See the recruitment pack here: Recruitment Pack The apply button is at the bottom of this page. Role Description The Amateur FA is looking to appoint a Non-Executive Director who will act as the Board Chair. We are looking for an individual with skills and experience in a Board context with the desire to support grassroots football and role model and encourage a safe environment across Amateur FA football. We are looking for an ambassador for the organisation who can act as a custodian of the highest standards of integrity, inclusion, respect and governance. With the development of a new strategy and recent Board review, the Board is constituted of up to 14 members (due to reduce to 12). The Board will be led by the person appointed into this role and will be supported by a Vice Chair, Senior Independent Director, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Council appointed Directors and Independent Directors. Role Title Chair of the Board of Directors Reports to Accountable to the Membership of Amateur FA Role Purpose The Chair will: • Be responsible for the leadership of the Board of Directors and be accountable to the Membership of Amateur FA (subsequently referred to as ‘the Association’). • Be responsible for overseeing the affairs of the Association and for ensuring that the Board meets its obligations and responsibilities to the Association. • Hold the CEO and Board to account for the performance of the Association, providing respectful and inclusive leadership to the Board of Directors. • Ensure that each Director fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Association. • Effectively manage and moderate Board discussions and decisions in a way that ensures psychological safety and support for all, coupled with respectful check and challenge. • Act as an ambassador for the Association and role model the AFA’s values. • Performance manage the Chief Executive Officer, who reports to the Board of Directors through the Chair. Direct Reports Chief Executive Officer Location The Amateur Football Alliance offices are based at Unit 3, 7 Wenlock Road, London, N1 7SL. The Chair will be expected to attend the office and engage in homeworking, as appropriate. Estimated time commitment to fulfil the role The role requires a commitment to attend up to 6 Board meetings a year. Meetings are normally held on a Monday at the County Office or online and normally last in the region of 3 hours. The Chair is also required to attend General Meetings and other ad hoc events held within the County. Remuneration or Expenses This is a voluntary role which is not accompanied by any financial remuneration. County FA Expenses will be paid in line with the current Expense Policy of the Amateur FA. Travel and accommodation to FA events where The FA has agreed to reimburse County FA Expenses will be paid in line with the current County FA Expense Policy issued by The FA. Responsibilities • Serve as a Director of the Association and to lead the Board in setting the strategy of the Association. • Execute the responsibilities of a Company Director in accordance with the Companies Act (2006) and other relevant legislation. • Ensure that the Board maintains and demonstrates a clear division between the Board’s management and oversight role and the executive’s operational role. • Lead the Board in the approval of the long-term financial plan and annual budget. • Set the agenda for each Board meeting in consultation with the CEO. • Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring that Directors receive accurate, timely and clear information and that adequate time is available for discussion and time is used productively. • Create and role model an environment of psychological safety, respect and inclusion through all interactions including recognising and striving to encourage diversity of thought, implementation of reasonable adjustments and maximisation of individuals’ skills. • Lead the Board in demonstrating transparency and accountability, engaging effectively with stakeholders and nurturing internal democracy. • Set an example in the values and role model the positive behaviours required, acting at all times in line with the Code of Conduct agreed by the Board. • Monitor the delivery of the strategic plan and objectives of the Association. • Undertake and maintain evaluation records of the Board’s skills and performance and of individual Directors, and that of its committees in line with the Code of Governance. • Use evaluation findings to develop the skills and effectiveness of the Board. • Review, with the CEO, any issues of concern to the Board including the safeguarding and wellbeing of staff, Board, and the wider workforce of the Association. • Manage the performance of the CEO, providing opportunities for coaching and development as required. • Work collaboratively and positively with the CEO and the entire Executive team to support their ability, comfort and motivation to carry out the delivery of the strategy. • Lead the Board in identifying proportionate and appropriate actions to be taken to support and/or maintain diversity targets set and agreed for the Board. • Act as an ambassador and represent the Association at internal and external meetings and functions. • Appoint appropriately skilled Chairs to the various committees in consultation with members of the Board. • Serve as an ex officio member of all committees. • Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Board. Person Specification Skills Essential • Excellent meeting chairing skills, including the ability to generate and encourage a respectful and productive group discussion • Listening skills to ensure that all voices and points of view are heard and given due consideration • Strategic leadership and management skills to support a close-knit executive team • The ability to create and develop a positive Board culture, and in particular to effectively foster a positive working relationship between the Board and the executive workforce • Understanding of the importance of the relationship between a Chair, Chief Executive Officer and Senior Independent Director • The appropriate level and use of knowledge, information, and experience to make informed decisions for the benefit of the organisation • Excellent interpersonal skills including rapport-building, kindness, thoughtfulness and incisive questioning • The ability to form productive relationships both internally and externally and strategic partnerships for the benefit of the Association Desirable • Performance management and conducting appraisals (in relation to the management of CEO) • Positive coaching and mentoring • Experience working with a Board Skills Audit and implementing a subsequent action plan • Recruitment and selection skills • Experience motivating volunteers Knowledge Essential • Knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of a Board Director • Knowledge and understanding of the Companies Act (2006) • Thorough knowledge and understanding of the Safeguarding Requirements for the Association, which will be supported by a Safeguarding NED • Thorough knowledge and/or a significant interest in Grassroots Football and the role of the Association in its governance. • Awareness of the County FA Governance Code • Understanding of how to apply the principles and actions of inclusive practice, which will be supported by an Equality and Inclusion NED • Basic knowledge and understanding of financial accounts, management accounts and budgeting, which will be supported by a Finance NED • An understanding of The FA National Game Strategy and how this affects the work of the County Football Associations Desirable • Knowledge of other key areas of legislation including Health and Safety, Employment, GDPR, Bribery and anti-corruption, whistleblowing and Taxation • Risk management • Customer experience and engagement • Succession planning Qualifications Essential • No specific qualifications are essential to perform this role of Chair • A sound understanding of the volunteer/ professional relationship and how this can best work to support the work of the Association • An understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion • Effective use of digital communication including email and the internet Desirable • Where the Chair performs a specific function on the Board in addition to Chair, additional qualifications may be required Enhanced DBS Check required? Not required Check Companies House Disqualified Directors Register? YES Clean full driving licence? Not required The Amateur Football Alliance is committed to achieving equality and fairness in employment and service delivery. We are interested in receiving applications from all sections of society, including females, those from historically underrepresented ethnic communities and those with a disability. If you do not have the formal qualifications specified but can demonstrate skills or experience of an equivalent standard, we would be interested in your application. The Amateur Football Alliance is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through The FA DBS process. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. We are proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer. The Amateur Football Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and belief.