Bristol Bears Women - Independent Non-Executive Director

Organisation: Bristol Bears
Salary: Volunteer
Location: Bristol Bears High Performance Centre, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3TF
Contract type: Volunteer (Part time)
Closing date: 18 November 2026
Interview date: 25 November 2026
Job Description: THE OPPORTUNITY
Bristol Bears Women competes in the JAECOO PWR league and is part of Stephen Lansdown’s sporting group with a vision to ‘Inspire our Community through Rugby Success’.

We are seeking talented and committed independent Non-Executive Directors to join Bristol Bears Women Board and help shape the next chapter of our journey through Project Front Row, our newly launched long-term strategy.

Bristol Bears Women are building significant momentum. Over the past 12 months, the club has grown, with 2026/27 season ticket sales increasing by over 76%, our combined social following exceeding 217,000 followers, and PWR broadcast reach surpassing 3 million in 2025/26. More recently, signing World Player of the Year and Sports Personality of the Year runner-up Ellie Kildunne.

As we look to our next phase of growth, we want to strengthen our Board with independent perspectives, relevant expertise and networks that will help us realise our ambitions for the team, the club and the wider women’s game.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the development of a leading women’s rugby programme!

ROLE SUMMARY
As an Independent Non-Executive Director, you will provide independent judgement, strategic insight and constructive challenge, supporting the Board in its responsibility for overseeing the delivery of Project Front Row and the long term success and sustainability of Bristol Bears Women.

Working collectively with fellow Board members, you will hold the senior leadership team accountable for delivering the agreed strategy, ensuring appropriate governance, oversight and decision-making

Your contribution will include:
Helping shape the club’s strategic direction and overseeing delivery of Project Front Row
Providing independent oversight and constructive challenge in relation to the high-performance programme.
Applying expert scrutiny to significant strategic and commercial decisions.
Upholding the club’s reputation, values, governance standards and safeguarding responsibilities.

We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about women’s sport and can bring relevant knowledge, experience, skills or networks in one or both of the following areas:

Elite Rugby and High-Performance Expertise:
Experience or knowledge of elite rugby, coaching, athlete development, performance leadership or high-performance environments.
An understanding of strategic planning, performance pathways and the factors that enable athletes and teams to succeed.
The ability to contribute to Board-level discussions and provide insight, challenge and perspective on the development, delivery and evaluation of high-performance programmes.

Women’s Sport Knowledge and Networks:
Knowledge of Premiership Women’s Rugby, the RFU and/or the wider women’s sport landscape.
An understanding of governance, competition structures, commercial opportunities and evolving experiences of athletes within women’s sport.
Established networks or experience across women’s sport, governing bodies, media, commercial partnerships or related sectors.
We also recognise that valuable expertise can be developed through a wide range of professional and personal experiences.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
As an Independent Non-Executive Director, you will:
Champion the Bears’ vision and contribute positively to the club’s culture.
Act as an ambassador for Bristol Bears Women and the wider club.
Scrutinise club performance, strategic delivery and key decision-making processes.
Provide independent judgement and constructive challenge in support of effective Board decision-making.
Oversee and support effective risk management, governance and regulatory compliance.
Contribute to the club’s long-term financial stability and sustainable growth.
Understand and fulfil the legal duties of a company director.
Uphold the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality and professional conduct.
Commit the necessary time to Board meetings, preparation and engagement with the team.
Use your networks and influence to raise the profile of Bristol Bears Women, generate opportunities and strengthen relationships across rugby, women’s sport and the wider Bristol community.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Bristol Rugby Club Board
Chief Executive Officer
Bristol Bears Women Head of Women’s Strategic Operations
Bristol Bears Women Head Coach
Bristol Bears Women Players
Bristol Bears Women Supporters
Bristol Bears Senior Leadership Team

ESSENTIAL
Applicants should demonstrate:
Strategic knowledge of women’s sport and an understanding of its opportunities and challenges.
An understanding of safeguarding principles and responsibilities.
The ability to think strategically, exercise independent judgement and provide constructive challenge.
Strong communication, relationship-building and collaborative skills.
A commitment to the values, development and long-term success of women’s sport.

DESIRABLE
We would welcome applicants with:
Experience working or leading within a high-performance professional sporting environment.
Experience working or leading within women’s sport.
A background as a professional athlete.
Previous Board or non-executive experience.
Previous Board experience is not essential. We are interested in the perspective, expertise and contribution individuals can bring to the Board.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
We are committed to equal opportunities. Our recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion policies are designed to ensure that no employee or applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.

SAFEGUARDING
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All employees are expected to share this commitment. This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
This is a voluntary Independent Non-Executive Director appointment.
Board meetings will take place approximately every six weeks, either in person or online, with additional meetings arranged where required.
Directors will be encouraged to attend Bristol Bears Women home fixtures throughout the season, acting as ambassadors and supporting the team.
Each appointment will be for an initial term of two rugby seasons, subject to review.
Appointments will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of the DBS process and the signing of an appointment agreement and Terms of Reference.
The club will meet the cost of the required DBS check.

ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS
For an informal discussion on the opportunity, please contact Daisie Mayes, Head of Women’s Strategic Operations, at dmayes@bristolbearsrugby.com.
How to apply: Please use this link to apply: https://www.bristol-sport.co.uk/jobs/independent-non-executive-director/

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Bristol Bears Women - Independent Non-Executive Director