Independent Chair of The FA National Leagues Pyramid Board

Independent Chair of The Football Association's National Leagues Pyramid Board

Our Organisation

The Football Association The FA is the not-for-profit governing body of football in England. It is responsible for promoting and developing every level of the game, from grassroots, through the National Leagues Pyramid to the professional game, and generates significant revenue to support investment into English football each year.

The FA oversees England international teams across men's, women's, youth and disability football, as well as running the National League System and FA Competitions including the Emirates FA Cup, and Women's Adobe FA Cup, Isuzu FA Trophy and Isuzu FA Vase as well as the world-class facilities of Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park, all with a purpose to inspire positive change through football.

The National Leagues Pyramid Board

The National Leagues Pyramid Board is The FA's senior committee which develops and manages Steps 1 to 6 of the men's National Leagues Pyramid and Tiers 3 to 6 of the women's National Leagues Pyramid. This is the level of the game that sits between professional (Premier League, English Football League, Women's Super League and Women's Championship) and grassroots football.

The National Leagues Pyramid Board currently comprises individuals selected from both The FA Council who represent the different leagues at this level of the game and independent Members. The current Chair completes his term at the end of the season and the Board wish to appoint an Independent Chair to start the new season.

The National Leagues Pyramid Board Remit

The National Leagues Pyramid Board approve the strategy for the Men's and Women's game at this level of football. The Board will hold the Executive to account on the delivery of the strategy which covers matters such as (but not limited to): Players, Youth Development, Workforce, Coaches, Refereeing, Equality Diversity and Inclusion, Safeguarding, Marketing, Commercial, Facilities, Club and League Development and Behaviours.

The Board will agree the budgets to deliver the business plans and ensure that the Committees reporting to the Board are well governed and remain within their delegated Powers and Duties, providing effective management of the operational aspects of the National Leagues Pyramid. (NLP)

The Role

In transitioning to an independent Chair we seek to bring greater objectivity to board discussions and judgements on matters such as strategy, performance, ways to manage and connect with the different stakeholders and always ensuring good governance.

The Independent Chair will:

• Demonstrate the values of The FA, leading the NLP Board with a collaborative style that ensures cohesion.
• Ensure that the NLP Board acts with integrity and takes all the different stakeholder interests into account as it makes decisions. This includes managing the trade-offs that will naturally arise from these stakeholders to ensure that decisions are taken in the best and long-term collective interests of football at this level.
• Be curious and provide challenge and support to other NLP Board members and the Executive team, ultimately holding them to account for the successful delivery of the plan

The Person will:

• Have prior Chair or Leadership experience, ideally in leading boards where stakeholders are the majority interest.
• Bring a strong strategic, commercial and wider environmental awareness to the Board.
• Can evidence empathy with the National Leagues Pyramid and an understanding of the challenges of working with or playing in the NLP, to the extent that their connection enables them to understand the landscape and the stakeholders.
• Consistently exercise good judgement, integrity and a proven team player
• Be motivated by a genuine love of the game, especially in the National Leagues Pyramid.

Time Commitment:

Commit to up to 25 days per annum to attend NLP Board, other FA meetings and to attend fixtures and events.

Term

The Independent Chair will be able to serve a maximum of 3 terms of 3 years.

Remuneration

An allowance can be claimed for attendance at each meeting of the National Leagues Pyramid Board (currently £300/meeting) along with any travel or subsistence expenses incurred.

How to Apply

Please apply with a CV and covering letter via the contact details below, detailing the qualities and attributes you would bring to Chair the National Leagues Pyramid Board.

We have partnered with Elevate to support us throughout the recruitment process, please send your details

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 at work.

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.