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Legal Advisor - The Independent Football Regulator

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has been established to protect and promote the sustainability of English football, for the benefit of fans and the local communities football clubs serve.

The IFR will help improve financial sustainability of clubs, ensure resilience across the leagues, and safeguard the heritage of English football. It will operate a licensing regime; set corporate governance standards and monitor, protect, and promote financial resilience. It will also enforce compliance with requirements on financial regulation, club ownership and directors, fan engagement, and heritage protection.

The IFR will also have powers to prohibit clubs from joining competitions that are not fair or meritocratic, or that threaten the heritage or sustainability of English football.

The Legal Team

The IFR’s legal team plays a core role in advising and supporting all areas of our functions.

This work will include advising, amongst other issues, on the IFR’s powers and obligations, current and future consultation exercises, the legal risks attaching to different regulatory strategies and approaches, regulatory investigations and enforcement, litigation and appeals, the IFR’s decision-making obligations, corporate governance and wider public law issues.

The Role

The IFR is looking to add an additional lawyer with significant corporate law experience to add to/compliment the existing expertise within the IFR’s legal function. The team currently comprises 8 lawyers with a range of public, regulatory, commercial and litigation skills/backgrounds.

The role will be based in our Manchester office.

Essential Requirements

Post qualification experience advising on corporate law matters including the following:

Desirable Requirements

How to Apply

Use the following link for a full job description and details on how to apply: Independent Football Regulator - Legal Adviser - Independent Football Regulator

The closing date for applications is 10 July 2026 at 11.55pm.

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Judicial Panel Member - The Premier League

The Premier League is home to some of the most competitive and compelling football in the world. The League and its Clubs use the power and popularity of the competition to inspire fans, communities and partners in the UK and across the world. The Premier League brings people together from all backgrounds, it is a competition for everyone, everywhere and is available to watch in over 900 million homes in 189 countries.

As its governing body, the Premier League has responsibility for the organisation and regulation of the league, through the uniform application of it Rules to its Clubs and their officials, and the implementation and administration of various dispute resolution processes as between them.

In February 2020, the Premier League created an independent Judicial Panel, that is a standing group of arbitrators with legal, financial, sporting and other relevant expertise, who would be available for appointment by the Chair to adjudicate independently on disciplinary cases and appeals.

Upon the creation of the Judicial Panel in February 2020, a number of initial members were recruited.

The Rt. Hon. Sir Gary Hickinbottom was appointed by the Premier League Clubs as the second Chair of the Judicial Panel in February 2025, for a term of five years, and he is now seeking to add further members to the Judicial Panel. The relevant Terms of Reference can be found at Appendix 15 of the latest Premier League Rules, accessible here – Premier League Handbook.

Judicial Panel members will be available for appointment by the Chair to sit on Commissions, Appeal Boards, Tribunals (alone or as three) and otherwise as provided for in the Premier League Rules. Applicants may be invited to sit on other Premier League independent panels, such as the Independent Oversight Panel. Remuneration for such appointments will be based on a daily rate for the time spent on each particular matter, and there will also be reimbursement of such reasonable out-of-pocket expenses as may be incurred during the course of that work.

An applicant must be one of the following:

  • A sitting or retired judge
  • A barrister or solicitor of at least ten years' post-qualification experience (a minimum of 15 years' post-qualification experience for Appeal Board appointments)
  • An authorised insolvency practitioner
  • An individual who holds a nationally recognised qualification as an accountant or auditor
  • An individual with extensive and demonstrable experience in: football administration; youth development; or equality, diversity and inclusion.

How to Apply

Applications should be made in confidence, via the Premier League's recruitment site, in the form of a letter explaining the applicant's qualifications, experience and suitability, together with an informative CV, by no later than 1 July 2026. It is expected that interviews with a short list of preferred applicants will take place commencing in the weeks of 20 and 27 July 2026. For successful candidates, training and familiarisation sessions will take place subsequently.

The Premier League will be supporting the Judicial Panel Chair on the process (scheduling interviews etc.), but decisions on appointments are to be made by the Judicial Panel Chair.

Appointments will be made based on merit. However, we particularly encourage applications from women, people from minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ people and disabled people. If you have a disability and would like the advert in alternative format, or would like to talk about how we can adjust the interview process to best support you, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Our commitment to safeguarding includes implementing robust safer recruitment procedures to assess the suitability of individuals applying for roles that involve work with children and adults who are or may be at risk of harm. For further information, please see our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Guidance.

We will remove barriers that prospective candidates might face at any stage of our recruitment process. If you have a disability and would like the advert in an alternative format, or would like to talk about how we can adjust the interview process to best support you, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for the role will not be considered and, given the anticipated interest in these roles, it will not be possible to provide feedback in respect of unsuccessful applications.

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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

Knowledge & Skills

  • Broad knowledge and understanding of the sports sector and current issues affecting it
  • Good understanding of sports governance

How to Apply

For further details, including how to apply, please follow this link.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 17th July, 2026.

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Risk & Player Insurance Manager - World Rugby

About Us

World Rugby is the world governing and law-making Body for the sport of Rugby Union. It is responsible for the regulation and governance of Rugby and, in addition, organises a number of international tournaments and events including the Rugby World Cup and World Rugby Sevens World Series.

Overview

We are looking for a Risk & Player Insurance Manager to join World Rugby's International Federation team, playing a key role at the heart of the global game.

This is an exciting opportunity to work across critical areas including:

  • Supporting the delivery and evolution of the World Rugby Player Insurance Scheme
  • Helping shape and embed a robust, organisation-wide approach to risk management and reporting
  • Working on regulatory projects which go to the heart of the game

You'll collaborate with stakeholders across Unions, Clubs, insurance providers, brokers, and internal teams, contributing to the protection of players and the effective governance of the sport worldwide.

This is a particularly strong opportunity for:

  • Risk or insurance professionals looking to apply their expertise in a global sporting environment
  • Lawyers or compliance professionals seeking a broader, operational role beyond traditional legal practice
  • Individuals looking to pivot into a dynamic, international and purpose-driven organisation

We're looking for someone who is comfortable working across complex stakeholder groups, can communicate clearly and concisely, and enjoys balancing both strategic thinking and hands-on delivery. If you're motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the global rugby community and help safeguard the future of the game, we would love to hear from you.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Assume day-to-day responsibility for the World Rugby Player Insurance Scheme, working with Unions to ensure the timely placement of cover, and Unions, Clubs, World Rugby's brokers and Third Party Administrator to manage claims to a satisfactory outcome.
  • Contribute to the ongoing design and enhancement of the Player Insurance Scheme, including management of any changes necessary to align with World Rugby Regulations.
  • Design and implement a simple process to identify, track and manage risks within the International Federation. Support the broader Regulatory team to include risk assessments as part of their ongoing support for new or high-stakes activity.
  • On an annual basis (in line with Audit & Risk Committee agendas), compile risk information for the Federation and from colleagues in Events & Media to provide a single view of risk across World Rugby.
  • Work closely with the Group Director of Finance Operations & Control and the Company Secretary to ensure that risk reporting meets governance standards and is at the appropriate level of detail.
  • As part of ongoing reporting, work with key risk owners as required to ensure that World Rugby's Risk Management framework and risk appetite statements are kept up to date.
  • Prepare relevant management information for the Federation SLT or key management forums as required on risk or player insurance activity.
  • Support the delivery of core risk and compliance processes, including management of declared Conflicts of Interest, the Gifts & Hospitality register and tracking of any whistleblowing cases.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

  • An established track record (min.7 years) within risk management or insurance, ideally in a global company
  • Degree level education: role related professional qualification would be preferred
  • Understanding or experience in the administration of insurance schemes
  • Proficient IT skills, particularly MS Office
  • A strong influencer who is comfortable working with multiple stakeholders; flexing style as needed.
  • Ability to multitask and deliver under pressure
  • Excellent written skills, and the ability to convey information in a concise way
  • High levels of personal integrity
  • An active interest in sport and its wider impact

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

World Rugby is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background. We strive to be a diverse and inc/osiye workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.

Flexible Working:

Most of our roles offer hybrid working. We ask colleagues to work:

  • Three (3) days a week “out of home”. Two (2) “core” office days (Tuesday & Wednesday) and a third day of your choice to be with “Out of home” can mean working in a World Rugby office/hub, working from a venue or face to face meetings with partners/suppliers/agencies/teammates or other rugby family stakeholders.
  • The remaining two (2) days are flexible to work from home (or the office). This applies to our Dublin & London offices.

Our Mission, Vision and Values

The role holder will be expected to embrace the World Rugby mission to grow the global rugby family, support the vision of rugby being a sport for all, true to its values: discipline, respect, integrity, passion and solidarity — and to uphold these values while acting in a responsible and sustainable manner. For more see www.world.rugby/organisation/about-us/values

How to apply

For further details including how to apply, please follow this link.  The closing date for applications is Monday, 22nd June

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Junior Lawyer - UK Sport

Who are UK Sport?

We are the UK’s trusted high-performance experts, powering our greatest athletes, teams, sports and events to achieve positive success. Investing a combination of National Lottery and Government funds, we support our Olympic and Paralympic sports to realise their world-leading potential and help bring major sporting events to the UK. Our purpose is to lead high-performance sport to enable extraordinary moments that enrich lives.

We are on a mission – to create the greatest decade of extraordinary sporting moments; reaching, inspiring and uniting the nation. That mission is underpinned by three ambitions for UK high-performance sport; to keep winning and win well, to grow a thriving sporting system and to harness those to inspire positive change. Working with the sports and events we fund, DCMS, and our partner organisations across the UK high-performance system, we are building on 25 years of ever-growing success to write the UK’s next chapter for Olympic and Paralympic sport.

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity for an early‑career lawyer to build broad experience across a dynamic, purpose‑driven organisation.

As a Junior Lawyer, you’ll play a key role in supporting UK Sport’s Legal & Integrity team, working across contracts, grant funding, integrity matters and data protection. We’ll depend on you to lead on important areas such as information governance, including data protection processes, FOI requests and data sharing agreements, helping ensure the organisation operates with strong governance and compliance.

Alongside this, you’ll support colleagues across all areas of UK Sport — advising on contracts and funding decisions, contributing to integrity and safeguarding work, and helping manage relationships with government partners such as DCMS. You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved in projects, improve processes and help shape how legal support is delivered.

This is a varied, hands‑on role offering excellent exposure, responsibility and development within a collaborative, supportive team.

Who will I be working with?

You’ll work closely with the Senior Lawyer, the wider Legal & Integrity team, and colleagues across UK Sport — as well as external partners including government bodies and stakeholders across the sporting system.

About you

You’re an early‑career qualified lawyer who is keen to learn, grow and build experience across a broad range of legal work. You’re organised, proactive and comfortable managing a varied workload in a fast‑paced environment. You bring excellent attention to detail staying watchful over a long period of time, clear communication skills and a practical, solutions‑focused approach. You build positive relationships easily and enjoy working collaboratively with others. You’re also curious and adaptable — keen to develop new expertise, particularly in areas like data protection and governance. Above all, you’re motivated by doing meaningful work and contributing to an organisation that delivers impact through sport.

What you’ll bring

·       Lawyer qualified in a UK jurisdiction with early post‑qualification experience

·       Experience advising on contracts and/or data protection matters

·       Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities

·       Excellent attention to detail and high standards of accuracy

·       Strong communication and interpersonal skills

·       Ability to work independently and as part of a team

·       A proactive mindset and willingness to learn and develop

It’s a bonus if you also have:

·       Experience working in‑house or within a commercial legal environment

·       Knowledge of public law, FOI or the public sector landscape

·       Experience across employment, disputes or integrity‑related matters

·       Experience or interest in acting as a Data Protection Officer

·       Interest in legal operations or improving legal processes

·       Understanding of the UK sporting system

As you’ll see from the more detailed Job Description, we are looking for an exceptional candidate who will naturally look to collaborate with others. In return, we will be there with you every step of the way. Come join us and be part of the heartbeat of high-performance sport in the UK.

How to Apply

For further details, including a full job description, please follow this link.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 21st June, 2026.

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