational moment for squash in the UK. In response, the home nation squash federations have established GB Squash: a dedicated, high‐performance governance structure responsible for overseeing Olympic preparations and the nomination of athletes.

About The RoleThe Opportunity

Squash will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics – a defining milestone for the sport globally and a transformational moment for squash in the UK.

In response, the home nation squash federations have established GB Squash: a dedicated, high‐performance governance structure responsible for overseeing Olympic preparations and the nomination of athletes. We are now seeking an exceptional Independent Chair to lead the GB Squash Committee through this formative and hugely important period.

This is a strategically significant, performance focused, publicly accountable leadership appointment at the centre of elite sport in the UK. The Independent Chair will help shape culture, set standards and ensure that Olympic ambition is matched by governance excellence.

Why This Role Matters

GB Squash brings together England Squash, Scottish Squash and Squash Wales under a formal agreement to deliver a unified Olympic pathway. Working in close partnership with UK Sport, the Committee follows the principles of the UK Code for Sports Governance as a publicly funded high‐performance programme. The Chair will bring independent oversight, support and leadership to the committee.

The Chair will:

Provide independent leadership in a complex, multi‐stakeholder environment

Bring experience in a high‐performance sport environment in order to guide and advise home nation performance leads

Ensure transparent and defensible decision making, particularly around athlete selection processes

Oversee stewardship of public investment

Balance performance ambition with athlete welfare and safeguarding

Lead through scrutiny, change and evolving governance expectations

The successful candidate will help set the standard for how a modern, collaborative GB entity in squash should operate.

Further InformationCommitment

Approximately 15 days per year

3‐4 year term (renewable once, dependant on continued Olympic inclusion)

Voluntary role, with pre‐agreed expenses payable

This is a rare opportunity to shape the Olympic future of a globally recognised sport while contributing to the integrity and evolution of high‐performance governance in the UK.

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Non Executive Director employer: Sport + Recreation Alliance

Play England is an exceptional employer that champions children's right to play while fostering a diverse and inclusive work culture. As a Non-Executive Director, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful governance and strategic leadership, supported by comprehensive training and mentoring. Located in a vibrant community, we encourage fresh perspectives and value the unique skills of our board members, making it a rewarding environment for personal and professional growth.
Sport + Recreation Alliance

Contact Detail:

Sport + Recreation Alliance Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Non Executive Director

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Non-Executive Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Get involved in relevant events! Attend conferences, workshops, or community gatherings related to governance and children's rights. This not only boosts your visibility but also helps you meet key players in the field.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential stakeholders or during interviews, highlight your governance experience and how it aligns with Play England's mission. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your CV and cover letter are seen by the right people, and it shows your commitment to joining our mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Non Executive Director

Governance Experience
Diplomacy
Judgment
Commitment to Safeguarding
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Policy Development
Public Affairs
Campaigning
Digital Communication
Data Analysis
Organisational Leadership
Change Management
Legal Knowledge
Financial Acumen
Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Covering Letter: Make sure to customise your covering letter for the role you're applying for. Highlight why you're interested in being a Non-Executive Director and how your skills align with our mission at Play England.

Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on showcasing your governance experience and any relevant skills that match our needs. Whether it's policy, public affairs, or organisational leadership, let us see how you can contribute!

Keep It Concise: Remember, your covering letter should be no more than 2 pages. Be clear and concise about your motivations and qualifications. We appreciate straightforward communication!

Include Referees Wisely: When providing details of your referees, choose individuals who can vouch for your skills and experience. Make sure to get their consent first, as we’ll only reach out if you’re recommended for appointment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sport + Recreation Alliance

Know Your Governance Stuff

Brush up on your governance experience and be ready to discuss how it aligns with Play England's mission. Think about examples from your past roles where you've supported or challenged leadership effectively.

Show Your Commitment to EDI

Be prepared to talk about your understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Share specific instances where you've championed these values in your previous roles, as this is crucial for the Board's representation.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your judgment and diplomacy. Think through scenarios where you might need to act as a 'critical friend' to the Chair or support other Directors, and how you'd handle those situations.

Engage with Play England's Values

Familiarise yourself with Play England's objectives and values. Be ready to express why you believe in children's right to play and how your skills can contribute to championing this cause at the highest levels.

Non Executive Director
Sport + Recreation Alliance
Location: London

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