Non-Executive Director
Salary: The position is voluntary and all reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed.
Location: Flexible, although the majority of meetings are held in Cardiff, by phone or video conference. The Swim Wales office is located at the Sport Village, Wales National Pool, Swansea.
Swim Wales is the National Governing Body for all 66 of the registered Aquatic Sports in Wales. Its purpose is to create and govern a safe environment for the delivery of all aquatic activities across the nation, and determine how such activities will be implemented internationally, nationally, regionally and locally.
Swim Wales Vision
A world leading National Governing Body delivering excellence, inspiring our nation to enjoy, participate, learn and compete in Welsh aquatics.
We are a company limited by guarantee and all Board Members are Directors of the company. At an exciting time for Swim Wales, we are currently seeking three new Board members to join us.
Role Description
Time Commitment: Approximately 1 day per month. There are six board meetings per year and board members may be asked to represent the organisation at other relevant meetings and events.
Swim Wales
Employees
The Swim Wales team is spread geographically with 50% of the staff office based, they are led by our Chief Executive who is based in the NGB head office.
Role Summary
- Setting the organisation's vision, values, mission and strategic direction
- Delegating appropriate authority to the Chief Executive, and monitoring and evaluating the implementation of policies, strategy and agreed objectives
- Ensuring that internal controls are effective
- Ensuring that communications both to and from members are effective
- Creating and maintaining positive and productive relationships with stakeholders
- Provide direction and support to the staff team, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation
Responsibilities
In relation to the board
- Ensure Swim Wales pursues its core purpose as set out in the Articles as well as meeting its obligations under company law and other relevant legislation/regulations
- Contribute to the formulation of Swim Wales strategic plans and put in place regular reviews of the long-term strategic goals
- Ensure Swim Wales’ organisational structure and capability, including the resources available, are appropriate for implementing the strategy
- Develop organisational policies, define goals, set targets and evaluate performance against these
- Ensure Swim Wales implements good practice in respect of governance and leadership
- Create a strong and fulfilling working relationship with other Directors and the Chief Executive Officer
- Participate in a review and self-reflective evaluation of board performance
In relation to the organisation
- Assume guardianship of the legal and financial integrity of Swim Wales as required under the Companies Act (2006)
- Set risk appetite and oversee risk strategy
- Provide constructive support and guidance to the Chief Executive, in the context of the implementation of strategy and policies
- Receive regular progress reports of Swim Wales’ work and financial performance through the Chief Executive
- Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the organisation.
In relation to SWIM WALES stakeholders and the sport sector
- Represent Swim Wales, championing the organisation and its members at appropriate events, meetings or functions
- Build strong and dynamic relationships with Swim Wales’ members, understanding their diverse needs and uniting their voices
- Actively promote the benefits of sport and recreation for people in Wales
- Establish, nurture and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders including Sport Wales, Welsh Government, Chief Executive Officers’ Forum and Wales Council for Voluntary Action, the Commonwealth Games Council for Wales?
- Attend and be a member of other committees or working groups as appropriate.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of how sport contributes to the wellbeing of people in Wales through education, health and communities policy. An awareness of the ways in which elite sport success contributes to a strong sport sector is desirable, as well as an understanding of the current political and policy landscape in Wales.
Although previous experience in a board position is desirable, applications from candidates who have not previously served in a board role but who can demonstrate the skills and competencies necessary to contribute to Swim Wales are welcomed.Swim Wales is currently recruiting 4 new board members. Following a comprehensive board skills audit, the organisation is seeking individuals with specific skills and knowledge in one or more of the following fields:
- Business Development / Commercial Partnership
- Sales & Marketing
- Communications, Brand & Public Relations (to include digital & social media)
- Education, Development & Training
- Workforce Development & Engagement
Role Competencies
Demonstrates strong business acumen Has a strong understanding of the key business drivers that create high performance. Is able to use sound commercial principles to further develop the best interests of the organisation.
Strong professional awarenes sHas a depth and breadth of legal knowledge, and understands the practices, processes and professional skills required for the board environment.
Ability to influence across the sporting landscape Understands how to navigate domestic sporting, political and commercial environments.
Demonstrates by actions a thorough understanding of good governance Defined by the processes and practices of the operation of a board of Directors, including the structures and procedures for decision-making, public accountability, control and codes of conduct. Maintains and applies a broad understanding of financial management principles to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible
Highly developed financial acumen Maintains and applies a broad understanding of financial management principles to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible
Core Competencies
Highly developed communication skills Excellent oral and written communication skills. Communicates plans and activities in a manner that supports strategies and employee involvement
Demonstrates honesty and integrity Instils mutual trust and confidence, creates a culture that fosters high standards of ethics, behaves in a fair and ethical manner toward others, and demonstrates a sense of corporate responsibility
Innovation and Problem Solving Generates innovative solutions to diverse situations; tries different and novel ways to deal with problems and opportunities
Strong planning and organising Strong preference for establishing an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others – prioritises activities and develops plans to achieve them
Ability to be flexible Is open to change and new information; adapts behaviour and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles. Adjusts rapidly to new situations warranting attention and resolution
Can assimilate and respond to different cultural situations Understands the importance of personal and organisational values, and demonstrates behaviours, attitudes, policies, and structures that enable them to work effectively cross-culturally
How to apply
The deadline for applications is Friday 16 November 2018 and interviews will take place shortly after.
Please submit a CV with a supporting letter which demonstrates your fit with the person specification and your suitability for the role to Dawn Mancey, PA to the Chief Executive on dawn.mancey@swimming.org
Swim Wales is committed to equality of opportunity and the formation of a balanced, inclusive and skilled board and encourages applications from people from under-represented groups. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities, individuals from diverse ethnic and LGBT backgrounds, women and young people.
If you would like to discuss the role of the Swim Wales Non-Executive Director please contact Dawn Mancey, PA to the Chief Executive on 01792 513624.
