PADDLE CYMRU VACANCIES

We’re opening applications for two Board vacancies at Paddle Cymru: an Independent Chair and Non‑Executive Independent Directors. These are appointed, independent roles designed to strengthen our governance and bring external expertise to the Board.

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.

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

THE CHAIR

The Chair is expected to attend at least six Board meetings per year, as well as additional meetings, check‑ins and discussions that arise through the year. This includes regular communication with the CEO and Board members to ensure strong, consistent leadership.

OTHER NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

All Non‑Executive Board members are expected to:

• Attend the scheduled Board meetings; and
• Be an active member of at least one subcommittee and participate fully in its work.

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, 26^th Feb 2026.

Non Executive Independent Directors

We are seeking suitable people to undertake the following voluntary roles: Safeguarding Director.

We are also seeking individuals with skills in the following areas to support the board as non-executive members.

• Business
• Governance
• Legal 

The Board Structure

The Board of Paddle Cymru consists of up to ten Board members, who are a mix of Independent Directors and elected Directors, appointed by the membership of Paddle Cymru. The Board is led by a Chair who is an Independent member.

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 sportʼs 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 also 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.

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 on Bonnie.ireland@paddlecymru.org.uk

Further Information

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

Closing date for applications is 6pm, 27^th Feb 2026.