Non Executive Director - Governance/Legal

Organisation: British Volleyball
Salary: 0
Location: Any
Contract type: Volunteer (Part time)
Closing date: 18 July 2025
Interview date: 4 August 2025
Job Description: The British Volleyball Federation (‘BVF’) brings together the National Volleyball Federations of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Each of the National Federations are affiliated to the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) and CEV (European Volleyball Confederation). The BVF is a member of World ParaVolley (formerly known as World Organisation Volleyball for Disabled).

About the Role

Position: Non-Executive Director (Governance / Legal)

Accountable to: President and Board of the BVF.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary role, with expenses reimbursed in accordance with the BVF’s Business and Travel Expenses Policy.

We are seeking a high-impact, independent Non-Executive Director with a strong governance and/or legal background. You’ll bring leadership, credibility and integrity to a Board that is modernising, raising standards and working to foster genuine collaboration across the Home Nations. You’ll play a critical role in driving BVF’s compliance with Tier 2 of the Code for Sports Governance, helping to embed transparency, accountability and effectiveness into our structures and decision-making.

This is also a pivotal moment for British Volleyball. With a long-term target of qualifying at least one beach volleyball team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and beach and sitting volleyball teams for Brisbane 2032, this role will directly contribute to shaping our Olympic and Paralympic journey.

You will be confident speaking your mind, cutting through complexity and ensuring key priorities are delivered. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of volleyball in the UK at a pivotal moment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal and governance advice and leadership to the Board and wider organisation.
• Champion robust governance practices across the BVF.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and UK Sport governance standards.
• Offer strategic and practical advice on constitutional matters, procedural integrity and risk management.
• Serve on relevant Board committees, advising on governance and legal issues.
• Oversee or advise on the preparation of Board and AGM agendas, papers and documentation.
• Lead and oversee policy development, company secretariat functions and compliance with Companies House obligations.
• Act as a critical friend – supporting, challenging and guiding the Board constructively.
• Ensure appropriate financial oversight and controls are in place.
• Be a visible and credible advocate for the BVF’s collaborative work across the Home Nations.

Person Specification

Essential:
• A professional legal qualification and at least 5 years’ experience operating in a legal, compliance or governance-related capacity.
• Proven experience contributing to governance reform or organisational modernisation.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to challenge constructively and earn respect at Board level.
• Sound judgement, independence of thought and a clear commitment to ethical leadership.
• Capacity to commit time and energy to a voluntary Board and to support a largely voluntary organisation.
• Ability to listen sensitively, question intelligently, debate constructively, challenge rigorously and decide dispassionately.

Desirable:
• Familiarity with the governance environment of sport, or a demonstrable willingness to learn.
• Experience working with or advising charitable or not-for-profit organisations.
Independence Requirement:
To maintain independence, applicants must not currently hold any governance roles at or be employed by:
• Volleyball England
• Scottish Volleyball
• Northern Ireland Volleyball
• Volleyball Wales

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The BVF is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued and able to contribute. We actively encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and are committed to ensuring equitable access to all stages of the recruitment process.
How to apply: How to Apply Please send your CV and a statement of no more than 500 words outlining how you meet the requirements of the role to: • Mark Kontopoulos, Chair (mkontopoulos@britishvolleyball.org) • Gail Robson, Independent Board Member (grobson@britishvolleyball.org)