At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance frameworks and manage integrity processes for athlete safety.
- Company: Paddle UK, a national governing body focused on safeguarding and governance.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible dress code, free parking, and employee benefits platform.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to ethical standards in sport.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in sports governance and athlete protection.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, safeguarding, or compliance management required.
Location: Hybrid - National Watersports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham (Office-based 2-3 days per week)
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Salary: £53,000 - £55,000
Closing date: 26/07/2026
Paddle UK is seeking a strategic, hands‑on, and resilient Governance and Integrity Lead to join our team. In this essential role, you will act as both the architect of our governance frameworks and the senior operator responsible for executing high‑stakes integrity, safeguarding, and disciplinary processes. Serving as the "bridge" between the Board's strategic intent and our daily operations, you will ensure vital compliance standards and athlete safety measures are robustly maintained. This position acts as a central hub for integrity compliance, requiring a decisive individual who can balance enterprise-level strategy with compassionate, clear leadership when guiding staff, volunteers, and athletes through sensitive matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Governance & Board Advisory: Direct adherence to the UK Code for Sports Governance, acting as the primary advisor to the Board and the Integrity & Welfare Sub‑Committee.
- High‑Stakes Case Management: Lead investigations and resolutions for complex complaints, whistleblowing concerns, and disciplinary matters, acting as the senior decision‑maker for Stage 2 escalations.
- Safeguarding Leadership: Serve as the strategic lead for the #SaferTogether strategy, overseeing Case Management Group (CMG) decisions, high-level triage, and adverse DBS disclosures.
- Risk & Data Architecture: Own the enterprise risk register across performance programmes and home nations, and act as the Data Protection Officer (DPO).
- Team Leadership: Directly manage and mentor the Safeguarding Manager and Legal & Governance Officer, empowering them to handle frontline operations.
- Policy & Operations: Translate complex legal, regulatory, and constitutional updates into simple, actionable operational guides for staff, coaches, and volunteers.
- Cross‑Functional Support: Provide real‑time integrity support to the Performance team for athlete selection panels and international hearings, whilst managing relationships with external legal counsel and the CPSU.
Why Join Us?
This is an exceptional opportunity for a governance, legal, or compliance professional looking to protect and shape the infrastructure of a national governing body. You will join a team that values:
- Meaningful Change: A culture focused on ensuring safeguarding and governance principles are lived behaviours that actively protect our community.
- Collaborative Success: Close integration across internal teams, performance programmes, and volunteer networks to build safe, shared sport environments.
- Strategic Impact: The opportunity to directly influence our organizational health, ensuring the sport operates with the highest ethical standards from grassroots to elite level.
About You
We are looking for a visionary, proactive leader who remains calm under pressure and is highly attentive to detail in time‑sensitive situations. This role is perfect for you if you possess:
- Strategic & Operational Expertise: A proven track record in developing governance frameworks and risk strategies, combined with substantial, hands‑on experience managing sensitive safeguarding and disciplinary files.
- Technical & Legal Knowledge: An understanding of the UK Code for Sports Governance and relevant frameworks (e.g., Data Protection Act, Company Law).
- Qualifications: A recognised qualification or significant professional experience in Safeguarding, Legal, or Compliance Management.
- Sector Experience: Demonstrable experience handling high‑pressure situations within a sporting or non‑profit environment.
- Leadership Style: Excellent investigative, drafting, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to mentor a team and foster a positive compliance culture.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Dress for your day (jeans acceptable)
- Free onsite parking and bike storage
- Company pension scheme
- Employee benefits platform (including Bike to Work, Health and Wellbeing)
To find out more about Paddle UK, our benefits, culture and recruitment process please visit our Careers Centre.
Governance and Integrity Lead in Nottingham employer: UK Sport
Paddle UK is an outstanding employer that prioritises meaningful change and collaborative success within the sporting community. Located at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham, we offer a supportive work culture that values integrity and ethical standards, alongside excellent benefits such as 25 days of annual leave and a flexible dress code. Join us to make a strategic impact while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance and Integrity Lead in Nottingham
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like UK Sport looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance and Integrity Lead in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at UK Sport. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Sport
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with UK Sport’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
