INDEPENDENT CHAIRPERSON

Do you have an interest in sport, an ability to help lead a passionate group of people, exceptional management skills, and the desire to put these to good use by volunteering to help run the national governing body for paddle sports in Wales?

Paddle Cymru is currently seeking an independent chairperson to join our volunteer board of directors and help drive the organisation towards becoming a leading national governing body for paddlesports in Wales. This post would be for an initial term of 4 years and is open to anyone who is currently not involved in administration or management of canoeing or paddle sports in Wales.

About Paddle Cymru

Paddle Cymru is the national governing body for paddle sports in Wales. We support many disciplines, including Olympic sports like Sprint and Slalom, plus non-Olympic ones like Canoe Polo, Freestyle, Wildwater Racing, Surf Kayaking, Marathon, Ocean Racing, and the popular Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), as the national governing body our role includes:

• Representing the interests of our club and individual members
• Advocating on behalf of the interests of paddlesports in Wales
• Provide coaching leadership and safety training for paddle sports
• Development programmes in all areas of the sport
• Supports our talent and performance teams to reach GB teams
• Stage national and international competitions

We currently employ seven staff based across Wales, with our main office located at the National Whitewater Centre on the River Tryweryn in Bala, and a hot desk at Sport Wales office in Cardiff. We support around 4500 members, and we are looking to increase this year on year through new membership and retention. There are around 40 affiliated Paddle Cymru clubs who provide opportunities to paddle in a wide range of disciplines, including the Olympic disciplines of slalom and sprint.

Key responsibilities for the Independent Chairperson

• Provide strong and effective leadership and support to the Board and Paddle Cymru
• Ensure effective governance throughout the organisation
• Attend meetings with strategic partners including Sport Wales and be an ambassador for Paddle Cymru when required at public events
• Work closely with the CEO to oversee the management of the Paddle Cymru Strategic Plan

Candidates for this position should be able to demonstrate effective Board experience, an understanding of governance issues and commercial or non-profit experience. Successful candidates do not need to have experience within the sport sector, and applicants from other sectors who can bring in fresh ideas are welcome. In particular, we are looking for people who can offer skills, knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Public sector or Charity sector governance and leadership
• Legal Compliance
• Advertising and Marketing
• Safeguarding of children and adults
• Cooperate experience
• income generation – including statutory and / or grants

At Paddle Cymru we are committed to equality of opportunity and encourage applications from anyone over 18 who has the passion, time and skills to help lead the Paddle Cymru Board and team.

This is a voluntary position, all reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed in accordance with the Paddle Cymru expenses policy.

How to apply

Please submit the following:

Your CV, including details of relevant experience and qualifications. A covering letter highlighting your relevant experience, and suitability for the role. 

Submit your CV and covering letter to us by emailing Bonnie Ireland at Bonnie.Ireland@paddlecymru.org.uk

Further Information

Should you require any further information on the organisation or wish to discuss the role, please contact Richard Sterry at Richard.Sterry@paddlecymru.org.uk

Closing date for applications is 6pm, 26th Feb 2026.