Are you passionate about football and ready to make a difference? Somerset FA is on the hunt for a Non-Executive Director responsible for Inclusion and Diversity, to join the board, helping drive forward the National Game Strategy and ensuring football in Somerset is accessible, inclusive, and fun for everyone.

Inclusion and Diversity: Advising the company on all matters regarding Equality, Inclusion and Diversity helping us increase participation among under represented groups. The successful candidate will also chair the Somerset FA Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG), which will meet approx. 4 times per year.

This is an exciting time to get involved in football as you will be working closely with The FA to deliver lasting impact at the grassroots level.

As a Non-Executive Director, you will:

• Help shape the vision, strategy, and future of football in Somerset.
• Contribute to key decisions on policies, plans, and financial investments.
• Ensure the game thrives in a way that is inclusive, diverse, and accessible to all.

Somerset FA believe in Football for All, and are proud to be an equal opportunities organisation. Somerset FA actively encourage applications from under-represented demographics and those who share a vision of a game free from discrimination.

Ready to play your part in shaping the future of the beautiful game? Apply today and join a team that's committed to making football in Somerset the best it can be!

Role: Non-Executive Director - Inclusion and Diversity

Reports To: Chair of Somerset FA Board of Directors

Location: Charles Lewin House, Unit 5 & 10 Landmark House, Wirrall Business Park, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9FR

Term: Three-year term from appointment, after which applicants are eligible for reappointment

Time Commitment: Board meetings occur every 4 to 6 weeks, in person attendance preferred. Other commitments may come up on an ad hoc basis.

Pay: Voluntary (business expenses included)

Responsibilities

• To lead and support an effective, constructive and cohesive Inclusion Advisory Group.
• To assist the IAG Members and all County FA staff to plan, lead and develop a strategic vision for inclusion in football within the County.
• To report and feedback effectively on the delivery of Inclusion to County FA Council and Board.
• Represent the IAG on the County FA Board and Council.
• Attend any national or regional FA inclusion events (where possible and relevant).
• Attend County FA Meetings as and when required and when reasonable.
• Support the recruitment of and inspire the very best and talented IAG team possible.
• Ensure the performance of the IAG is measured and accountable where possible.
• Prepare the Agenda for IAG meetings.
• Work closely with the County FA CEO and other key County FA staff to ensure resources are effectively prioritised for inclusion and that inclusion is embedded across all County FA work and staff.
• Ensure that IAG action points are documented and actioned.
• Support work around maintaining the current and/or progressing to the next level of the Equality Standard for Sport, including the creation of a robust Equality Action Plan to sit alongside, compliment and be part of County FAs wider operations plan.
• Liaise with staff members and the IAG Working Group to ensure IAG work supports the attainment of FA and Internal KPIs.

Person Specification

• Have a working knowledge of the key legislation around inclusion and diversity
• Promote inclusion and diversity as part of a group
• Identify key issues and trends that may help to promote the game through inclusion and diversity interventions
• Ability to meet and work outside of normal working hours
• Successfully network with key staff and contacts within the Association and the areas in which the Association operates
• Be able to plan, drive and Chair meetings
• Effective communication skills including verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Active listening skills.
• Ability to write objective, factual reports and make recommendations based on the evaluation of evidence.
• Able to develop effective relationships with people at all levels within Somerset FA and external to it, interacting at the appropriate level.
• Negotiation skills (with staff and within a business context) including the ability to deal appropriately with conflict.
• Experience of strategic planning and in delivering significant areas of a strategic plan.
• Proven ability to solve problems and make decisions in a timely manner in line with the strategy of the organisation.
• Proven leadership abilities.
• Ability to decide priorities for Somerset FA and act accordingly.
• Ability to cope with and manage change at pace appropriately.
• Ability and willingness to accept responsibility.
• Competent in the full range of IT particularly Microsoft Office.
• Commitment to personal and professional development in self, staff.
• A commitment to Equality in all areas.
• Ability to give and receive evidenced feedback.
• Understanding of and commitment to the highest levels of customer service balanced with the needs of the organisation.
• A sound understanding of the volunteer / professional relationship and how this can be leveraged to support the work of the organisation.

Desirable

• A degree of experience of the sports/football industry.
• Have existing positive contacts within the sports/football industry and the wider community.
• Have existing contacts within local community groups.
• Have knowledge of existing equality groups in the local area.
• Passion for football through football club playing, League committee management experience and or supporting.
• Experience of working at a senior role within an organisation, ideally proven experience as Director of or similar role.
• Demonstrating a working understanding and application of inclusion, equality, anti-discrimination, safeguarding and best practice.
• An understanding of Safeguarding of Children and Young people and Vulnerable Adults.

How to apply

Applications are made by the attached application form below, where you will detail career and achievements, as well as how your specialism and knowledge can strengthen the board addressing the role description and person specifications and why you would like to join the board of Somerset FA.

Once you've submitted your application, you are invited to complete an equality monitoring form. This form will be kept separate from your application and will not be shared with the selection panel.

To discuss the roles further, please contact Jon Pike, Jonathan.Pike@somersetfa.com.

Applications should be sent to Jonathan.Pike@somersetfa.com.

The closing date is at midnight on 31^st May 2025.

Interviews will take place week commencing during June 2025.

Somerset Football Association is an equal opportunity employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, age sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and belief.

If you need any support with accessibility, please inform via email.