Job Description
BOARD OBSERVER
England Athletics is the membership and development body for grassroots athletics and running clubs in England and performance sport up to and including Commonwealth Games. Our mission is to grow opportunities for everyone to experience athletics and running, to enable them to reach their full potential. We work in partnership with the wider athletics family, especially UK Athletics and Sport England and provide national level competition.
As a membership organisation we have c.1,730 member clubs/bodies and c.165,000 registered athletes. We exist to provide services and support to our members and to promote and deliver athletics and running activities across all ages, event disciplines, ability levels and aspirations. In addition, there are 7 million people who run each month in England, 2,700 licensed road races per annum and 180,000 active RunTogether participants operating in more than 3,000 registered running groups.
In May 2021, following extensive consultation with a multitude of stakeholders across the sport, we launched our new strategic plan for 2021-2032: Athletes and runners at the heart – creating opportunities, enhancing experiences and powering potential.
This strategy ensures a robust and clearly defined future direction for our sport which places athletes and runners at the heart of everything we will do over the 12-year period to 2032.

Our purpose
To inspire more athletes and runners of all abilities and backgrounds to fulfil their potential and to have a lifelong love for the sport
Our vision
For athletics and running to become an inclusive sport where everyone belongs and can flourish.
Our guiding principles
We want every participant involved in the sport, whether they are an athlete, runner, coach, official, leader, volunteer, competition provider, facility operator, parent or guardian to see and experience first-hand the guiding principles which continue to drive our work. These are to:
• Put the athlete and runner first
• Encourage high standards and ethical success across all aspects of our work
• Enhance experiences
• Work together in partnership not in isolation
Our key focus areas
1. Clubs, Club Leaders and facilities
2. Competition
3. Coaches and officials
4. Participation: young people and running
5. Talented athletes

Our values
The work we do across the five key focus areas will be underpinned by the values we stand for as an organisation and as defined by our purpose.
Values of fun, inspiration, integrity and inclusivity will be evident in our everyday actions and behaviours as England Athletics staff, Councils and Board.
England Athletics is currently looking for a Board Observer to attend the Board meetings and contribute to the decisions made. The Board Observer will use their knowledge and insight of athletics, as an athlete, coach or official, to offer guidance to the Board. The Board Observer will be unable to vote nor has the legal obligations of a Board Director but will provide insight, guidance, and knowledge to the Board. In return, the Board Observer will gain insight into Board level work, be partnered with a mentor and have access to central training opportunities.
The term will be for a fixed period of 12 months and will pay expenses only.

ROLE PURPOSE
To provide an opportunity for athletes, coaches and officials who have little or no Board experience to gain experience of England Athletics Board activity.
To offer specific expertise to the Board in an area which complements that of the existing Board.
To offer guidance and knowledge to members of the Board on participation and performance.
• To provide an informed voice on specific topics, as and when required.
• To act as an unbiased, objective, and impartial observer.
• Where appropriate to represent and champion England Athletics with key partners and stakeholders.
• Where there is opportunity, to act as an ambassador for the sport at national and regional level.
• The candidate should have a sound knowledge and understanding of athletics, an interest in the development of athletics and also in the development of their own Board skills.
The appointment will be by formal interview.
If you are interested in knowing more about the position, please contact:
• Sam O’Shea, soshea@englandathletics.org or
• HR & People Development Manager recruitment-ea@englandathletics.org
Closing date for applications is midday on Friday 7th October 2022.
England Athletics is an equal opportunities employer who actively encourages applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity, disability, age, religion or belief, parenting, caring or marital status. We recognise the potential that every individual brings.

How to apply
Applications should include a covering letter explaining what would be gained through the appointment and the names of two referees, by visiting our website https://www.englandathletics.org/about-us/careers/