Careers

About Us

We are a national charity with a vision that no one should be excluded from the transformational benefits of community sport. 
We are on a mission to make inclusion the norm in community sport by tackling the access barriers faced by disadvantaged and disabled young people, focusing on the causes of exclusion not just the symptoms.

The benefits we focus on are:
• Physical and mental health
and well-being
• Personal development
including life skills and prospects
• Sense of belonging
• Community engagement.

What we do
We do this by training, equipping, and supporting community sports clubs, organisations and volunteers to provide inclusive programmes.
This work is either place based, Changing Places, or sport focused, Changing Sports. All the clubs we support are invited to join our Inclusive Club Network. We then use the expertise gained through this work to effect system change.
In 2023-24, we engaged over 20,000 underserved young people, with a strong representation from ethnically diverse 
communities, girls and previously inactive young people. 
Our 20th anniversary annual review is a fantastic summary of our impact on young lives. 

About The Role

The Chair will hold the board and Senior Leadership Team accountable for the charity’s mission and vision, provide 
inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, and ensure that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective 
governance of the charity. The Chair will also support and, where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive and ensure that the board 
functions as a unit and works closely with the Senior Leadership Team to achieve agreed objectives. In partnership with the 
Chief Executive, they will act as an ambassador and be the public face of the charity. Their principal responsibilities include 
strategic leadership, governance, income generation and external relations, efficiency and effectiveness, and maintaining positive relationships.

The role of Chair will also entail the following responsibilities:

Strategic leadership
Provide leadership to the board and Senior Leadership Team, ensuring we have maximum impact on our beneficiaries.
Monitor the performance and impact of the trustees in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities. Provide leadership for the board in its role of setting a clear strategic direction. Responsibility for the board fulfilling its duties to maintain our sound financial 
health, with systems in place to allow financial accountability.

Governance
Responsibility for governance arrangements working most effectively. Encouraging positive change and, where appropriate, addressing and resolving any conflicts within the board. Annual appraisals of the CEO and trustees. In consultation with the other trustees, appoint members of the board.

We are enthusiastic for applications from a broad range of individuals and to consider various professional backgrounds 
for the role. Although there is a preference for those with experience gained in the charitable sector, we encourage applications from those who may be less familiar with this sector, but who would offer the requisite skills to chair and a passion for community sport and inclusivity. In addition to the qualities required of a trustee, the Chair must also meet the following requirements:

Personal qualities
Demonstrate a strong and visible commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives, mission and values.Low-ego, consensus-oriented, and diplomatic approach to chairing, with the ability to listen and engage effectively. Strong networking capabilities that can 
be utilised for the benefit of the charity. Willingness to support in charitable fundraising. Ability to foster and promote a 
collaborative and inclusive team environment. Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

Experience
Experience operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation. Experience in charity governance and 
working with or as part of a board of trustees. Experience in chairing meetings and events.

Knowledge and skills
Broad knowledge and understanding of the Civil Society (charity) sector and current issues affecting it. Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together. Good understanding of charity governance and finance issues

Further Information

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification using the link below, quoting reference 7596. The deadline for applications is Monday 25 November 9am GMT. Apply now 

Apply for role

Closing date: 25th November 2024