Independent Non-Executive Director/Chair of Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Volunteer
Remote
Posted 2 weeks ago

The Organisation

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.

With the exciting announcement of Flag Football’s inclusion in the 2028 LA games, new leadership and investment from Sport England and UK Sport, British American Football is in an exciting new era and is looking to add to its Board of Directors. We are looking to identify someone with a background and track record of working within the Diversity and Inclusion space either from sports or a corporate environment.

The Role

Length of term: Elected every 4 years (a director may serve on the Board for a maximum of two terms of four years).
Position type: Voluntary with reasonable expenses paid.
Commitment: The Board meets in person (or virtually) at least 4 times a year as well as monthly hour long board calls. This position will also be required to Chair the Diversity and Inclusion committee where meetings will take place 3-4 times a year or as required. The time commitment will vary throughout the year but plan on a 1 day a month commitment.

The role of the Board is to supervise the management of the Association’s business and to discharge the responsibilities of the directors under the Companies Act.

The Board’s main duties are to:

  • Lead on Corporate Governance;
  • Develop long term strategic plans;
  • Support operational management and approve the annual operating plan and operating budgets;
  • Supervise risk management and safety matters for the Association;
  • Lead on our obligations regarding the Association’s Stakeholder engagement

Within this role BAFA is seeking an individual with a background and track record within diversity and inclusion both at a strategic and tactical level. This role will also be responsible for Chairing the Board’s Diversity and Inclusion committee.

Non-Executive Director Key Tasks and Duties

  • To act as an unbiased, objective and impartial member of the Board, ensuring that all decisions taken are in the best long-term interests of BAFA, its stakeholders and employees.
  • To support the organisation on all matters related to D&I including the organisation’s overall strategy.
  • To act as the official representative for all D&I initiatives with external stakeholders such as the IOC, BOA, NFL, Sport England and UK Sport.
  • Help to engage with underrepresented groups.
  • To assist in the development of the organisation’s strategy, ensuring this is implemented via effective policies and plans, whilst ensuring effective risk management and control processes are in place.
  • To ensure that the organisation is run in a transparent and equitable manner.
  • To ensure that the Board operates in line with accepted good practice in terms of Corporate Governance.
  • To act in accordance with the Board of Directors’ Code of Conduct at all times.
  • Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to safeguard the sound financial health of the organisation, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.
  • Carry out all duties in the best interests of the BAFA, and in a manner consistent with their legal duties.

Key Competencies

  • High level of integrity
  • Ability to think and act strategically
  • Excellent leadership skills
  • Be able communicate concisely, effectively and with transparency
  • Act as a positive role model for the sport
  • Take responsibility and be accountable for collective actions
  • Be able to work in partnership to develop solutions to challenges
  • Demonstrable commitment to ethics within the sport
  • Demonstrable commitment to equal opportunities and equity
  • Have a sound awareness of fiduciary responsibility
  • Enthusiasm for sport /American Football
  • Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to safeguard the sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.
  • Review the annual budget and monitoring progress against targets
  • Report to the Board any financial irregularities, concerns or opportunities

Eligibility

Any person possessing the necessary and appropriate experience in the key competencies and skills associated with being a non-executive director within BAFA is eligible to be nominated and/or to apply for the position provided they:

  • Can meet the requirements of Directorship under the Companies Act 2006
  • Are not excluded for any reason from holding a directorship
  • Do not possess a criminal record inappropriate for the position within the sport
  • Have not previously been removed from the position of Director within BAFA or been dismissed from BAFA or any other NGB or related body.

Additional Responsibilities

Job 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 job 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 partnerships.

How to apply

If you are interested and meet the qualifications, please upload your CV and cover letter no later than the 14th of February. If you have any questions, please contact Nichole McCulloch, Chair at nichole.mcculloch@britishamericanfootball.org

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