Careers

About Us

UK Deaf Sport is the leading organisation for deaf sport in the UK, working to ensure deaf people have equal opportunities to participate and excel in sport and physical activity. Our vision is Every Deaf Person Active and Inspired by Sport and Physical Activity.

About The Role

We are seeking a Voluntary Senior Independent Director with Board-level or senior leadership experience who can provide independent oversight, constructive challenge, and strategic support to the Chair and Board.

A voluntary role with expenses covered.

Help shape the future of deaf sport in the UK UK Deaf Sport is the leading organisation for deaf sport in the UK, working to ensure deaf people have equal opportunities to participate and excel in sport and physical activity.

Our vision is Every Deaf Person Active and Inspired by Sport and Physical Activity. We are now seeking to appoint a Senior Independent Director (SID) to join our Board at an exciting time of growth and opportunity.

Why join us now?

This is a pivotal moment for UK Deaf Sport as we continue to strengthen our governance, expand our reach, and increase opportunities for deaf athletes across the UK and on the world stage. As Senior Independent Director, you will play a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness of the Board, supporting the Chair, and providing independent oversight during a period of continued development and ambition.

The role

The Senior Independent Director is a key member of the Board and works closely with the Chair and Non-Executive Directors to ensure strong governance, accountability, and strategic leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as a sounding board and trusted advisor to the Chair Supporting Board effectiveness and governance standards Representing the views of Non-Executive Directors and stakeholders
• Providing constructive challenge to support effective decision-making
• Supporting succession planning and Board evaluation processes

Who this role is for

This role is best suited to individuals with senior leadership or Board-level experience, such as: Non-Executive Directors, Trustees, or Board members Senior executives with governance experience Leaders within sport, charity, public, or regulated sectors.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

Strong understanding of the Code for Sports Governance Experience working in or alongside the charity, sport, or disability sector The ability to provide inclusive leadership, challenge, and independent judgement

A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion Lived experience of deafness or strong links to the deaf community are highly valued.

Time commitment: Approximately 12 days per year, including Board and committee meetings; A combination of online and in-person meetings

What you will gain

This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses covered) offering a unique opportunity to:

• Influence the strategic direction of a national organisation
• Contribute to improving opportunities for deaf people in sport
• Build Board-level experience within a respected governing body Work alongside passionate and committed colleagues

Inclusion and accessibility

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.

We actively welcome applications from people within the deaf community and those with lived experience of deafness.

We can provide:

• BSL interpreters
• Adjustments throughout the recruitment process
• Flexible interview formats where needed

If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know.

Further Information

How to apply

Please submit:

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae, including comprehensive details of key achievements and responsibilities.
• A covering letter of application (no more than two sides of A4) addressing the person specification to Chris Ratcliffe, Chief Executive Officer at info@ukds.org.uk by 5pm Friday 26 June 2026.

The selection panel will review applications and agree a shortlist with formal interviews taking place online during week commencing 6th July 2026.

Apply for role

Closing date: 26th June 2026