About Us
This is an exciting opportunity to become Chair of British Orienteering, the national governing body for the sport of orienteering in the UKs. The current Chair will stand down at the end of the AGM in 2025, in all likelihood to be held in spring/early summer.
However, we hope the new Chair Designate will join the Board as a observer/guest to facilitate a handover period prior to taking up the appointment.
British Orienteering is the national sports governing body for the sport of orienteering in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1967 and currently has around 9,000 members and approximately 150,000 people run in one of the registered competitions each year. We are a growing sport, striving to build on our past success by expanding our participation base into new markets and aiming to continue our record of punching above our weight in international competitions.
However, we recognise that we are working in a challenging environment both environmentally and financially, therefore will have to develop the long-term strategy to develop our income streams and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport against the background of an aging volunteer base. The Board The Board is made up of six directors elected from and by our membership, three independent directors, the CEO, and the Chair. We hold approximately five full-day board meetings each year.
These are usually hybrid, alternating between different city-centre venues (currently Birmingham, London and Manchester) and with online participation possible. Together, they bring a wide range of skills, perspectives and expertise.
About the Role
Working with the Board and the CEO, the Chair will:
• Provide the drive, vision and ambition to create and develop the future strategy of British Orienteering
• Take the lead in ensuring the highest standards of conduct and governance for the organisation, including financial and legal compliance
• Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with British Orienteering’s purpose and values, and as set out in the articles, strategies, and policies
This appointment is for a term of three years from the end of the Annual General Meeting in 2025. The Chair may stand for up to a total of three terms (total 9 years) but must then stand down.
Further Information
How to apply/Timetable To apply, please submit an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including details of relevant achievements and responsibilities, along with a covering letter of application (no more than two sides of A4) addressing the person specification, to: peter.hart@britishorienteering.org.uk by midday on Friday 30 August 2024 Candidates are asked to provide an email address and suitable daytime and evening phone numbers.
Interviews: Week commencing 9 September 2024 If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact: Drew Vanbeck, Chair of British Orienteering, by email at drew.vanbeck@britishorienteering.org.uk; or Peter Hart, Chief Executive, by email at peter.hart@britishorienteering.org.uk or on 01629 583037,