Non-Executive Director
British Rowing are seeking a Non‑Executive Director to provide strategic oversight, uphold strong governance, and contribute independent expertise to the Board as the organisation drives the growth and long‑term development of the sport.
The Role
British Rowing is the national governing body for the sport in England, responsible for everything from grassroots development to preparing Olympic and Paralympic champions. It trains and selects the Great Britain Rowing Team, sets the rules of the sport, and acts as custodian for rowing’s long-term future.
Rowing is one of Britain’s most successful Olympic sports, with 825,000 people rowing on the water or indoors every month – but its real power lies in the community it creates. Its mission is to welcome more people from more places into that community and to keep them connected for life. From first strokes to a lifelong passion, British Rowing is opening rowing to wider, more diverse audiences and building a sport that people never want to leave. This is a pivotal time to join one of the nation’s leading sport’s governing bodies as it seeks to drive growth and the accessibility of the sport into the future.
Role specification
As part of the Board, and in liaison with the Chair, CEO, and fellow Directors, the incoming Non-Executive Director will:
Governance & Oversight
- Act as a Company Director of British Rowing
- Monitor delivery against the agreed strategy and review progress against agreed goals and objectives
- Review core organisational values at least every four years
- Oversee performance, prioritising financial expenditure, risk, and resource allocation in line with the strategic plan
- Ensure that British Rowing maintains a sound financial and resource base
Board Contribution & Relationships
- Build strong working relationships with the Chair, fellow Directors, and the CEO
- Bring an independent viewpoint, exercising sound judgement on matters of strategy, performance, resources, and conduct
- Participate in an annual Board evaluation and your own individual evaluation
- Undertake relevant training to support your role
External Engagement
- Build effective relationships with external partners and stakeholders as required
- Attend British Rowing events and meetings, representing the organisation and hosting partners, sponsors, and stakeholders
Board competencies
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Understand governance and management roles, their differences, and frameworks for assurance
- Empathise with the volunteers who are vital to the sport’s success
- Champion your area of expertise and provide leadership and direction to the team as required
- Voice the requirements of British Rowing’s stakeholders
- Support initiatives which will promote, embed and advance equality, diversity and inclusion in every aspect of the organisation
Person specification
Candidates will bring the following sets of expertise:
Essential
- Robust financial management and reporting skills.
- Expertise in strategy, rapid scaling, technology-enabled change, marketing, or community building
- Understanding of UK corporate governance
- Previous Board experience is essential, with a preference for candidates who have Non-Executive exposure and specific experience serving on a Financial and Audit Committee.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
Desirable
- Awareness and understanding of the issues facing sports organisations domestically and/or internationally
- Expertise in change programmes and change management, particularly in engaging diverse stakeholders
Additional Information
Terms of appointment
This role is unremunerated, and reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The role requires attending six to eight Board meetings each year (held in London or virtually) and serving on one Board Committee, which typically meets six times annually. In addition, attendance will be required at one AGM.
The appointment is for a four-year term, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Board.
Process
To apply for this role, please submit your application alongside your CV and a one-page cover letter explaining your suitability. We’re going to close applications on 19th February 2026 but, if you like the sound of the job, please apply straight away. Due to this being a Nominated Director Role, if you are successfully shortlisted you will be expected to join a General Meeting on the 24 March 2026 (date subject to change) to speak in front of the Regional Representatives who will vote on the final candidate.
Salary: Voluntary - Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
Application Dates: From Thursday 5th February 2026 to Thursday 19th February 2026