Board Observer

Organisation

England Athletics

Salary

Expenses Only

Location

Remote

Contract type

Fixed Term (Part time)

Closing date

30 October 2026

Job Description

BOARD OBSERVER  

Expenses Only 

Board meets 6-8 times each year 

Role commences March 2027 (2-year term with review at 1 year) 



England Athletics currently has a vacancy for a Board Observer and is inviting applications from people who have a strong understanding of athletics and wish to develop their knowledge and skills around Board activities. As a diverse sport, we invite applications from people who reflect this diversity, who can offer valuable insights into the sport and contribute to the Board discussions. 



England Athletics is the National Governing Body for the sport in England and is a membership organisation made up of 1,870 clubs and bodies. Our purpose is to inspire more athletes and runners of all abilities and backgrounds to fulfil their potential and have a lifelong love for the sport. We work in partnership with the wider athletics family, especially UK Athletics, Scottish Athletics, Welsh Athletics, Athletics Northern Ireland and Sport England and provide national level competition. England Athletics also plays a pivotal role in the organisation and delivery of the Commonwealth Games working in partnership with Commonwealth Games England. 



As a membership organisation we currently have c1,870 member clubs/bodies and c180k registered athletes. We exist to govern the sport in accordance with our articles to promote and deliver athletics and running activities across all ages, event disciplines, and ability levels. There are also around 6.5m who run each month in England, and we license and insure over 4,430 off track and multi-terrain events over a range of different distances. and support 207,631 active RunTogether participants operating in more than 3,686 registered running groups. 



Board Observer role:  



As a diverse sport, it is important that England Athletics has a diverse board and that each member brings a range of skills, knowledge and experience so we welcome applications from individuals from different backgrounds 



Role Definition:  



England Athletics is seeking currently looking for a Board Observer to attend the Board meetings and contribute to the decisions we make as an organization.  



The role is intended to provide a development opportunity for athletes, coaches and officials who have little or no Board experience to gain knowledge and expertise of England Athletics Board activity. 



The Board Observer will: 



Use their knowledge and experience of athletics to provide insight and offer 

guidance and knowledge to the Board on participation and performance.  

Provide an informed voice on specific topics, as and when required. 

Act as an unbiased, objective, and impartial observer. 

Represent and champion England Athletics with key partners and stakeholders (where appropriate). 

Act as an ambassador for the sport at national and regional level where there is opportunity.  

Offer specific expertise to the Board in an area which complements that of the 

existing Board. 



Requirements: 



The candidate should have a sound knowledge and understanding of athletics, 

an interest in the development of athletics and in the development of their own Board skills. 



Term: 



The role will commence in March 2027.  

The term will be for a period of 2 years with a review at the 1 year stage. 

The role pays expenses only. 

The successful candidate will receive an in-depth induction. 

Working pattern: The board meets around 6-8 times a year in person. 

Location requirements: e.g. virtual/in person (accessibility – option of virtual if unable to travel). 



How to apply: 



Please upload your CV and a covering letter by visiting: https://careers.englandathletics.org/ 

  

The covering letter should include: 

you hope to gain from this appointment 

how it will support your development 

the names and contact details of two 



Closing date for applications: 30th October 2026  



Interviews will be held between: 24th November and 1st December 2026 



If you are interested in knowing more about the position, please contact: 

Board & Council Secretary jsandringham@englandathletics.org  or 

Head of HR gjones@englandathletics.org 







England Athletics is committed to providing and supporting an inclusive culture that promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are proud of the diverse community we represent and want to ensure our workforce is representative of that community so welcome applications from all sections of the community and diverse groups. We will, at every opportunity, advance equality, and inclusivity for all staff, at all levels within the organisation, by addressing barriers, encouraging participation, and taking all relevant steps to meet everyone’s needs.  

  

We are aware of the increase in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Generative AI (Gen AI), such as ChatGPT, for applications. At England Athletics we are keen to get to know you as a person, so if you use AI, it should accurately help us to get to know you as a person and how you fulfil the criteria of the role you are applying for. Your application should convey your individual skills, knowledge and experience. Please note, this does not apply to the use of any other adaptive technology required to support an applicant’s individual needs.  

How to apply

Please upload your CV and a covering letter by visiting: https://careers.englandathletics.org/ 

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