BF VACANCY: INDEPENDENT BOARD DIRECTOR

The British Fencing Board is looking for a new Independent Director. Applications close on the 1st May 2024.

British Fencing is seeking to recruit to the Board a Non-Executive Independent Director (INED). Applicants need be independent and do not require fencing experience. We actively welcome applicants from a diverse set of backgrounds.

About British Fencing

British Fencing is the National Governing Body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the United Kingdom. Our members are the fencers, clubs, coaches, referees and countless volunteers who make up the British Fencing community. We aim to support them on every step of their development journeys, helping them to realise their goals in a safe, enjoyable and respectful environment. We support all ability levels: assisting new beginners, recreational fencers as well elite international, Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

We understand the vital importance of accessibility, inclusivity and diversity, which we actively promote through our programmes. We believe that fencing is for everyone and through our social impact programmes, we aim to deliver positive impact on people’s lives.

The Board sets the strategic direction of the sport and consists of twelve Directors, of whom eight are elected and four appointed by the Board.

About the Role

The successful candidate will join one of the most diverse Boards in Olympic sport, and as an independent director will work closely with the Chair.

The ideal candidate is likely to have strong experience gained in a similar role within the sport sector, not for profit or wider corporate sectors.

Experience of working in an organisation that has a membership would also be helpful. In addition, this person is likely to have experience as a Trustee or Non-Executive Director with a strong understanding of risk and governance.

They should have a collaborative approach and desire to bring their skills and commitment to further develop fencing across the country at grassroots and performance level, ensuring our sport remains inclusive to all.

This position has a 4 year period of office and that can be renewed for one further 4 year cycle.

Further Information and Application Process

For further information on our Board

Board Director Role Description

Applications should be sent to the Chair of British Fencing, Mark Lyttle at [email protected] in the form of a covering letter and curriculum vitae.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role or the application, please email Mark on the same email address.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, race, colour, sex, marital status, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, disability or sexual orientation.

Closing Date: 1st May 2024

Remuneration: The role is not renumerated, travel expenses for attendance at Board meetings are covered.

Term: The term is for four years and can be extended on a mutually-agreed basis for a further four year term.

Location: Board meetings are a mixture of online and in-person. In person meetings currently take place in London.

Note on Independence – In accordance with the BF Articles 48.2

No person may be appointed to be an Independent Director (who may be a Member and who may be a member of any Affiliated Club or Associated Body) if he or she:
(i) is an employee of the Association;
(ii) has any other contractual relationship with the Association or any Affiliated Club or Associated Body, except for any Directors’ Agreements which may be entered into between the Association and the Independent Directors, which agreement shall be in terms appropriate for Independent directors and which do not compromise their independence;
(iii) has any other material relationship with the Association or any such club or body which could impair their impartiality or the perception of impartiality; or
(iv) has been in any position described in (i), (ii) or (iii) at any time within four years preceding the date of appointment.

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