Chair of British Eventing

Organisation: British Eventing
Salary: TBC
Location: In-person (Stoneleigh, Warwickshire) & Hybrid
Contract type: Volunteer (Part time)
Closing date: 22 August 2025
Job Description: CHAIR OF BRITISH EVENTING
Lead the Future of One of Britain's Premier Olympic Sports
British Eventing (BE), the national governing body for the Olympic discipline of eventing, is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as its Chair for the next four years.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the sport, oversee the delivery of an enhanced governance model, and help position British Eventing for long-term sustainability and growth.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Chair will work in close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer to:
• Drive the development and implementation of BE’s strategic priorities
• Support the delivery of an updated governance structure
• Identify and realise innovative opportunities to increase membership
• Rebuild financial reserves
• Broaden the sport’s reach, profile, and inclusivity—from grassroots to elite level

ABOUT BRITISH EVENTING

British Eventing represents and serves our near 10,000 members across the UK. Each year, the organisation coordinates more than 180 affiliated competitions, welcoming around 23,000 horses and riders, supported by over 30,000 volunteers and followed by more than one million digital fans. Events attract approximately 500,000 spectators annually, ranging from grassroots competitions to world-renowned fixtures such as Badminton and Burghley.
In 2024, British Eventing athletes demonstrated world-class excellence, securing both team and individual medals at the Olympic Games. In 2025, Britain will proudly host the FEI European Championships at Blenheim Palace, alongside a full and vibrant calendar of events nationwide.

THE OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic leader to Chair the Board, support the CEO, and champion British Eventing’s next phase of development. The successful candidate will bring vision, governance expertise, and a passion for sport, ensuring British Eventing remains a leader both nationally and internationally.

OUR VISION AND OBJECTIVES

Eventing is the ultimate equestrian challenge—combining the precision of dressage, the athleticism of show jumping, and the thrill of cross-country into one dynamic sport. Uniquely, it allows men and women to compete on equal terms.
British Eventing’s mission is to deliver the sport to the highest possible standards while promoting wider accessibility and engagement. We are committed to attracting, training, and supporting all participants— riders, owners, officials, volunteers, and fans—through strategic development and innovation.

We are currently implementing a bridging strategy to gather insights and engage with stakeholders. This approach enables us to align our strategic pillars, refine our direction, and deepen our understanding of member needs through comprehensive research. It also lays a strong foundation for long-term initiatives that will enhance our impact and role within the eventing community.
Our Mission Statement: To provide the ultimate equestrian challenge

Our Key Objectives:
• Facilitate the delivery of a safe and fair sport
• Increase the success, profile, engagement, and participation across the sport
• Ensure the financial viability of the sport
• Drive innovation to modernise the sport of eventing
• Put communication and transparency at the heart of the British Eventing brand https://www.britisheventing.com/
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

British Eventing is one of the founding members of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), the national governing body for equestrian disciplines in the UK. Within the BEF framework, we work closely with other founding members—the British Horse Society, British Dressage, and British Showjumping—as well as all BEF members, to maintain constructive relationships with the Fédération Equestrian Internationale (FEI), UK Sport, and Sport England.
The British Eventing Board is responsible for the overall governance of the sport and the financial health of the organisation. The non-executive directors serve on a voluntary basis. The Board meets a minimum of six times per year and is composed of:

• A minimum of nine Board Directors, including the Chair, appointed by the other directors
• Up to four Directors elected by the members
• Up to four Directors appointed by the Board for their skills and competencies
• Up to four Independent Non-Executive Directors (INEDs) appointed by the Board

Standing Committees:
• Finance and Audit
• Governance, Risk & Nominations
• IT Steering
Executive-Supported Committees:
• Safeguarding & Human Welfare
• Equine Welfare
• Fixtures
• Sport
• Awards
• Cross Country Advisory Group
Associated Charities:
• British Eventing Training Foundation
• British Eventing Support Trust

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in delivering BE’s strategic vision, focusing on financial stability, sustainable growth, horse welfare, innovation, and social licence
• Ensure clarity of mission, vision, and values across all organisational activities
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, transparency, inclusivity, and integrity

Board Governance & Effectiveness
• Chair Board meetings effectively to enable balanced and inclusive decision-making
• Ensure compliance with the UK Code for Sports Governance
• Promote diversity of thought and uphold high ethical standards
• Support annual Board and director evaluations, implementing improvements
• Maintain a clear separation of roles between Chair and CEO
Commercial and Financial Oversight
• Provide oversight on commercial growth, sponsorship, partnerships, and brand development
• Support financial stability through strategic direction
• Represent BE as a senior ambassador in commercial and media contexts
• Interpret financial reports and support risk management, without assuming executive duties

Stakeholder Engagement
• Represent BE with government, funders (UK Sport and Sport England), and sector stakeholders
• Build strong relationships with BEF and its members, including Olympic disciplines and the BOA
• Promote transparency and engagement across the equestrian community
• Ensure effective and strategic stakeholder relationships

Executive Support, Development, and Challenge
• Act as a mentor and critical friend to the CEO and executive team
• Provide strategic challenge and guidance while maintaining an independent, non-executive perspective
• Hold additional roles on the British Eventing Support Trust and British Eventing Training Foundation
PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria
• Senior leadership experience (Chair, CEO, or NED) in complex organisations
• Proven success in financial turnaround, commercial growth, or strategic transformation
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks (ideally in sport or regulated environments)
• Experience working with public/private funders and securing grants
• Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills, with the credibility to represent BE externally
• Passion for sport and understanding of the challenges and opportunities in equestrianism

Desirable Qualities
• Experience in sport, media, sponsorship, leisure, or the public sector
• Familiarity with UK sport funding and investment
• A well-developed network across government, sport, or business
• Understanding of the operational context of an NGB

GOVERNANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (UK CODE FOR SPORTS GOVERNANCE)

As Non-Executive Chair, you will:
• Lead the Board and uphold good governance
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance
• Promote a values-led culture and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Oversee succession planning, diversity, and performance evaluations
• Make impartial, unbiased decisions in the organisation’s best interests
• Approve key financial decisions and maintain oversight, respecting executive boundaries

TIME COMMITMENT AND TERM

• Approximately 2–3 days per month, including Board meetings, preparation, and events
• Initial term of four years, with potential for renewal subject to performance
• This is a nonremunerated position

The Board may determine that an Honorarium, not to exceed £5,000, may be applicable.

• Reasonable expenses for travel and accommodation are also reimbursed

INTEGRITY AND STANDARDS

The Chair is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and comply with the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles). Responsibilities include:
• Understanding the duties, rights, and responsibilities of the role
• Avoiding misuse of information for personal or political gain
• Avoiding promotion of private interests through this role

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

British Eventing has established a Nomination Panel to oversee this recruitment. The Panel will be made of British Eventing Board members and candidates may be asked to have discussions with stakeholders as part of the process. Interviews with selected candidates will take place as soon as practicable and the final shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the British Eventing Board for their decision. References will be taken up before a final offer is made.
British Eventing is committed to equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
How to apply: Please send your CV and a covering letter (no more than two A4 pages) outlining how you meet the criteria and what you will bring to the role. Send applications to: Ella McEwen at ella.mcewen@britisheventing.com To arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact Ella McEwen at ella.mcewen@britisheventing.com to organize call with the Current Interim Chair Sandeep Katwala Application deadline: Friday 22nd August 2025