Chair of the Board of Directors

Organisation: Bowls England
Salary: 0
Location: Victoria Park, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Contract type: Volunteer
Closing date: 9 January 2026
Interview date: 20 January 2026
Job Description: Location: Flexible, able to work from home with some meetings in person in Royal Leamington Spa and other events that require attendance

Term: Initial term of 3 years from February 2026, with another 3-year term if reappointed at the end
of term one.

Direct Reports: Chief Executive

Remuneration: Honorarium (expenses reimbursed)

Time commitment: Our Chair would be required to –
• Prepare for and chair 6 board meetings per year, with occasional ad hoc meetings as necessary.
• Attend and contribute to all major Bowls England events.
• Meet regularly with the Chief Executive to discuss the business of the day, reviewing and
approving papers when relevant.
• Attend meetings with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the Annual General Meeting.
(as Chair), quarterly online county update meetings, annual county conference.
• Support and appraise the performance of the Chief Executive and Directors.
This would equate to approximately 5 days per month.

Key Responsibilities
• Strategic Oversight: Instigating and managing discussions on organisational strategy,
approving major plans and policies and ensuring effective oversight of organisation’s
performance.
• Board Leadership: Chairing Board meetings effectively, ensuring informed discussion,
balanced decision-making, and constructive challenge. Fostering a collaborative, inclusive Board
culture that values diverse perspectives, and evaluating Director and Board effectiveness.
• Governance and Compliance: Facilitating effective, balanced meetings where all voices are
heard. Building clear agendas and ensuring decisions are made through proper governance
processes. Understands fiduciary duties and board responsibilities. Chairing the Annual General
Meeting and other key company meetings.
• Line Management: Managing and providing professional guidance to the Chief Executive,
particularly in navigating strategic and governance matters. Holding the Chief Executive to
account for the management and delivery of the organisation’s objectives.
• Policy and Risk Management: Approving key organisational policies, monitoring risk, and
ensuring proper controls are in place.
• Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement: Representing Bowls England at high-profile events,
externally and internally. Building constructive relationships with counties, clubs, Sport England,
sponsors, partners, and other national governing bodies. Acting as an ambassador for the sport,
promoting its value, accessibility, and community impact.
• Financial Stewardship: Ensuring sound financial oversight, approving budgets and monitoring
financial performance. Support the diversification of income streams and long-term financial
sustainability.
Knowledge and Experience
• Sport Sector: High level of understanding of the sports industry, particularly the sporting
‘political’ environment and complexities of funding requirements.
• Business Growth: Experience in growing business operations with a sound commercial
awareness.
• Acting as Chair: Board experience, ideally at Chair level, with a practical background of
chairing decision making committees/bodies.
• Governance: An understanding of the governance framework and the responsibilities applicable
to National Governing Bodies such as safeguarding.
• Collaboration: Experience of bringing together stakeholders at both domestic and international
level.
• The Sport: A commitment to the values and principles of the organisation, and a passion for the
sport of bowls and its social impact.

Essential Qualities
• A Champion of the Organisation: Strong communication skills with a passion for sport and
bowls’ ability to make a difference to the sporting landscape and activity levels throughout
England.
• Inclusivity & Fairness: Encourages participation while preventing dominance by a few voices.
Makes space for dissenting views and fosters a culture of constructive debate.
• Relationship Management: Strong inter-personal skills, building trust among board members
and key stakeholders. Acting as a supportive but appropriately challenging partner to the Chief
Executive.
• Adaptability: Adjusts leadership style depending on organizational maturity, crisis situations,
or board dynamics. Open to change, learning, and continuous board improvement.
• Decisiveness & Sound Judgment: Helps the board reach timely, well-reasoned decisions.
Assesses risks, opportunities, and trade-offs with clarity.
How to apply: Candidates wishing to apply should submit a CV (including comprehensive details of key achievements and responsibilities) along with a covering letter which fully addresses the competencies outlined in this role and person description. Applications should be completed and returned to Emily Green, Chair of the Nominations Committee, at ourfuture@bowlsengland.com no later than 9 a.m. on Friday 9th January 2026. Please use the subject header “Bowls England Chair”.