Chairperson – Athletics Northern Ireland in Belfast

The Chair and Leadership Athletics NI (ANI) is responsible for developing and promoting the sport of athletics in Northern Ireland, in partnership with UK Athletics, Athletics Ireland and the other home country associations. Athletics NI oversees the delivery of events, coaching and education programmes, performance pathways, anti-doping and integrity policies, and membership and affiliation services.

ANI is seeking to appoint a Chair to lead its board of directors, which consists of eight elected members and four independent members. The Chair will be appointed for an initial term of four years, renewable for a further term of four years, subject to performance and board approval. The Chair ensures the board has a clear vision, strategy and culture, and holds the chief executive and senior management team accountable for delivering the organisation’s objectives. The Chair also represents Athletics NI at various functions, meetings and media events, and liaises with key stakeholders and partners, including Sport NI, UK Athletics, Athletics Ireland and Mary Peters Track Ltd.

An effective chair will provide leadership to the board, enabling them to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation. The chair will play an integral role in ensuring that appropriate decisions are correctly made, including developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document and legal and regulatory guidelines. The chair will work in partnership with the chief executive to ensure that board decisions are acted upon and the organisation is managed effectively.

Overall responsibility

The chair has an important role in leading the Board and establishing an environment that enables the Board to achieve its potential and secure the long term success of the organisation. The Code of Good Governance has been adopted by Athletics NI. The board is responsible for providing appropriate oversight, governance and leadership to the organisation in the pursuit of its objectives. The chair provides leadership to the board with prime responsibility for ensuring it has agreed priorities, a coherent and achievable strategy, appropriate structures, processes and a productive culture.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead the board in developing and reviewing the strategic direction, priorities and performance of the organisation.
• Support and appraise the chief executive and act as a critical friend.
• Facilitate effective board meetings, ensuring adequate scrutiny, challenge and decision-making.
• Manage conflicts of interest and loyalty, and uphold the values and principles of the organisation.
• Promote board diversity, renewal and succession planning, and evaluate board performance.
• Authorise action between board meetings within the scope of the governing document and legal requirements.
• Engage with the Sports Governance Academy to keep up with current trends in sports governance.

The chair is expected to attend:

• Six board meetings per year, plus AGM and AGM preparation, in person in Belfast or remotely.
• Some subcommittee meetings, in person in Belfast or remotely.
• Other ad hoc meetings of the board or committees, as required.
• Some Athletics NI events and championships, as time allows.
• Other clubs and organisations events, where invited.

How to Apply

To apply for the role, please send a CV and a covering letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the role, and how you meet the person specification, to Athletics NI CEO, by Wednesday 25th September at 12 noon. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with a panel of board members and external advisers. The appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and eligibility checks.