Job Description
As the national governing body for group exercise, The Exercise, Movement and Dance Partnership (EMDP) is seeking independent directors for its Board. These non-executive positions will oversee the strategic direction and growth of one of the countries most popular governing bodies.
About EMDP
Group exercise is consistently ranked in the country’s top five most popular sports / fitness activities and whilst it has a strong appeal to male and females there is a higher percentage of women taking part. EMDP is the principal organisation governing group exercise with a responsibility to promote its benefits, support the teachers and volunteers working in the sector and to fulfil the Sport England criteria around increasing participation.
Unlike most governing bodies of sport, which only cover one activity, we have a wide scope in our remit and cover a wide variety of styles to suit each demographic segment. At one end of the spectrum, and thanks to Strictly Come Dancing, we have the cultural phenomenon of dance fitness through to Spinning and BodyPump and out to Yoga and Pilates at the other end. Established in 2006, we are endorsed and funded by a variety of partners with a major investment of £2 million from Sport England over the 2013-17 period.
Due to our strong governance and the good work that has been achieved to date, Sport England are showing increasing interest in EMDP as a way of keeping the nation active. In order to fulfil our commitments to them we want to build on our success and see a strong, vibrant board as part of this drive.
Through our work, EMDP are becoming the expert authority and thought-leaders in the sector. Our mission is ‘To increase participation in group exercise by supporting teachers and organisations to deliver excellence”. We do this by providing:
o Membership – individual and organisational
o Insight and research
o Training and development through our Academy
o Participation initiatives with our campaign linking to national activity drivers such as
Sport England’s This Girl Can and BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing’s ‘Keep Dancing’.
Group exercise has few barriers to participation and, therefore, creates vast opportunities for individuals to fulfil their physical activity, health and well-being goals. The market has the potential to be the largest of all of the National Governing Bodies – can you help us take the steps to get there?
The Board
Although we are the National Governing Body, our governance is as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. The EMDP Board is made up of nominees from each of its founder partners and at least 6 appointed independent directors (including the Chair) all of whom abide by the Nolan principles.
The Board meets four times each year, normally on a Thursday or Friday, in London from 11.00 am until 4.00 pm. Meetings are usually held at the offices of the Sport and Recreational Alliance offices in Victoria, London.
The Role
Directors can serve up to two four-year terms. It is anticipated that the time commitment is up to one day per month after the induction period. This includes attendance at up to four Board meetings a year.
Expenses will be paid in accordance with EMDP’s expense policy.
The duties of a director include:
• To ensure that EMDP complies with its Articles of Association, company law and any other
relevant legislation or regulations.
• To contribute actively to the role of the Board in giving firm strategic direction to the
organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating
performance against agreed targets.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of EMDP.
• To ensure the financial stability of EMDP through commercial income
• To appoint the chief executive officer(s) and monitor their performance.
• In addition to the above statutory duties, each director should use any specific skills,
knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may
involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing
advice and guidance on new initiatives or on other issues in which the Director has special
expertise.
Key Competencies:
• A high level of objectivity and independent judgement
• A high level of integrity and probity
• Ability to think and act strategically
• An understanding of financial management
• An ability to work in partnership
• A commitment to equity and equal opportunities
• Ability to communicate concisely and effectively
• An enthusiasm for group exercise
Skills and Experience:
EMDP is seeking directors with experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Finance
• Lobbying / Sector Influence
• Fundraising / Sponsorship
• HR / Organisation Development
• Marketing / Insight
• Legal
• IT
How to apply
Please submit a CV and letter of application to ross@emdp.org
For an informal discussion on the post of EMDP director, please contact Innes Milne (Chair) on 07785 114143 or Ross Perriam (Chief Executive) on 01403 266000.
Closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday, 11th December 2016.