Officials Director (formerly Judges Director, to be amended at the 2026 AGM)
BOARD DIRECTOR ROLE DESCRIPTION
1. TITLE
Officials Director (formerly Judges Director, to be amended at the 2026 AGM)
2. OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Officials Director (formerly Judges Director) is a member-elected role, working in a nonexecutive capacity to provide leadership and strategic direction to the BD Officials Committee and Regional Training Representatives. The Officials Director sits on the British Dressage Board and Sport Development Committee and works with the Chair and Chief Executive to ensure effective governance of the organisation.
The Officials Director will also Chair the Officials Committee. The Officials Committee is a subcommittee of the British Dressage Board. The committee is established to offer technical expertise review policy recommendations as well as setting the standards for regional and national training activity to develop both judges and stewards.
3. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide direction on strategy and policy for all activities that support the training, development and education of judges and stewards.
Lead the development and progression of training activity across all officials, chairing the Officials Committee meetings up, as well as attending the Sport Development Committee and BD Board of Directors meetings.
• Chair the Judges Advisory Panel, to monitor judge performance and provide mentoring.
In collaboration with the Head of Development, Officials Education Supervisor, the Officials’ Committee and the Sport Development Committee, formulate and recommend new policy guidelines and propose development initiatives to the BD Board.
• Provide input into areas for development of the judge and steward education workforce.
• Oversee the deployment standards for officials at all BD competitions.
Chair meetings with Regional Judges Representatives up to three times per year (one in person), to agree activities, objectives and goals across all regions.
• Ensure there is clear, effective and regular communication on training and education matters to all judges and stewards.
Support the delivery of regional training activity, ensuring that it is accessible and affordable, including communicating with Regional Representatives.
Act in the best interests of British Dressage, in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, meeting its stated charitable and strategic objectives.
Monitor the performance of British Dressage to ensure that objectives are delivered fully, in accordance with the agreed annual operational plan.
Ensure that the Board makes informed, balanced and objective decisions in relation to officiating matters, in the interests of judges and stewards and the wider membership.
• Act as a strong advocate for the work of British Dressage and the equestrian community.
Promote and uphold effective safeguarding practices across all development pathways and events for officials, in line with national safeguarding expectations for NGBs.
Champion diversity, equality and inclusion and support British Dressage’s compliance with EDI requirements as outlined in the Code for Sports Governance.
4. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ROLE
Essential knowledge / experience:
A strong background in dressage is essential, with an extensive in-depth knowledge, experience and passion for dressage judging and/or stewarding.
• A thorough understanding of BD National and FEI International rules.
Experience as a current British Dressage official is essential, ideally as a listed judge or steward at List 1 and/or a Level 3 Steward.
• Experience as a rider or trainer at international level (PSG and above) is also beneficial.
Additional requirements:
• Recent experience of being a Board Director and / or chairing committees.
• Experience as a Trustee or Committee Member in the sporting or voluntary sector.
• A full member of British Dressage.
IT literate, with access to a computer.
Eligible as a trustee of a registered charity.
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 up to four Officials Committee meetings, plus attend four Sport Development Committee and four Board meetings per year (12 days in total).
• Attend the Annual General Meeting and Regional Representatives meetings (two days).
• Chair Regional Representatives meetings as required (additional two days)
• Ad hoc meetings relating to the Judges Advisory Panel.
Term of Office
• Board Directors may stand for two terms of four years each.
Remuneration
• The role is voluntary. Travel and accommodation expenses will be paid.