Club Licensing Decision Making Bodies (Independent Members)

Organisation: Football Association of Wales
Salary: Voluntary
Location: Meetings will be held at the FAW HQ, Vale of Glamorgan
Contract type: Volunteer
Closing date: 17 September 2025
Job Description: Purpose of Role

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is the governing body of football in Wales and is responsible for promoting and developing the game at all levels from grass roots through to the professional game, including the domestic leagues and all international squads.

The FAW is seeking to appoint persons to an independent pool of members to sit on its First Instance Body or Appeals Body for the Club Licensing process. The FAW Club Licensing process assesses clubs within Wales who wish to participate in UEFA club competitions as well as domestic competitions from Tiers 1-3 in the men’s game and Tiers 1-2 in the women’s game. The FAW currently has a First Instance Body and an Appeals Body which consider the following licences:

1. Women’s UEFA & Tier 1 Club Licence2. Men’s UEFA & Tier 1 Club Licence
3. Men’s & Women’s Tier 2 Club Licence
4. Men’s Tier 3 Club Licence

For each of the four points mentioned above there is a First Instance Body and an Appeals Body. The First Instance Body evaluates all clubs based on the submissions made to comply with the respective Club Licensing Regulations. Any club who is

refused a licence by the First Instance Body can appeal this decision which will then be considered by an Appeals Body.

The Club Licensing process is made up of six core functions which are:

1. Legal
2. Financial
3. Infrastructure
4. Sporting
5. Personnel & Administrative
6. Social & Environmental Sustainability

To ensure there is a good cross reference of expertise across each of these areas, we would be looking to recruit individuals who have expertise in at least one of these areas.

Key Areas of Responsibility

The successful candidate would be appointed to a First Instance Body or an Appeals Body for one of the four committees.
Consider the matter and determine the decision taken by the respective Decision Making Body in a fair and independent way.
To be responsible and provide expertise in at least one of the six core functions.
To work collaboratively with all other committee members when making a decision.
Ensure that each club is considered fairly and the matter is conducted in accordance with the Rules & Regulations of the FAW.
Person Specification

When applying for this position an individual should have expertise in one of these area’s. Please clearly state in your application which position you are applying for e.g. legal, finance, etc. If you have a preferred committee that you would like to work on then please state this in your application e.g. Women’s UEFA & Tier 1 Club Licensing First Instance Body, Men’s Tier 3 Club Licensing Appeals Body, etc.

Legal

The individual should have a minimum of 7 years legal experience as a practicing solicitor, barrister.
To take the lead on the committee for reviewing all legal summaries for each club provided by the FAW’s legal experts and reviewing club submissions.
The individual should possess a sound knowledge of Association Football or other sporting matters, and ideally, of domestic football in Wales.
The individual may be currently involved in Welsh football but must be independent of any club they’re reviewing or considering for a licence.
The individual must be independent of the FAW.
Demonstrate attention to detail.
An ability to independently and fairly consider and analyse complex sets of facts.
Experience of sitting on a dispute resolution body, whether sports related or otherwise, or experience of sitting on a sports governing body committee is preferable.
Knowledge of the Rules and Regulations of the FAW (desirable).
The ability to speak Welsh (desirable).
Finance

The individual should have a minimum of 7 years financial experience as a practicing accountant or auditor.
To take the lead on the committee for reviewing all financial submissions from clubs which can include (dependent on the Tier the club are participating at) audited accounts, future financial information or profit & loss accounts.
The individual should possess a sound knowledge of Association Football or other sporting matters, and ideally, of domestic football in Wales.
The individual may be currently involved in Welsh football but must be independent of any club they’re reviewing or considering for a licence.
The individual must be independent of the FAW.
Demonstrate attention to detail.
An ability to independently and fairly consider and analyse complex sets of facts.
Experience of sitting on a dispute resolution body, whether sports related or otherwise, or experience of sitting on a sports governing body committee is preferable.
Knowledge of the Rules and Regulations of the FAW (desirable).
The ability to speak Welsh (desirable).
Infrastructure

The individual should be able to evidence one of the following:
(i) A qualified building or quantity surveyor with a minimum of 7 years experience.
(ii) A qualified architect with a minimum of 7 years experience.
(iii) A building control surveyor with a minimum of 7 years experience.
(iv) A structural / civil engineer with a minimum of 7 years experience.
(v) A UEFA Stadium Inspector.
To take the lead on the committee for reviewing all infrastructure issues from clubs which can include submissions of plans to improve or develop their stadium infrastructure or reviewing reports submitted by the Sports Ground Safety Authority.
The individual should possess a sound knowledge of Association Football or other sporting matters, and ideally, of domestic football in Wales. Particularly the Stadiums currently used in Welsh domestic football.
The individual may be currently involved in Welsh football but must be independent of any club they’re reviewing or considering for a licence.
The individual must be independent of the FAW.
Demonstrate attention to detail.
An ability to independently and fairly consider and analyse complex sets of facts.
Experience of sitting on a dispute resolution body, whether sports related or otherwise, or experience of sitting on a sports governing body committee is preferable.
Knowledge of the Rules and Regulations of the FAW (desirable).
The ability to speak Welsh (desirable).

Sporting

The individual should have a minimum of 5 years experience in the Cymru Premier, Adran Premier or professional football either as a player, coaching staff, administrator or as a broadcaster.
To take the lead on the committee for reviewing all sporting, personnel and social & environmental sustainability submissions. This can include reviewing youth development plans & youth teams, player medical submissions and compliance with deadlines, qualifications of personnel and policies submitted.
The individual should possess a detailed knowledge of domestic football in Wales.
The individual may be currently involved in Welsh football but must be independent of any club they’re reviewing or considering for a licence. Any current or historical association with a club must be disclosed in your application.
The individual must be independent of the FAW.
Demonstrate attention to detail.
An ability to independently and fairly consider and analyse complex sets of facts.
Experience of sitting on a dispute resolution body, whether sports related or otherwise, or experience of sitting on a sports governing body committee is preferable.
Knowledge of the Rules and Regulations of the FAW (desirable).
The ability to speak Welsh (desirable).

Role Specific Requirements

The position is for a fixed three-year term with committee’s taking place on an annual basis throughout March, April & May (the date of the meeting will depend on which committee an individual is assigned to). Meetings are conducted on a hybrid basis with members permitted to attend in-person at the FAW Head Office in Hensol or via Microsoft Teams. All reasonable expenses agreed in advance by the FAW will be reimbursed.
Information may be acquired whilst undertaking this role that should remain confidential. Candidates must maintain discretion and confidentiality and comply with the FAW confidentiality agreement. Furthermore, individuals must confirm their independence in line with the FAW’s independence policy when considering each club licence.
Conflicts of interest must be declared on appointment, and in advance of any meeting if applicable.
Successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check to the satisfaction of the FAW.
Successful candidates must complete a training induction with the FAW.

FAW Values

Our values underpin the FAW vision and guide all aspects of our work:

Excellence – we approach every challenge with determination and a drive to deliver our very best in all we do. We display commitment, motivation, discipline and perseverance, and hold ourselves accountable for results. In every aspect of business and sport, we strive to excel.

Family – we promote a welcoming culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is embraced. Through the power of the collective, we’ll continue to expand our football family, welcoming anyone who wants to achieve great things for Wales

Respect – we believe that different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds are fundamental for success. We’ll earn the respect of others through our commitment to be open, honest, ethical and fair.
How to apply: Please apply with CV and Cover Letter Here https://faw.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=823ab06d-e155-4f66-a66f-6a4f9eb65065