The Role of the Board 

The Board of Paddle Cymru provides leadership to the organisation within a framework of effective and prudent controls, ensuring that risks are properly assessed and managed. 

They are responsible for approving and monitoring the company’s strategic plans, ensuring sufficient financial and human resources are in place to achieve its objectives, and evaluating management performance. Additionally, the board establishes the company’s values and standards while ensuring its obligations to stakeholders and others are clearly understood and fulfilled. 

 
Directors have statutory responsibilities, which include the following: 

• Acting in accordance with the Articles and using their powers solely for the purposes for which they were granted. 
• Promoting the success of the organisation to achieve its stated objectives. 
• Exercising independent judgment in decision-making. 
• Applying reasonable care, skill, and diligence in their duties. 
• Refraining from accepting benefits that could lead to conflicts of interest. 
• Declaring any conflicts of interest to the other directors. 

 
Responsibilities 

Each Board member is expected to apply their specific skills, knowledge, and experience to contribute effectively and assist the Board in making informed decisions. 

For the Safeguarding Director role, this will involve: 

• Attending Board meetings as the safeguarding representative and raise and champion safeguarding issues within the Board, ensuring that Paddle Cymru maintains the highest levels of active engagement and best practice. 
• Providing strategic leadership and expertise within the area of safeguarding and child protection. 
• Reviewing and providing input into policy documents and advise on safeguarding issues arising within the sport. 
• Working closely with the Paddle Cymru National Safeguarding Lead, providing them with support, where required, and assist the Board in monitoring their safeguarding work. 
• Attending the CPSU Working Group and helping to progress the sports Safeguarding Strategy and Action Plan. 
• Be a member of Paddle Cymru Safeguarding Case Management Group and consider safeguarding cases as and when required; and attending other relevant meetings as and when they are required with Sport Wales and the CPSU. 

Other non-executive roles 

We are looking for support on the board from people who have skills in specific areas 

• Legal expertise – As the NGB we often must understand legal frameworks and seek advice on matters such as Access, Environment, Safeguarding, Cooperate law, and other areas. 
• Business – We have a commercial element to Paddle Cymru where skills in business are essential. We also have a need to be able to generate income for the NGB where possible. 
• Governance – As the NGB for paddlesports we oversee the Governance of the sport. This area of the organisation is essential to keeping the sport safe for people to take part and for Paddle Cymru to operate within the law. 

 
Time Commitment 

Board members are expected to attend scheduled Board meetings throughout the year and to actively contribute to the strategic leadership of Paddle Cymru. While we recognise that exceptional circumstances may occasionally prevent attendance, we trust our Board members to prioritise their commitment to the organisation wherever possible. 

 
Term of office 

Appointments to the Board are made for an initial term of four years from the date of appointment. Subject to mutual agreement and continued eligibility, Board members may be reappointed for one additional term of four years. 

Who Can Apply 

To be considered for this position, you must be independent from the structure of Paddle Cymru 

Independence is classed as: 

• A person, who is not a member of any committee within Paddle Cymru. 
• A director of, or a member of any committee established by, any National Association. 
• A chair or secretary or treasurer of any Member club. 
• Or an individual whose primary employment or source of income is not a paddlesport trading activity. 

 
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 Suzanne Parkin suzanne.parkin@paddlecymru.org.uk. Closing date for applications is 16 Jan 2026.. 

Further Information 

Should you require any further information on the organisation or wish to discuss the role, please contact Ricard (Chair) -  richard.sterry@paddlecymru.org.uk 

Equal Opportunities and Inclusivity Statement 

Paddle Cymru is firmly committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of our work. We actively seek to create an environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute. 

We recognise the importance of addressing under-representation within our sport and organisation, and we particularly encourage applications from individuals belonging to groups that are currently underrepresented in paddlesport and governance roles. 

All appointments will be made on the basis of merit, and candidates will be assessed fairly and transparently in accordance with our values and commitment to inclusive practice. 

If you would like to apply in an alternative format or require adjustments during the application process, please contact us at  Admin@paddlecymru.org.uk