Independent Non-Executive Director - British Judo Association

The British Judo Association (BJA) is the National Governing Body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of judo in Great Britain.

The Association represents Great Britain internationally and is a member of the International Judo Federation, the European Judo Union, the Judo Confederation of the European Union, British Olympic Association, Sport and Recreation Alliance, Commonwealth Judo Association, and the Commonwealth Games Federation. Originally formed in 1948, we receive funding from UK Sport to support our World Class Performance and Talent programmes, and Sport England to fund the development of judo across Great Britain.

We are recognised by UK Sport, Sport England, Sport Wales, Sport Northern Ireland, Sportscotland, the British Olympic Association and the Sport and Recreation Alliance. We are a membership organisation and have expanded our network of clubs, qualified coaches and individual members throughout Britain providing access to the sport in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

We are now seeking to appoint a new Independent Non-Executive Director to our Board, bringing fresh perspectives, skills, and expertise to help shape the future of the organisation. This is a pivotal time for British Judo: we are focused on delivering success in international competition, growing our membership base, and ensuring the sport is inclusive, sustainable, and impactful in communities across the UK.

In particular we would like to hear from people with a legal background, who will play a prominent role in continuing to develop our sport at the highest level.

Independent Non-Executive Directors help oversee the health and well-being of the British Judo Association, taking part in the leadership activities of our Board while contributing diverse perspectives drawn from their direct experience and external activities.

We would like eligible members with the drive, knowledge and expertise, to apply for this important role.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about sport and who can contribute their skills and experience to strengthen our Board. What matters most is your
ability to bring independent judgment, strategic insight, and a commitment to our values of respect, courage, and excellence.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to help shape the future of British Judo and support our athletes, members, and communities, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Personal Qualities

Demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and probity
Able to demonstrate sufficient objectivity at all times
Demonstrate a passion for and commitment to the BJA, its strategic objectives and cause
Ability to contribute to discussion on the BJA’s strategic aims and objectives
Personal gravitas to contribute to a national sports governing body
Exhibit strong inter-personal skills and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in a Board level role
Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
Ability to operate in a collaborative team environment
Ability to commit the time necessary to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours
Act as an ambassador for the BJA’s strategic direction and promote its’ success
Effectively communicate to the BJA’s members and stakeholders and be able to represent the BJA at external functions, meetings and events.

Experience

Experience of operating at a senior strategic level within an organisation (whether in a law firm or within a legal function)
Successful track record of achievement through your career

N.B. prior Board-level experience is not a requirement