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

Legal: Advising the company on legal matters and overseeing that company is legally compliant.

This is an exciting time to get involved in football as you will work 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.

The Somerset FA believe in Football for All, and are proud to be an equal opportunities organisation. The 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 - Legal

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.

Salary: Voluntary (business expenses included)

Responsibilities

• To offer advice to Somerset FA on legal matters covering the spectrum of it's activities.
• To make sure that Somerset FA remain compliant with it's legal responsibilities.
• Oversee and support the area connected with the post holders skill and specialism, with specific responsibilities provided on appointment
• To serve as a Director of the Association and to actively participate in its strategic management.
• To execute the responsibilities of a Company Director in accordance with the Companies Act (2006) and other relevant legislation.
• To safeguard the assets of the business along with the interests of the Membership and stakeholders of the Association.
• Ongoing involvement in the planning and delivery of the SFA County Strategy & Business Plan.
• To ensure the effective implementation of Board decisions by the Chief Executive and the staff, providing a supportive role in helping achieve the strategic aims and objectives of the Association.
• To jointly oversee the management of risk to the Association.
• To develop and maintain an effective corporate governance structure.
• To monitor the financial affairs of the Association and ensure the effective use of SFA finances.
• To promote equality of opportunity and a football for all ethos in a safe sporting environment.
• To represent the Association to partners and stakeholders of the Association in a professional manner.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• A legal degree
• Experience of advising a SME on legal matters or work in the legal sector
• Understanding of the role of the Board of Directors and individual Director of a ‘not for profit' organisation.
• 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

• 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
• Performance evaluation of organisation and individuals within it.

How to apply

Applications are made by the application form attached 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 contact via email.