GBDFA seeking independent Non-Executive Directors

24 June 2014

Following the success of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the Great Britain Disability Football Association (GBDFA) has taken steps to improve its governance structures through incorporation as a private company limited by guarantee. It has also renewed its agreement with The Football Association through which GBDFA receives financial, technical and administrative support for the development and management of the GBR programme – including through use of the facilities and services at the National Football Centre at St George’s Park.

GBDFA now seeks to appoint up to three Independent Non-Executive Directors (INEDs) to support the next phase of its operations over the period to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. The INEDs will be required to contribute to the development of GBDFA’s business through demonstrating expertise in one or more of the following areas: (i) high performance football; (ii) commercial fund-raising; (iii) public relations and / or politics.

GBDFA was established in 2007 to be responsible for the selection, preparation and performance of Blind and Cerebral Palsy athletes and teams to represent Great Britain in international competitions including the Paralympic Games. Its members are the associations with responsibility for the development of the sport of disability football at grassroots and / or performance levels within the home nations – The Football Association, British Blind Sport, CP Sport, the English Federation of Disability Sport, Scottish Disability Sport and Disability Sport Wales – each of which is represented on the GBDFA Board of Directors.

Position: GBDFA Independent Non-Executive Directors
Closing date: Friday 25 July 2014
Interview dates: Week commencing 1 September 2014

The appointment is for a fixed term, until the GBDFA Board meeting in the autumn immediately following the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. The successful applicant may, however, seek reappointment for a further four years thereafter.

This is a voluntary position, however, all reasonable expenses will be met. Generally, no more than four Board meetings per annum are held, with additional opportunities to represent the Association leading to a maximum 12 days’ commitment per annum.

Key Tasks

Contributing to the GBDFA Board in the fulfilment of its agreed terms of reference;
Supporting specific aspects of GBDFA’s business through the provision of specialist expertise which arises from personal experience;
Ensuring that principles of good governance and management are applied to the business of GBDFA;
Ensuring through sound management and monitoring processes that the GBDFA performance management personnel are conducting the efficient and effective delivery of the World Class Pathway Plan (WCPP) for disability football;
Identifying and minimising barriers and risks to the success of the WCPP.

Personal Specification

The successful applicant will have:

Previous experience of board / committee membership and / or as a 288a director or trustee in either the commercial, not-for-profit or voluntary sector
- Previous experience within sport, either as an office-holder, participant, coach, volunteer or administrator
- Specialist experience / expertise in at least one of the following areas: (i) high performance football; (ii) commercial fund-raising; (iii) public relations and / or politics
- An ability to exercise vision and a strategic overview
- Sound knowledge of and commitment to best practice in corporate governance
- Good communication and interpersonal skills

For further information contact:

Neil Tunnicliffe, Company Secretary

email: neil.tunnicliffe@btconnect.com

tel: 01423 876342 / 07712 178275

How to apply:

Please apply in writing with a copy of your curriculum vitae to: