Chair of the Board of Directors

Position:   Chair of the Board of Directors of the British Triathlon Federation

Responsible to:   The Board of the British Triathlon Federation 

Salary:   Voluntary 

British Triathlon is one of the leading triathlon and para-triathlon nations in the world and are seeking a dynamic and visionary Chair to lead them into the next phase of their evolution. 

As we embark on a transformational journey embracing digital innovation, strengthening our talent pathways, and fostering a thriving grassroots community across the Home Nations— British Triathlon are committed to driving world-class athletic performances while maximising the social impact of the sport. Our ambition extends beyond competition; with the aim to enhance the health and well-being of Britain, grow our commercial partnerships, elevate fan engagement, and ensure long-term sustainability through innovation and events. Environmental responsibility is also at the heart of our strategy, as we strive to create a future-fit, forward-thinking organisation. 

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Triathlon and provide leadership and support in the next Olympic and Paralympic cycle towards LA2028 and beyond, and leave a lasting legacy.

This vacancy has a full candidate pack including personal specification, please view it here: (copy & paste link into browser)
https://pages.globalsportsjobs.com/hubfs/BTF%20Chair_%20Candidate%20pack%20March%202025.pdf

 

Responsibilities:

Fiduciary Duties

1.  To act as a Director of the British Triathlon Federation (the Company) in the best interests of the Company, with honesty and in good faith towards its member National Governing Bodies of Triathlon, employees, principal funding partners, sponsors and of the communities within which the Company operates.

2.  To use such personal and professional skills together with such contacts, experience and judgment as s/he may possess to optimise both the short-term and the long-term financial stability of the Company with integrity and independence.

3.  To play a full part in enabling the Board to arrive at balanced and objective decisions in the performance of its agreed role and functions, ensuring effective contribution of all members.

4.  To ensure that the objectives of the Company, as agreed by the Board, are fully, promptly and properly carried out.
 

Directors' Obligations

 5 In particular the Chair shall:

5.1. attend all Board meetings called during the year unless prevented by exceptional circumstances.

5.2. attend the Annual General Meeting.

5.3. act as a member of such Committees of the Board as the Board shall decide, attending all meetings unless prevented by exceptional circumstances.

5.4. work in conjunction with the Chief Executive to place on the agenda for meetings of the Board or Committees any matters relating to the Company's business which the Chair considers should be discussed, including, but not limited to, the matters stated to be decided by or referred to the Board.

 

Board Obligations & Responsibilities

6. To act as Chair of the Board of British Triathlon in such a way as to:

6.1. run the Board and, in conjunction with the Chief Executive, set its agenda. The agenda should take full account of the issues and the concerns of all board members and include recommendations of Board sub committees and other activities outside the Board meetings, which serve to inform Board consideration and decisions.  Agendas should be forward looking and concentrate on strategic matters.

6.2.   ensure that the members of the Board receive accurate, timely and clear information, about the organisation’s performance, to enable the Board to take sound decisions, monitor effectively and provide advice to promote the success of the organisation.

6.3.   ensure effective communications with the Home Nations and ensure that the members of the Board develop an understanding of the views of the Membership.

6.4. manage the Board to ensure that sufficient time is allowed for discussion of complex or contentious issues, where appropriate arranging for informal meetings beforehand to enable thorough preparation for the discussion in the board meetings. It is particularly important that Directors have sufficient time to consider critical issues and are not faced with unrealistic deadlines for decision-making.

6.5. work with the Chief Executive and Nominations Committee on recruitment and succession planning of the Board.

6.6. take the lead in providing a properly constructed induction programme for new Directors that is comprehensive, formal and tailored, facilitated by the company secretary.

6.7. work with the Chief Executive in identifying and meeting the development needs of individual Directors.  It is the responsibility of the Chair to address the development needs of the Board as a whole, with a view to enhancing its overall effectiveness as a team.

6.8. ensure that the performance of individual Directors and of the Board as a whole and its Committees is evaluated from time to time as appropriate, and formally on an annual basis.

6.9. encourage active engagement by all the members of the Board.

6.10. ensure that the Board makes balanced and objective decisions in the performance of its agreed role and functions.

6.11. ensure that all matters discussed and agreed by the Board are properly recorded in the minutes.

6.12. ensure high standards of financial probity by the Company.

6.13 ensure that the Board is given any information that any Director requires, even if such information would not normally reach the Board.

6.14. ensure that members of the Board develop an understanding of the views of the Home Nation Associations and of the Company’s major funding partners.

6.15. ensure that the Board are kept properly informed on all important matters; maintain close contact with the Chief Executive so as to be aware of all major risks.

6.16. ensure that the Board are kept properly informed of progress towards the fulfilment of the Company's strategy, budgets and forecasts.

6.17. ensure that the Board makes clear, what matters are reserved for the Board and what it has delegated to the Triathlon England Management Board, Sub-Committees or the Chief Executive and/or other members of the executive team.

6.18. undertake, with the Chair of Triathlon England, the annual performance appraisal and personal development reviews of the Chief Executive.

6.19.  take the initiative in collaboration with the Remcom, and ensure the Board decides the following matters:

• the appointment, dismissal and remuneration of the Chief Executive;
• in conjunction with the Chief Executive, the appointment and dismissal of other members of the Executive Team;
• in conjunction with the Chief Executive, the appointment and removal of the Company Secretary;

6.20. ensure the proper consideration and fixing of all aspects of remuneration of members of the executive team;
 

7. In particular, the Chair shall:

7.1. chair meetings of the Board.

7.2. attend meetings of sub-Committees of the Board as appropriate.

7.3. maintain outside contacts with the sport’s funding partners, sponsors and potential investors, assisted and advised where appropriate by the Chief Executive, and act as spokesperson for the Board.

7.4. undertake, as requested by the Board and to the extent of their agreed level of availability, specific tasks inside or outside the Company to further the presentation of the Company and its objectives.

7.5. ensure that s/he fully understands:

• the business of the Company and its services;
• the sport and territories in which the Company operates;
• the roles of staff in the Company;
• the Company's organisation, structure and methods of working.

7.6. be available to Home Nation’s Associations, and Members of the Company.

 

Personal Obligations

8.  In particular, the Chair will:

8.1. ensure that s/he complies with all her/his obligations as a Director required by law, the Company's Articles of Association, and decisions of General Meetings.

8.2. obtain independent professional advice at the Company's expense should s/he consider that this is required in order to enable her/him to discharge her/his duties as a Chair and Director provided that s/he first obtains the permission of a majority of the Board of Directors.

8.3. disclose immediately any personal interest in any activity of the Company and take no further part in any Board or Committee discussion of the matter.

8.4.  accept such outside appointments as shall be agreed by the Board; to be compatible with the Company's demands on the Director's time, and not to be detrimental to the interests of the Company.

8.5. be available for discussion with any member of the Board.

 

Person Specification
Applicants for the position of Chair of the British Triathlon Federation should meet the following personal specifications.

 

Key skills, experience and qualifications required:

• Experience as a Director, or Trustee in either commercial or voluntary or public-sector context.
• Recent experience of chairing boards, committees and meetings.
• Established reputation as a leader and strategic thinker in either commercial or voluntary or public-sector context.
• Significant experience of operating at a senior level in a strategic capacity.
• A sound working knowledge of the sport of triathlon and the public and private sectors.
• Ability in partnership working and relationship management.
• Able to build and maintain strong, transparent relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ability to support, challenge and manage a relationship with Chief Executive and Board Members.
• Experience of speaking in public and to the media.

Behavioural competencies and qualities required:

• Strategic perspective, vision and ability to work positively within a team.
• Drive and commitment and the ability to demonstrate this to others.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills and the ability to develop effective, sustainable partnerships.
• A commitment to the Values & Behaviours of British Triathlon.
• Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership (Nolan Principles).
• A commitment to the sport and organisation.
• Strong intellect and analytical ability; innovative thinker and ability to focus on the issues to be dealt with.
• Dynamic, enthusiastic and energetic.
• Resilience and ability to make things happen.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• A willingness to be an ambassador for the organisation and the sport.

 

Candidate Information 

Benefits & Ways of working:

• This is a voluntary position, with much of the work conducted remotely.
• You will be expected to attend regular board meetings and the AGM
• Reasonable expenses will be covered.
• The role includes international travel.

Role Location 

• The head office is based at Loughborough Sports Park, with an additional work base in London.
• The role will require international travel.

Timeline:

• Job advert closing date: 18th April 2025
• Initial screening and virtual chats with shortlisted candidates by 25th April 2025

How to Apply: 

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your application including the following essential documents:

1. Your CV – detailing relevant experience and qualifications.

2. A covering letter – explaining why you are the right fit for the role and what excites you about this opportunity.