Chair of the Board

Organisation: ukactive
Salary: 12,000 p.a.
Location: Central London
Contract type: Volunteer (Part time)
Closing date: 11 July 2025
Interview date: 1 September 2025
Job Description: The Opportunity

ukactive is seeking an outstanding individual to lead its Board as Chair and drive its mission to improve the health of the nation by getting more people, more active, more often.

This is a high-profile non-executive leadership role at the heart of the UK’s physical activity sector, offering a unique opportunity to influence national policy, drive strategic growth, and strengthen sector collaboration at a critical moment for public health and wellbeing.

About ukactive

ukactive is the UK’s leading not-for-profit membership body for the physical activity sector, representing over 3,500 members across the public, private and third sectors – from gyms and leisure centres to national sports bodies and major brands. Our role is to champion the sector, deliver insight, and advocate for policy and investment that supports active lifestyles.

The Role

As Chair, you will:
- Lead a capable and engaged Board to deliver excellent governance and strategic oversight
- Support and challenge the Executive to deliver organisational goals and financial sustainability
- Act as a high-impact ambassador for ukactive with political stakeholders, partners, and the media
- Ensure the organisation upholds diversity, integrity, and best practice in line with the Sport England Code for Sports Governance

This is a vital role in shaping both the future of ukactive and the wider physical activity landscape in the UK.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a dynamic, respected leader who brings:
- Proven experience of strategic leadership at Board or senior executive level
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including Government or political influence
- Strong commercial acumen
- Exceptional communication, public speaking, and ambassadorial capabilities
- High integrity, sound judgement, and a passion for improving health and wellbeing
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style
- A demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Experience within the health, sport, or physical activity sectors is welcome but not essential, however a passion for the sector is a must. The Chair must be demonstrably independent of the organisation in accordance with the Sport England Code.

Time Commitment and Remuneration

- Approx. 2.5 days per month
- Includes quarterly Board meetings, stakeholder events, and media engagement
- Remuneration: £12,000 per annum
- Location: Hybrid – includes London-based Board meetings and UK-wide stakeholder events
How to apply: Please submit a Cover letter and CV to hr@ukactive.org.uk