British Rowing – Board Chair
British Rowing is seeking a credible and collaborative leader to become the new Chair of its Board. Candidates will bring prior experience as a non-executive or senior executive in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment and a deep affinity with the role of sport in society.
Role specification
This is a significant moment for British Rowing, and it is seeking a visionary Chair to lead the next phase of growth. They will succeed Mark Davies, who steps down after seven years but will remain as interim CEO pending a process to appoint a permanent one.
The new Chair will play a key role as the organisation sets out to evolve its strategy, embrace digital transformation and drive commercial growth, broadening a thriving grassroots community whilst continuing to provide world class pathways and opportunities for athletes to deliver continued success on the international stage, in the next Olympic and Paralympic cycle towards LA2028 and beyond.
The Chair will bring objectivity to Board discussions and judgements on matters such as strategy, performance, ways to manage and connect with the different stakeholders and always ensure good governance. They will:
- Lead the Board with a collaborative style, which ensures cohesion, ensuring that British Rowing continues to be a modern and progressive organisation focused on its members and the future sustainability of the sport
- Oversee the execution of a clear strategy and plan to promote the sport of rowing and ensure that its delivery is underpinned by world-class governance, robust policies and guidance
- Ensure that the Board acts with integrity and takes all the different stakeholder interests into account as it makes decisions; this includes managing the trade-offs that will naturally arise from these stakeholders to ensure that decisions are taken in the best and long-term collective interests of Rowing across Britain
- Chair the Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting, acting as a member of such Committees of the Board as necessary
- Oversee the Chief Executive Officer, holding them fully to account for ensuring that Board decisions are executed while maintaining a high level of staff morale, commitment and motivation
- Be curious and provide challenge and support to other Board members and the Executive team, ultimately holding them to account for the successful delivery of British Rowing’s strategy and the delivery of its plan
- Establish and maintain links with the membership and volunteers of rowing in Britain and internationally
- Liaise with key stakeholders and funding partners (e.g. World Rowing, European Rowing, UK Sport, Sport England, BOA, BPA, other National Governing Bodies and other similar entities)
- Promote participation, diversity and inclusion in all rowing disciplines and act as an ‘ambassador’ for all forms of rowing.
Person specification
British Rowing is seeking a credible and collaborative leader to become the new Chair of its Board. While a background in rowing is not essential, candidates should demonstrate a deep affinity with the role of sport in society as well as a commitment to broadening access and opportunity.
Candidates will bring:
- Prior experience as a non-executive or senior executive in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment — with a proven ability to build consensus, drive strategy, and navigate diverse interests
- Experience of chairing, whether in a board, committee or executive setting
- Demonstrable strategic and commercial acumen, with a strong understanding of communications and technology
- A personal or professional understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing sport in the UK — including the landscape and key stakeholders
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to act as a compelling ambassador for British Rowing with partners, funders and the rowing community
- Good judgement and integrity.
The appointment is for a four-year term, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Board.
Salary: £12,000 per year
Type: Part-time, 2-3 days per month plus ad hoc engagement
Application Dates: From Thursday 24th April 2025 to Tuesday 13th May 2025
