Diversity & Inclusion Working Group Member (volunteer 4 x positions)
We Are BAFA
The British American Football Association (BAFA) is the recognised National Governing Body for the sport of American football in Great Britain, both contact and flag. BAFA is responsible for all regulatory, competition, performance, and development aspects of the game. As we progress our Together to Inspire strategy, we are focused on improving how we support our members, volunteers and clubs. To help us move this forward, we are recruiting Diversity & Inclusion Working Group Members.
The Role
Geoff Maltby has been recruited to BAFA’s Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Working Group. BAFA is committed to ensuring that equity, diversity, and inclusion is embedded in all aspects of our game, from playing, to coaching, to officiating, and to administration. BAFA are looking to form a new representative working group to pro-actively drive this significant priority forward, with an initial focus on identifying current priority gaps and opportunities in our game, and a longer-term focus on ensuring our game is fully representative and welcoming for all.
Responsible to: The Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Working Group
Length of term: Ongoing for up to three years provided the individual still meets the criteria for membership of the Working Group
Position type: Voluntary
Commitment: The Diversity & Inclusion Working Group meets at least 2 times a year and there are monthly conference calls. Must attend all Working Group meetings, plus give additional voluntary time sporadically throughout the year linked to priority areas of work.
Key Responsibilities
- To act as an unbiased, objective and impartial member of the Diversity & Inclusion Working Group, offering advice and guidance, ensuring that all decisions taken are in the best long-term interests of BAFA, its stakeholders and employees.
- To act in accordance with BAFA Regulations at all times.
- Research, apply, and promote diversity initiatives and share best practices.
- To ensure that the appropriate equality, diversity and inclusion training and development is provided and accessible to all stakeholders and BAFA board members.
- Assess, raise awareness of community needs, champion diversity and inclusion across the organisation and within our own Directorates.
Person Specification
Diversity & Inclusion Working Group members should have backgrounds in one or more of the following areas:
- Experience with disability in sport
- Experience with LGBTQ+ in sport
- Experience with lower socio-economic groups
- Experience with ethnically diverse groups
We are also looking for people with the above backgrounds, to have a deep understanding or experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Policy development experience within a sporting context
- Disadvantaged and underrepresented groups
- A background in delivering diversity programmes
- Ability to establish, implement, maintain and grow community partnerships to provide opportunities for inclusive participation
- Navigating complex and diverse stakeholder environments to achieve shared outcomes
Key competencies
- High level of integrity/probity and self-motivation
- Ability to think and act strategically
- Be able to communicate concisely, effectively and with transparency
- Be able to work in partnership to develop solutions to challenges
- Commitment to equal opportunities and equity
- Organisation and project-management skills
Personal Attributes
“We are Open / Get in the huddle” – Brings honesty, consistency, and openness to their leadership. Welcomes diverse perspectives and creates a safe, respectful environment where players and staff feel valued and heard.
“We Collaborate / Call from one playbook” – Works with others to achieve shared success — from staff and athletes to volunteers and BAFA leadership. Embraces a team-first mentality and supports cross-role communication.
“We are Ambitious / Fight for every yard” – Brings energy, focus, and commitment to continuous improvement. Champions high standards and strives to give athletes and staff the best possible experience within the resources available.
“We Celebrate / Wear our heart on our sleeve” – Shows passion for the game, the team, and the people involved. Values recognition, connection, and the impact sport can have on individuals and communities.
Additional Responsibilities
Role descriptions cannot be exhaustive, and the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Diversity and Inclusion
The British American Football Association embraces equality, diversity and inclusion both on and off the field of play, where everyone can bring their whole selves to the organisation. We encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates irrespective of their age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying, please upload your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are right for the role no later than 6pm on Friday 1 May 2026.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a call to discuss the opportunity in more detail, please contact geoff.maltby@britishamericanfootball.org