Chairperson

Role: Non-Executive Chair
Location: Flexible
Reports to: Executive Committee
Length of term: Three years (with 6-month probation)

About Wales Lacrosse

Wales Lacrosse is the national governing body for the sport of lacrosse in Wales and is responsible for leading, developing and governing the sport throughout the country. Wales Lacrosse provides opportunities for players, coaches and officials to engage with the sport at international level, as well as building links within the lacrosse community in Wales.

Role purpose

The Chair of Wales Lacrosse will lead oversight of the governance, financial management and overall administration of the organisation. They will chair the Executive Committee, and work closely with the CEO and all members of the Committee to ensure that Wales Lacrosse works effectively to deliver its objectives and grow the game of lacrosse in Wales.

The Chair will work to implement and review the strategic plan, and lead board members, staff and membership to continue to cultivate and develop the sport. The Chair will set the tone and future ambitions for the organisation, particularly with the increased profile of the sport in the build up to the Olympics in 2028 [note: BOA engagement is led by British Lacrosse]. The Chair will manage relations with key stakeholders including members, clubs, schools, universities, Sport Wales, our colleagues in the home nations, British Lacrosse, European Lacrosse Federation and World Lacrosse.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership of the Board and the affairs of Wales Lacrosse
• Ensure the governance of Wales Lacrosse is efficient, effective and fit-for-purpose
• Support the delivery and evolution of Wales Lacrosse's strategic plans
• Lead the review of those strategic objectives from time to time to assess progress and ensure that they are still appropriate
• Preside over Board meetings, ensuring discussions are focused and productive and that members of the Committee are fully involved
• Build a strong and cohesive board, facilitating robust discussion and debate
• Establish a sub-committee structure with clear Terms of Reference to ensure that all areas have appropriate oversight and expertise
• Scrutinise performance and decisions taken by the Board and/or sub committees to meet agreed targets, monitoring, assessing and reducing any potential risks
• Set the tone for ethical behaviour, integrity and professionalism within the Board and organisation by upholding a culture of open communication and collaboration
• Liaise with the Finance Director to ensure that funds are spent properly in the best interests of the sport, and accounted for transparently
• Help to prepare and submit any statutory documents that are required including annual reports and audits Reviewed: October 2024
• Lead the appraisal of the CEO and members of the Executive Committee's performance on an annual basis, ensuring they are held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives
• Act as an ambassador for Wales Lacrosse, representing Wales Lacrosse's interests to all stakeholders and acting as a spokesperson where appropriate

Knowledge and experience that would be advantageous

• Previous experience of working in a non-executive role, ideally within a national governing body
• Previous Chair experience would be welcome, but is not essential
• Excellent credentials in governance matters at Board or executive level
• An understanding of the role of the Chair and their legal duties and responsibilities
• Proven ability to lead and work effectively as part of a diverse team
• Experience within the Volunteer Sector
• Some knowledge of lacrosse would be advantageous, as would a personal connection to Wales

Skills that would be advantageous

• Excellent planning, organisational and stakeholder management skills
• Good strategic vision
• Ability to receive input and advice and to exercise independent judgement
• Corporate and political networking ability, particularly within Wales
• Diplomacy with good ambassadorial skills
• An excellent communicator, both written and verbal with an ability to negotiate and influence
• Comfortable addressing and dealing with the media

Personal Qualities

• Professional and accountable
• Strong integrity
• Independent thinker
• Ambitious, engaging and collaborative
• Strategic leader
• Supportive of other Directors and members of Wales Lacrosse
• Ability to listen sensitively to the views of others and respect confidentiality and sensitive situations
• A commitment to the growth and development of lacrosse in Wales

Key relationships

CEO; Treasurer; Executive Assistant to the Board; Safeguarding Officer; Chairs of other Home Nations, Governing Bodies of Lacrosse: British Lacrosse, Sport Wales, Welsh Sports Association
Remuneration

This position is unpaid. However, Wales Lacrosse will reimburse reasonable expenses, including appropriate travel, subsistence and accommodation.

Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.