Trustee

Organisation

Switch the Play Foundation

Salary

0

Location

Home based with occasional travel for board meetings

Contract type

Volunteer (Part time)

Closing date

30 November 2026

Interview date

15 December 2026

Job Description

We are seeking two Trustees who can bring fresh perspectives and complementary expertise to our Trustee Board. We would particularly welcome applications from people with skills, knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas:

Safeguarding: Experience of safeguarding policy, practice or oversight, with the ability to help the Board promote a safe and supportive environment for athletes, staff, volunteers and everyone who comes into contact with the charity.

Legal: Professional legal expertise that can support the Board’s understanding of legal responsibilities, agreements and risk, helping the charity make informed decisions as it grows. The Trustee would bring an ability to explain legal implications clearly, identify risks and recognise when independent specialist advice is needed.

Human Resources: Experience of people management, organisational development or employment practice, helping us support our staff and volunteers and maintain a positive organisational culture. The Trustee would bring experience of areas such as recruitment, staff development, wellbeing or organisational culture, with the ability to
inform Board-level oversight of people matters.

Knowledge of the UK sports system: An understanding of the organisations, structures and athlete pathways within UK sport, and the ability to use this insight to inform our strategy, strengthen partnerships and extend our reach. The Trustee would have experience of working within or closely with sporting organisations, alongside an
ability to identify opportunities for collaboration and apply that knowledge to the charity’s strategy, partnerships and support for athletes.

You do not need to bring expertise in all four areas. We are looking for complementary strengths across the two appointments, alongside a shared commitment to our purpose and values and a willingness to contribute to the Board’s collective responsibilities.

Essential qualities:

> Commitment to our purpose and values: A genuine interest in athletes’ personal development, wellbeing and transition beyond sport, and a commitment to ensuring athlete voice informs our work.
> Strategic thinking: Ability to consider the bigger picture, assess opportunities and risks, and contribute to decisions that support sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
> Independent judgement and constructive challenge: Ability to review information critically, ask thoughtful questions and reach balanced decisions in the charity’s best interests.
>Communication and collaboration: Ability to explain specialist issues clearly to non-specialists, listen to different perspectives and work constructively with fellow Trustees and the executive team.
> Integrity and accountability: Commitment to collective responsibility, confidentiality and the identification and management of conflicts of interest.
> Inclusive approach: Respect for different backgrounds and experiences, and a willingness to consider barriers that may prevent people from accessing support.
> Commitment and availability: Capacity to prepare for and attend four Board meetings each year, participate in a relevant sub-committee and contribute between meetings as reasonably required.
> Understanding of governance: Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, Trustees’ duties and the distinction between Board oversight and day-to-day management.

Desirable experience:

> Experience of contributing to a board, committee, advisory group or strategic project.
> Experience in a charity, voluntary organisation or organisation undergoing growth or change.
> Understanding of athlete wellbeing, personal development or transition beyond sport.
> Experience of building partnerships or networks that could help extend the charity’s reach and impact.
> Previous trustee experience is not essential. We welcome transferable skills and experience gained through professional, voluntary or community roles. Please use your application to explain which priority area or areas you would bring to the Board, with examples of your relevant experience.

To view the full trustee recruitment pack please see -
https://switchtheplay.com/news-and-blog/join-switch-the-play-foundations-trustee-board

How to apply

To apply, please email your CV, covering letter and a copy of our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to recruitment@switchtheplay.com. Your covering letter should clearly state which role you are applying for – Athlete Representative Trustee or General Trustee – and explain your motivation for joining our Board. Please outline your relevant skills, knowledge and experience, using examples to demonstrate how you meet the person specification for your chosen role. If you are applying for a General Trustee role, please highlight which of our priority areas you would bring expertise in: safeguarding, legal, HR or knowledge of the UK sports system. You will also be asked to complete a short equal opportunities form.

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