At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformational change in the sport sector and enhance governance and culture.
- Company: Join Sport Wales, a key player in promoting sports and physical activity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 33 days leave, and access to an on-site gym.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous learning and diversity at Sport Wales.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sports in Wales while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong relationship-building skills and a passion for governance and culture.
The predicted salary is between 51600 - 55275 £ per year.
Department – Sport System Directorate
Salary – £51,600.04 - £55,275.24 (Grade 9)
Working Hours – 37 (Consideration will be given to job sharing / reduced hours in line with our flexible working policy).
Location – hybrid working with significant time in Cardiff and Llanelli offices.
This is a fantastic opportunity to implement a transformational change that can significantly impact on the sport sector in Wales and contribute to the Vision for Sport in Wales and the Sport Wales Strategy. This role will work in partnership with the Governance and Ethics Lead within Sport Wales. This role is about how you work, not just what you know. We’re looking for someone who brings energy, integrity and constructive challenge, works as a genuine team player, and is driven by developing governing and culture and the wider sport system – not personal profile or ego. Governance and Culture knowledge is important, but learnable and supported.
Internally across Sport Wales, across the Sport System in Wales and connections outside of Wales.
If you’re exceptional at building trusted, honest relationships, comfortable working in complexity, and motivated by helping others do their best work, we want to hear from you.
You should read the full job description. If you need any support to apply for this role, then please email james.owens@sport.wales
Closing date 22/06/2026 9am
Provisional interview date 01/07/2026
About Sport Wales: Sport Wales is the national organisation responsible for developing and promoting sport and physical activity in Wales. We are the main adviser on sporting matters to the Welsh Government and are responsible for distributing National Lottery funds. We aim to not only improve the level of sports participation at grassroots level but also provide our aspiring athletes with the support required to compete successfully on the world stage. Our careers are funded by Welsh Government and the National Lottery.
Benefits:
- Employee Assistance Programme
- On-Site Gym
- Learning and Development Opportunities
Important Information: We have bold ambitions for sport in Wales and we know that our people will be key to achieving them. That’s why we provide a varied benefits package:
- We are big supporters of a work life balance and offer a range of flexible working approaches
- 33 days annual leave
- Option to purchase 5 additional days per year
- Flexible working opportunities, including flexi-time (where applicable)
- Local Government or Scottish Widows Pension Scheme
- Comprehensive learning and development opportunities
- Use of on-site gym at the National Centre in Cardiff
- Employee Assistance (Counselling) Programme
- Civil Service Sports & Leisure Club Membership
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free car park and bike shed
Sport Wales strongly advocates continuous learning and improvement. On your very first day of work, you will embark on a tailored induction programme and will be offered all the essential training to get you started. Joining Sport Wales means joining a culture of learning and continuous professional development. Job specific training, lunchtime workshops, coaching and mentoring, improving Welsh language skills and long term study opportunities are all part of being on our team.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do at Sport Wales. To enable Sport in Wales to thrive, it’s vital that our workforce is fully representative of the wider population. A key strategic priority is to further diversify our workforce. Further information on this can be found in our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement.
Everyone at Sport Wales brings something different, and so will you. Our commitment to recruiting and attracting diverse talent extends to actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups including ethnic minority, LGBTQ+ and disabled people. We adopt inclusive recruitment practices including blind shortlisting of candidates. We are a Disability Confident employer subscribing to the guaranteed interview scheme. We want to support you with adjustments through our process to make sure you can be at your best.
These could include accessibility adaptations, an interview support person, assistive technology, extra time for written assessments or tasks. This is not an exhaustive list, we want you to be able to perform at your best so if you need any adjustments to be made please email the contact on the job advert who will be able to advise you.
At Sport Wales, our behaviours are a critical part of the way we work - the way we deliver is as important as what we deliver. We have an agreed set of behaviours that we expect to see demonstrated by employees:
- Learn Together - Constantly exploring, testing and reviewing.
- Deliver Together - Sharing outcomes, nurturing open and honest relationships, providing robust feedback, constantly improving performance.
- Celebrate Together - Recognising our shared successes through effective partners.
- Acting with integrity - Understanding and respecting each other’s culture and values. Promoting equality and diversity.
- Adding Value - Ensuring the optimum mix of support, challenge, investment, skills and expertise to achieve our shared outcomes.
- Encouraging Innovation - Welcoming new ideas and approaches and supporting ambition and fresh thinking. Not being afraid to feel uncomfortable.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as Chat GPT, Copilot and Gemini, can be helpful in various stages of applying for a job. You could use AI as a tool to research Sport Wales and the job you’re applying for. You could also use it to organise your thoughts, refine your writing or to help you prepare for an interview. We are keen to get to know you as a person so you must ensure AI aided content maintains your authenticity.
You must not use AI tools to: Exaggerate qualifications, Misrepresent your experiences, Copy and paste generic responses without editing them. At Sport Wales, we may use AI to generate ideas for Job Adverts, Job Descriptions, assessments, and interview questions, but we will never use AI tools to make selection or hiring decisions.
Governance & Culture Lead (Systems Development) in Cardiff employer: Sport Wales
Sport Wales is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of learning, inclusivity, and professional development. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, flexible working options, and comprehensive benefits, including access to an on-site gym and extensive training opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Cardiff and Llanelli, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the sport sector in Wales while being part of a supportive and diverse team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance & Culture Lead (Systems Development) in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Sport Wales inside out! Research their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you connect your experience to their goals during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, join relevant groups, and attend events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to governance and culture. Think about how your past experiences align with the role and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Governance & Culture Lead (Systems Development) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description carefully. It’s packed with clues about what Sport Wales is looking for, so tailor your application to highlight how you fit those needs.
Show Your Personality:We want to get to know you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for governance and culture, and how you can contribute to our vision for sport in Wales.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When discussing your past experiences, be specific! Use examples that demonstrate your ability to build trusted relationships and navigate complexity. This will help us see how you can bring value to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sport Wales
✨Know Your Governance & Culture
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of governance and culture within the sport sector. Familiarise yourself with Sport Wales' strategies and how they align with the Vision for Sport in Wales. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in making a real impact.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role is all about collaboration, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Highlight instances where you've built trusted relationships and contributed to a positive team culture. This will demonstrate that you embody the values Sport Wales is looking for.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your ability to navigate complexity. Think of past experiences where you faced challenges and how you approached them. Be prepared to discuss how you can help others excel in their roles, as this aligns with the job's focus on supporting the wider sport system.
✨Embrace Continuous Learning
Sport Wales values continuous improvement, so express your enthusiasm for learning and development. Share any relevant training or workshops you've attended, and discuss how you plan to grow in this role. This will resonate well with their commitment to professional development.
