About England Athletics

England Athletics is the national governing body for grassroots athletics and running in England. The organization supports more than 181,000 registered athletes, approximately 1,850 affiliated clubs, and millions of runners across the country.

Working alongside partners including UK Athletics, Sport England, London Marathon Events, and the Personal Best Foundation, England Athletics is committed to growing participation, modernizing the sport, and delivering its long-term strategy through 2032.

The Role

England Athletics is seeking an experienced and inclusive Chair of the Board to provide strategic leadership and governance oversight during the next phase of the organization's growth.

Working closely with the Board, executive leadership, and key stakeholders, the Chair will help guide long-term strategy, strengthen governance, support commercial growth, and ensure athletics and running remain accessible and relevant for future generations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction aligned with England Athletics' long-term vision and objectives.
• Support the delivery of the organization's strategy through 2032.
• Guide organizational growth, modernization initiatives, and long-term sustainability.
• Promote a culture of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and excellence.

Governance & Oversight

• Chair Board meetings and provide effective governance leadership.
• Ensure strong governance practices and sound organizational oversight.
• Support executive leadership while maintaining appropriate Board independence.
• Monitor organizational performance, financial sustainability, and strategic priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with governing bodies, partners, clubs, athletes, and external stakeholders.
• Represent England Athletics across the wider athletics and running community.
• Foster collaboration with Sport England, UK Athletics, London Marathon Events, and other strategic partners.
• Support initiatives that strengthen participation and community engagement.

Organizational Development

• Help diversify revenue streams, including commercial investment opportunities.
• Support initiatives focused on membership growth, youth participation, and competition modernization.
• Promote continuous improvement across governance, leadership, and organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Proven executive or board-level leadership experience.
• Strong governance and strategic planning expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations through growth and change.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and consensus-building abilities.
• Commitment to inclusive leadership and positive organizational culture.

Preferred Experience

• Experience serving as a Board Chair, Non-Executive Director, or senior executive.
• Familiarity with the sports, nonprofit, membership, or public sector.
• Experience supporting commercial growth, organizational transformation, or governance modernization.

Compensation & Engagement

• £15,000 annual remuneration
• Approximately 4–8 days per month
• Initial 4-year appointment
• Opportunity to lead one of England's largest national sports governing bodies
• Play a key role in shaping the future of athletics and running across England

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