Inclusive Boards is delighted to support England Athletics in their search to appoint a new Chair.
An opportunity to join the Board of England Athletics – the national governing body for grassroots athletics and running in England.
About England Athletics
As the national governing body for grassroots athletics and running in England, England Athletics support over 180,000 registered athletes, more than 1,870 clubs, and a wider community of millions of runners. They are also proud to partner with their official charity, Personal Best Foundation, to increase opportunities for children and young people at risk of exclusion to enjoy their wonderful sport. As an organisation they have strong foundations from which they can build including a healthy and inclusive culture, a diverse and skilled Board, a committed and knowledgeable network of regional advisory councils, and an experienced and focused staff team.
England Athletics works in partnership with the wider athletics and running family, including UK Athletics, the other Home Countries Athletics Federations, a wide range of competition providers, and key stakeholders such as Sport England and London Marathon Events.
About the Chair opportunity:
ROLE PURPOSE: To lead the Board of England Athletics, ensuring that the highest standards of governance, integrity and strategic leadership are upheld, and that the organisation delivers its purpose, vision and long-term strategy effectively.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Chair meetings of the Board and its committees, ensuring effective leadership and decision-making Ensure Board members receive accurate, timely and clear information regarding organisational performance
- Facilitate effective monitoring, scrutiny and constructive challenge
- Ensure sufficient time is allocated to strategic and complex matters, encouraging full engagement
- Manage conflicts of interest and ensure proper governance processes are followed Work closely with the CEO to ensure Board decisions are implemented
- Lead the evaluation of Board performance and oversee development actions
- Maintain oversight of organisational performance, risks and opportunities
- Represent the organisation at key meetings, events and with stakeholders
- Support succession planning and Board composition
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
- Proven experience as a Chair or senior Non-Executive Director
- Experience of operating at Board level in complex organisations
- Strong understanding of governance, risk and performance oversight
- Experience of working in multi-stakeholder environments
- Strong business, financial and strategic acumen
- Ability to represent the organisation at senior external levels
- Experience in driving strategic change and organisational development
KEY INFORMATION:
Term – The appointment will be for a period of 4 years with the opportunity for this to be extended by application for a second term of 4 years.
Time Commitment – Average 4–8 days per month. A flexible approach to days worked is required. On occasions including evening and weekend working, when attending some national events. Includes 6 Board meetings (London), events, stakeholder engagements, and AGM.
Remuneration – £15,000 per annum. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with England Athletics expenses policy.
Find out more and apply:
If this exciting position appeals to you, and you would like further information, you can contact Gill Jones at gjones@englandathletics.org. To apply for this post please upload your CV and covering letter detailing what you think you can bring to the role and why it appeals to you by visiting: https://careers.englandathletics.org/
The closing date is 20th July 2026.
Shortlisting & initial conversations complete: By 7 September 2026
Interviews & volunteer focus groups complete: By 12 October 2026
Formal announcement: By 19 October 2026
Confirmation at AGM: 21 November 2026
To find out more, request support when applying, or have an informal confidential discussion before applying, please get in touch with Inclusive Boards by emailing englandathletics@inclusiveboards.co.uk.