Independent Board Chair and Trustee for Suffolk County Football Association Ltd (“Suffolk FA”)

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking charitable organisation that will innovate and lead to grow the game of football in a way that supports local communities. We want to enable and help provide opportunities to spread the reach of the game to those who don't normally get the opportunities to play. Our strategy focuses on the principle of ‘Driving the Local Game', and the word local is at the heart of everything we do.

With over 306,000 people playing football regularly in Suffolk, the game's ability to reach many corners of the county brings a unique opportunity to make a true difference to local communities. Generating £267.8m of social value each year to Suffolk, we have an aspiration to make a true difference to people's lives and help transform the county through increased physical activity rates, improving health and wellbeing opportunities and building fantastic partnerships.

This position is particularly significant, as the Independent Board Chair is central to steering the strategic direction and governance of Suffolk FA. The role requires a steady hand to guide the Board, foster collaboration, and ensure effective oversight of our activities and impact. We value integrity, independent judgment, and visionary leadership, and are seeking a dynamic individual who will inspire our trustees and stakeholders, uphold our mission, and champion continuous improvement across all aspects of our work.

We want someone who wants to join us as we look forward to our next chapter as an organisation, and are looking for someone who has a passion and desire to make a difference to the people of Suffolk and to keep them safe. If that's you, we look forward to receiving your application and hopefully welcoming you as Independent Board Chair.

We are seeking to appoint an Independent Board Chair to join our Board of Trustees and play a central role in leading the Board and ensuring governance is at the core of everything we do.

The Role

As Chair, you will contribute to the effective governance and strategic direction of Suffolk FA. You will guide the Board's vision, uphold governance, and ensure effective leadership. You will preside over meetings and empower Trustees to fulfil their roles with integrity and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Board in upholding robust governance, ensuring compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements
• Foster an environment where ethical decision-making and transparency are at the forefront of Board activities
• Guide Suffolk FA in fulfilling its mission and strategic objectives, maintaining alignment with organisational values
• Oversee Board performance, offering constructive feedback and support to Trustees to enable effective collaboration

What are we looking for?

• A strategic and inclusive leadership approach, fostering collaboration and accountability
• Experience in chairing meetings and guiding Board discussions to drive effective decision-making
• A thorough understanding of governance frameworks, with the ability to uphold robust standards
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and consensus-building skills
• Dedication to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the Board and organisational culture
• Previous board or committee experience is essential. An understanding of grassroots sport or voluntary organisations would be beneficial.

To find out more information, including ways to apply, please click the link below for the candidate pack.

The closing date for applications is Tue 7^th April with online shortlisting interviews with Eastside People taking place throughout the recruitment process up to 9^th April. Face-to-face interviews will take place on April 21^st with the Suffolk FA recruitment panel.

Suffolk FA is an equal opportunities organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and lived experiences. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to equity and inclusion at every level of our governance.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident organisation. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.