FA Women's National League Independent Non-Executive Director

Organisation: The Football Association
Salary: Not Applicable
Location: Variable
Contract type: Volunteer (Part time)
Closing date: 19 August 2026
Job Description: Join the Board of the FA Women's National League as an Independent Non-Executive Director

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the future growth and governance of one of the most important competitions in women's football. As an Independent Non-Executive Director, you will bring your expertise, insight and independent perspective to the FA Women's National League Board, supporting strategic decision-making, providing constructive challenge and helping to shape the long-term success and sustainability of the women's game. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about women's football, committed to high standards of governance and able to bring objective, independent judgement.

What will you be doing?

Contribute to the development, scrutiny and implementation of the strategic direction of the FA Women's National League and its competitions.
Champion high standards of governance, transparency, accountability and decision-making across the competition.
Bring an independent perspective to Board discussions, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of the competition and the wider women's game.
Support effective risk management, regulatory compliance and good governance practices.
Provide oversight and scrutiny of the Board's performance, strategy delivery and key decision-making processes.
Contribute to the development and implementation of policies relating to the FA Women's National League and its competitions.
Support the review and development of Competition Rules and Regulations, ensuring they are fair, proportionate and aligned to the strategic objectives of the competition.
Exercise sound judgement, integrity, independence and objectivity in all Board discussions and decisions.
Ensure conflicts of interest are identified and managed appropriately.
Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding Board business and sensitive matters.
Support collaboration on matters relating to equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, refereeing and other policy areas impacting the competition.
Participate in Board committees, working groups and sub-committees where required.
Act as an ambassador for the FA Women's National League and women's football.
Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders across the game while retaining independence of judgement.
Provide independent oversight, support and constructive challenge to executive and operational leads where appropriate.
Undertake ambassadorial and stakeholder engagement activity in support of the competition.
Promote and uphold The FA's values, governance standards and commitment to the long-term success of women's football.
Executes additional tasks as required to meet the FA's changing priorities.
Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure that the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being can be maintained.
As part of the FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

Knowledge

Understanding of good corporate governance
Passion for women's football

Experience

Experience of developing and deliver successful strategies;
Experience of working with Boards
Experience of developing relationships with and influencing a range of stakeholders,
Experience of operating in positions of leadership
Established networks

Technical Skills

Leadership skills
Strategic management
Financial management
Commercial acumen / Business development
Communication and Influencing skills

Beneficial to have:

Knowledge

Strategic understanding of women's sport
Knowledge of the workings of women's football and the roles of the relevant football stakeholders
An understanding of safeguarding in football

Experience

Experience of working / volunteering in sport
Coach / referee / workforce development

Technical Skills

Extensive expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Commercial
Marketing
Communications / Media
Broadcast
Financial
Facility development

Definition of Independence;

“Independent” means a person who is:

a) free from any close connection to The FA and a close connection shall be deemed to include, without limitation, the following:

i) the person is, or has been within the last six months, actively involved in The FA's affairs or held any position or role within The FA (including, without limitation, being a Member of Council, a member of any committee of The FA or an employee, director or officer of The FA);

ii) the person holds, or has held within the last six months, a position or role with any Football Stakeholder (including, without limitation, being an employee, director or officer of any Football Stakeholder);

iii) the person has, or has had within the last six months, a Material Business Relationship with The FA; and

iv) the person has close family ties (including by way of being connected with an individual as a spouse, civil partner, former spouse, former civil partner, parent, step or adopted parent, grandparent, child, step child, adopted child, descendant, qualifying co-habitant or next-of-kin) with any directors, senior employees or committee members of The Association or any Member of Council; and

b) viewed as independent from the perspective of an objective outsider;

Term;

3 years

Time Commitment;

There will be five in person meetings per year.
Reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

We are a diverse workplace, aspiring to represent football across the country. The Football Association actively promotes inclusion and diversity, encouraging you to be the best version of yourself.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.

As part of the FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.
How to apply: For further information and to apply, please follow this link: https://careers.thefa.com/jobs/vacancy/fa-womens-national-league-independent-non-executive-director-1137-variable/3174/description/

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FA Women's National League Independent Non-Executive Director