BOARD DIRECTOR ROLE DESCRIPTION
1. TITLE
Chair of the Board
2. OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Chair is an appointed position, as recommended by the Nominations Committee and approved by the Board, subject to member ratification. This is a non-executive role, to provide leadership and strategic direction to the BD Board. The Chair leads the British Dressage Board and works with the Chief Executive to ensure effective governance of the organisation.
The Board of British Dressage are trustees of the charity and are responsible for the overall strategy, planning, vision and direction of the sport. All Board roles are voluntary.
3. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Act in the best interests of British Dressage, in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, ensuring it meets its stated charitable and strategic objectives.
Lead the Board and encourage active engagement from Directors on the strategic direction, development of policy, and oversight of operation and financial performance.
Chair Board meetings, as well as the Sport Development Committee, or Finance & Business Development Committee, depending on knowledge, experience and skillset.
Ensure that the Board takes balanced and objective decisions in the performance of its agreed role and functions.
Monitor the performance of British Dressage to ensure that objectives are delivered fully, in accordance with the agreed annual operational plan.
Promote the highest standards of corporate and sport governance at Board level and throughout British Dressage.
To ensure effective communication with members and ensure that the Board develop a good understanding of the views of the membership.
• Act as line manager, guide, and mentor for the Chief Executive of the Company.
Chair the Nominations Committee, ensuring that there are succession plans in place, and that the Board has a balance of skills, experience, independence, and knowledge.
• Attend the AGM, Regional Representatives meeting and other appointments as required.
• Represent BD at British Equestrian Federation council meetings and associated activity.
• Act as a strong advocate for the work of British Dressage and the equestrian community.
Promote effective equine welfare and safeguarding practices across all BD activities, in line with stated policies, to protect the interests of all participants.
Champion diversity, equality and inclusion and support British Dressage’s compliance with EDI requirements as outlined in the Code for Sports Governance.
Uphold the highest standards of conduct in office, leading by example and championing integrity and accountability across the organisation and sport.
4. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ROLE
Essential knowledge / experience:
Knowledge, experience and a passion for sport is an important requirement, while a background in dressage or equestrian sport is desirable and beneficial, but not essential.
Capacity to take accountability for the formulation of strategy, the effective implementation of all policy initiatives and delivery of agreed objectives.
Ability to support the development of and provide a sounding board for the Chief Executive, and to constructively challenge the Chief Executive’s proposals / actions.
• Ability to represent BD at BEF level and be an effective ambassador for the organisation.
Additional requirements:
Experience of being a Board Director and / or chairing committees.
Experience as a Director, Trustee or Committee Member in a commercial, charitable, voluntary, or public sector context at an equivalent level.
Eligible as a trustee of a registered charity.
• IT literate, with access to a computer.
Personal Skills / Characteristics
Established reputation as a leader and strategic thinker, with a proven ability to operate in a professional capacity at senior level.
Upholds the highest standards of integrity and adheres to the Seven Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).
• Positive, enthusiastic, dynamic, and energetic self-starter.
Team player who is willing to work collaboratively with all stakeholders and act as an effective ambassador for the sport.
Experience of representing an organisation in a high profile or public facing role, including good presentation and public speaking skills.
Strong communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to forge effective relationships with key stakeholder groups.
5. ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Time Commitment
Chair Board meetings, along with the Sport Development Committee and Finance & Business Development Committee (12 days in total, four in person)
Attend the BD Annual General Meeting, Regional Representatives meeting and quarterly BEF Council meetings (six days in total, four in person).
Attend BD championships and events as required, including the Winter and National Championships, and flagship training events.
• The role is voluntary, but travel and accommodation expenses will be paid.
Term of Office
• The Chair is appointed for an initial term of four years and may stand for two terms.
Board Directors are also eligible to be nominated but can only serve a maximum of 12 years on the Board in total, including their current terms.