Job Description
UK Athletics (UKA) and the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAF) are seeking Independent Disciplinary Hearing Panel Members to adjudicate on Serious Misconduct related matters and concerns which have been referred to UK Athletics and the Home Country Athletics Federations.
BACKGROUND
As the National Governing Bodies for Athletics in the UK, our aim is to build an integrated, ethical and transparent disciplinary system that protects and supports our collective members, whilst continuing to
develop the sport of athletics as a whole, from grassroots introductory level through to world class level. Athletics is, and will continue to be, one of the most inclusive and popular sports in the UK. To ensure this
continues, we need to operate in a way that reflects our ethics, values and which recognises the role we play in society.
UK Athletics and the Home Country Athletics Federation Codes of Conduct set out national standards of conduct for all clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers and athletes in the sport. The codes are an important part of monitoring and improving the behaviour and practice.
ROLE OF THE INDEPENDENT DISCIPLINARY HEARING PANEL MEMBERS
The aim of these appointments is to improve the quality and consistency of decision making in respect of disciplinary matters within the sport of athletics in the UK. Disciplinary cases may relate to (this list is in no way exhaustive):
• Breaches of the UKA and HCAF Codes of Conduct.
• If an organisation, club or individual refuses or neglects to comply with the relevant home country
Articles of Association.
• If an organisation, club or individual breaches the relevant Disciplinary Policies and Procedures or any
terms of reference, regulations or other rules of UKA as adopted by the respective home country
federation.
• If an individual behaves (whether by action or omission) in a manner which a home country federation
considers is disgraceful or opposed to the general interests of the home country federation or the sport of athletics or is likely to bring the sport into serious disrepute.
• Other examples of Serious Misconduct include (without limitation) theft, doping violations, fraud, physical violence, discrimination, serious breach of applicable health and safety, gambling and/or
ticketing regulations or any act or omission of the Respondent which in the opinion of the home country, acting reasonably, brings or is likely to bring the sport of athletics into disrepute.
Essential key skills, experience and qualities:
• Knowledge of best practice in conducting disciplinary proceedings and in particular those related to disciplinary matters and/or sport’s governing bodies.
• Previous experience of working in a disciplinaries, investigations and misconduct hearings (education/health/legal/social work/police, etc.).
• Proven leadership, teamwork and decision making skills with the ability to prioritise and commit time to the role.
• An understanding and appreciation of the impact which abusive or discriminatory behaviour can have on participants in sport.
• Thorough knowledge of the ethical issues within sport.
• Ability to read and assess information and identify key points/issues.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information securely.
Desirable key skills, experience and qualities (desirable):
• Qualified and experienced barrister or solicitor.
• Previous experience of sitting on disciplinary and misconduct tribunals, panels or case management groups which have powers to decide on the suitability of individuals to coach/teach, work with children or hold positions of trust.
• Previous experience of high-level committee activity in a voluntary organisation.
• A keen and active interest in sport.
• Can you please indicate if you have experience and are willing to Chair a Disciplinary Panel.
Time Commitment
We are looking for members to be available to sit on circa four panels per year. It is expected that the Panel will meet via a suitable video conferencing platform, and where time and location allows, in person.
UK Athletics will keep a database of current panel members and as and when we require adjudication of disciplinary related matters, complaints and appeals we will contact you to confirm your availability.
Term
Persons shall be appointed to the Panel for a term of their own choosing for a minimum of 12 months and no longer than five years.
As the Panel ultimately report to the Board of Directors of UK Athletics and the Home Country Athletics Federations, members of the Board shall not be eligible to apply, and in the event that a person is appointed to the Panel and thereafter becomes a member of such a Board the person shall automatically be removed from the Panel.
For the avoidance of doubt UK Athletics and the HCAF shall be entitled to accept or reject any application to the Panel and remove any person from the Panel at any time.
Remuneration and Expenses
All reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION:
As the nation’s favourite Olympic and Paralympic Sport. UK Athletics and the Home Country Athletics Federations embraces equality, diversity and inclusion both on and off the field of play where everyone can participate, we encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, religion, belief or sexual orientation.
How to apply
Application Process To apply for this role, please visit https://careers.ukathletics.org.uk/ to submit a covering letter and a CV. Closing date for applications is mid-night on Sunday 10th April 2022. For a confidential discussion or if you have any questions on the role, please contact Mark Draisey UKA Lead at mdraisey@uka.org.uk. In the result of high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close the vacancy ahead of the stated closing date – please apply early to avoid disappointment. We will endeavor to reply to all applicants but if you do not hear from us with two weeks of the closing date, then please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.