Job Description
Mountain Training England (MTE) is looking for two independent non-executive Directors.
Start date: 25 February 2020.
Who are we looking for?
Mountain Training England aspires to meet Sport England’s ‘Code for Sports Governance’ Tier 3 requirements. These state “Organisations shall recruit and engage people with appropriate diversity, independence, skills, experience and knowledge to take effective decisions that further the organisation’s goals…(and) adopt a target of, and take all appropriate actions to encourage, a minimum of 30% of each gender on its Board…”
We therefore particularly welcome applications from people who will help to expand the diversity of our Board.
Specifically, we are recruiting for two independent non-executive directors.
By independent we mean that applicants:
• will be an active walker, climber or mountaineer with a firm commitment to the sport.
• will not have any current, direct involvement in the work of Mountain Training.
What skills and experience are we looking for?
We’re looking for people with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Safeguarding – at strategy level
• Fundraising – at governance and strategy level
• Human resources – strategy
• Contracting with partners – commercial /stakeholder partners
• the governance of charities and voluntary sector organisations
• Sports governance
• Legal expertise
• Governance experience of collaborative partnership working with other organisations
How is Mountain Training England organised?
Mountain Training England is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a registered Charity.
Mountain Training England consists of a council of representatives of elected member organisations. The members support the board of directors and act as a consultation body. They have the authority to elect directors. The responsibilities of the directors include setting the budget and organisational strategy, overseeing its implementation by the staff and running the company.
The directors are supported by an executive officer who in turn is supported by a staff complement.
What does Mountain Training England do?
We are the awarding body for qualifications in walking, climbing and mountaineering leadership in England. We also administer two personal skills schemes, one for walking and one for climbing.
Our Vision
To promote a diverse and active outdoor society, supported by inspirational leaders, instructors and coaches.
Our Mission
To inspire, enable and develop people in walking, climbing and mountaineering through the provision of nationally and internationally recognised skills training and leadership qualifications.
To achieve this Mountain Training England:
• Administers 10 qualifications: https://www.mountain-training.org/qualifications and two skills training schemes https://www.mountain-training.org/personal-skills
• Quality assures the delivery of our courses.
• Provides induction and training for our course providers.
• Regularly reviews all of our schemes.
• Collaborates on the global objectives of the national Mountain Training organisations.
• Liaises with stakeholders and partners in order to be most effective.
General Role Description
Mountain Training England (MTE) maintains a board of seven directors. The directors share the responsibility for overseeing the management of the organisation and implementing the strategic objectives of its members.
The role of the board of directors is to set the strategic direction of the organisation, to oversee the implementation of that strategy and to ensure that the organisation is governed to the highest standards.
Directors’ Roles & Responsibilities
• Work within the values of MTE as expressed in our vision and mission statements
• Set the strategy of MTE
• Oversee the work of the management team
• Risk management and monitoring of internal controls
• Finance planning and monitoring
• Policy framework
• Governance
Additional Responsibilities
As well as the above collective duties, you will be expected to use your skills and experience to advise fellow directors and the member organisations.
For example, this may involve producing papers, leading discussions, volunteering for sub-committees and providing advice and guidance.
Commitments
The board of directors of Mountain Training England meets four times a year. There are a further three meetings of members per year. Meetings are usually held at the offices of the British Mountaineering Council in Manchester. Directors also participate in sub-committees and special project groups such as the finance sub-committee, the screening committee and scheme review groups. Directors are expected to commit between 7 and 15 days a year on average. See separate document: Summary of Time Commitment for MTE Directors (included in the information pack).
Directors serve for a maximum of six years and are re-elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. At the end of the first three-year term of office directors are eligible for re-election for one further term of three years. From time to time the positions of treasurer, vice-chair and chair become subject to renewal. Applications are invited and the members appoint at the Annual General Meeting.
Directors’ Liability
MTE carries insurance for directors’ liability.
This post is non-salaried. Directors’ travel and reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Diversity
We are committed to achieving a diverse Board and welcome applications from members of currently under-representative groups (such as women, black and minority ethnic communities and/or candidates who consider themselves to have a disability). Mountain Training England operates an equal opportunities policy.
For more detailed information about Mountain Training England, https://www.mountain-training.org/about/structure-and-governance/mountain-training-england
How to apply
Please send your CV together with a covering letter/personal statement to: Cath Luke, Mountain Training Governance & Equity Officer – cath@mountain-training.org Your covering letter/personal statement should describe how you fit the requirements listed above and your reasons for applying. The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 12 January 2020. All Board appointments are confirmed by the members. Interview: A date in late January/early February, to be confirmed. Interviews will be conducted by phone or Skype.