Vacancy: Independent Chair of British Weight Lifting

Independent Chair, British Weight Lifting

Fixed-term contract

Time commitment: approximately 4-5 days per month, for which a fee and reasonable expenses are payable

Home based and Leeds

Closing Date: 31 July 2018

Job Reference: JUN18/BWL/PWR4

An exciting opportunity exists to become Chair of British Weight Lifting, the national governing body for the sports of Olympic Weight Lifting and Para-Powerlifting to succeed the current chair, Peter Rowley OBE, who is retiring.

This is a great time to be involved in the sport, where interest, participation and medal successes are at their highest levels. Building upon the successes of the last 5 years, the new Chair will lead the organisation through further growth and innovation in widening grassroots participation, increasing membership, coaching standards and talent development utilising an annual operating budget in excess of £1.6m.

The Chair is responsible for strategic leadership, external relations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness of the Board and building a strong relationship with the Chief Executive and the wider management team to achieve agreed objectives.

The successful candidate will lead the Board of British Weight Lifting to ensure that the vision for weight lifting and IPC Powerlifting and corporate objectives are achieved, that the expectations of all stakeholders are fulfilled and that a sound financial position is maintained. Equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges and opportunities faced by the sport, he/she will be able to demonstrate success in a senior role in the private, public and/or voluntary sector; an understanding of the role of an Independent chair in promoting good governance; a good understanding of the UK’s sporting landscape and the role that sport plays in society; the ability to consider complex issues related to evaluating strategic performance, think creatively and strategically; the skills to challenge, support and present views in a clear and concise manner; and a clear commitment to improving diversity and equality and understanding the needs of under-represented groups in sport.

The job description and person specification can be downloaded below:

Job Description and Person Specification 

British Weightlifting is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from all suitably qualified persons are encouraged.

The appointment will be for initial terms of 4 years, with the possibility of reappointment for a second term. BWL’s offices are based at Leeds and Loughborough and whilst much of the work can be conducted from home, the role involves regular travel domestically and occasionally internationally. It will require a time commitment of 1 to 1.5 days a week, for which a fee of initially £10000 p.a. is payable, together with the reimbursement of reasonable subsistence and travel expenses incurred.

British Weight Lifting is an equal opportunities employer committed to addressing equality and diversity issues and understanding the needs of under-represented groups in sport. We are keen to achieve a more diverse Board of Directors and particularly welcome applications from members of under-represented groups.

Further information about British Weight Lifting and the vacancy can be downloaded at www.britishweightlifting.org , by email by contacting enquiries@britishweightlifting.org , by writing to BWL, 1st Floor Office Suite, St. Ann’s Mill, Commercial Road, Leeds, LS5 3AE or by telephoning 0113 224 9402. 

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV with a covering letter that explains what motivates you to apply and how you meet our requirements and the person specification by email to Sue.Ward@britishweightlifting.org .

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 31 July 2018 at 12 noon. It is anticipated that interviews of shortlisted candidates will be in either Leeds or London during the weeks commencing 6 August, 13 August or 20 August 2018 with a view to the successful applicant attending his/her first board meeting on 18 September 2018 and presiding at the Annual General Meeting on 28 October 2018.