See the recruitment pack here: Recruitment Pack
Role Description
The Amateur FA is looking to appoint one Non-Executive Director who will act as the Board Safeguarding Champion. We are looking for an individual with skills and experience in safeguarding with adults, children, or both, who has a desire to support grassroots football and a safe environment across Amateur FA football.
We are looking for an ambassador for the organisation and act as custodians of the highest standards of integrity and governance. With the development of a new strategy and recent Board review, the Board is constituted of up to 14 members (due to reduce to 12). The Board is led currently by a Chair, supported by a Vice-Chair, CEO, Council appointed Directors and space for four Independent Directors.
Role Title
Chair of the Board of Directors
Reports to Accountable to the Membership of Amateur FA
Role Purpose
- To be responsible for the leadership of the Board of Directors and is accountable to the Membership of Amateur FA (subsequently referred to as ‘the Association’). He or she will be responsible for overseeing the affairs of the Association and for ensuring that the Board meets its obligations and responsibilities to the Association.
- To hold the Board to account for the performance of the Association providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Directors, ensuring that each Director fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Association.
- To act as an ambassador for the Association.
- The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board of Directors through the Chair who is directly responsible for his or her performance review and management.
Direct Reports (CEO and/or Company Secretary reports to the Chair)
Location Include office address and other options or requirements such as homeworking or additional travel to other locations or overnight stays.
Estimated time commitment to fulfil the role The role requires a commitment to attend up to 6 Board meetings a year. Meetings are normally held on a Monday at the County Office or online and normally last in the region of 3 hours.
The Chair is also required to attend General Meetings and other ad hoc events held within the County.
Remuneration or Expenses This is a voluntary role which is not accompanied by any financial remuneration.
County FA Expenses will be paid in line with the current Expense Policy of the Amateur FA.
Travel and accommodation to FA events where The FA has agreed to reimburse County FA Expenses will be paid in line with the current County FA Expense Policy issued by The FA.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a Director of the Association and to lead the Board in setting the strategy of the Association.
- Execute the responsibilities of a Company Director in accordance with the Companies Act (2006) and other relevant legislation.
- Ensure that the Board maintains and demonstrates a clear division between the Board’s management and oversight role and the executive’s operational role.
- Lead the Board in the approval of the long term financial plan and annual budget.
- Set the agenda for each Board meeting in consultation with the CEO.
- Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring that Directors receive accurate, timely and clear information and that adequate time is available for discussion and time is used productively.
- Lead the Board in demonstrating transparency and accountability, engaging effectively with stakeholders and nurturing internal democracy.
- Set an example in the values and behaviours adopted, acting at all times in line with the Code of Conduct agreed by the Board.
- Monitor the delivery of the strategic plan and objectives of the Association.
- Undertake and maintain evaluation records of the Board’s skills and performance and of individual Directors, and that of its committees in line with the Code of Governance.
- Use evaluation findings to develop the skills and effectiveness of the Board.
- Review, with the CEO, any issues of concern to the Board including the wellbeing of staff and the wider workforce of the Association.
- Manage the performance of the CEO, providing opportunities for coaching and development as required.
- Lead the Board in identifying proportionate and appropriate actions to be taken to support and/or maintain diversity targets set and agreed for the Board.
- Act as an ambassador and represent the Association at internal and external meetings and functions.
- Appoint Chairs to the various committees in consultation with members of the Board.
- Serve as an ex officio member of all committees.
- Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Board.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- No specific qualifications are essential to perform this role of Chair
- However, where the Chair performs a specific function on the Board in addition to Chair, qualifications may be required
Desirable
Skills
Essential
- Excellent meeting chairing skills including the ability to generate a productive group discussion ensuring that all voices and points of view are heard and given due consideration
- Strategic leadership and management skills
- The ability to facilitate a positive Board culture, and in particular the relationship between the Board and the executive workforce
- Decision-making skills. The appropriate use of knowledge and experience to make informed decisions to the benefit of the organisation
- Excellent interpersonal skills including rapport-building, active-listening and incisive questioning
- Recruitment and selection skills
- The ability to form productive relationships both internally and externally and strategic partnerships for the benefit of the Association Desirable
- Performance management and conducting appraisals (in relation to the management of CEO)
- Business coaching and mentoring
- Working with Board skills audits
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of a Board Director
- Knowledge and understanding of the Companies Act (2006)
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of the Safeguarding Requirements for the Association
- Thorough knowledge of the Articles of Association and their application
- Up to date and thorough knowledge of Grassroots Football and the role of the Association in its governance
- Knowledge of the County FA Governance Code
- Understanding of how to apply Principles of inclusive practice
- Knowledge and understand of financial accounts, management accounts and budgeting
- An understanding of The FA National Game Strategy and how this affects the work of the County Football Associations
Desirable
- Knowledge of other key areas of legislation including Health and Safety, Employment, GDPR, Bribery and anti-corruption, whistleblowing and Taxation
- Risk management
- Customer experience and engagement
- Succession planning
- A sound understanding of the volunteer/ professional relationship and how this can best work to support the work of the Association
- An understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Effective use of digital communication including email and the internet
Enhanced DBS Check required? Not required
Check Companies House Disqualified Directors Register? YES
Clean full driving licence? Not required
