Non-Executive Director: People

WALES RUGBY LEAGUE: INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HEAD OF PEOPLE

The Wales Rugby League (WRL) is the governing body for the Sport of Rugby League in Wales.

We believe that Rugby League is more than a sport. It is a cultural identity, a passion, a way of life, and a practical force for good in communities. Its history is one of determination to succeed against the odds, to fight discrimination and intolerance, and to be an honest and authentic sport, which cares enough to make a difference to its fans, their families, and communities. Since 1895, we have delivered a sport that delights fans across the country. We are proud of who we are, the value we add to sport and society, and the difference we make, together.

Wales Rugby League is currently forming it's new corporate strategy and focused to improve is governance restructure, which would result in three Sub Committees reporting to the board. Now the realignment will have Three working Sub Committees. Performance - This will allow the focus of WRL to develop and growing the grassroots game, driving participation, performance of the Wales teams and clear pathways both in the community and national games. Commercial, Finance and Risk Subcommittee - This will allow the focus of WRL to ensure the governing body is on good financial governance with a focus on creating win-win partnerships as we look to develop the game across Wales. Governance - This will allow WRL to ensure that the governing body is built on solid cooperate governance, working alongside Sport Wales to ensure we take best practices and continue to grow as an governing body.

Due to restructuring of the Board and Sub committees, an opportunity for individuals to join the Board has arisen. The successful candidate will join our current Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) (including the Chair) who sit on the WRL Board (alongside the RFL Chief Executive Officer) to provide independent judgement and objective challenge on issues of strategy, governance, performance, and resources. The overriding purpose for the appointee will be to work with the other Board members to ensure that the WRL develops as a successful organisation, promoting exemplary corporate governance and transparency. The postholder will share our commitment to continuing to develop as an effective and representative governing body fully equipped to lead, develop, grow, regulate, and govern the sport.

Whilst the Board has collective responsibility on all matters, to ensure complementarity of skills across members, the WRL are ideally seeking an individual with significant expertise and knowledge Working closely with the Board and many volunteers we have within the game, you will have the gravitas and wealth of expertise to lead people through change. This role is the fuel that ensures we can meet the diverse needs of the organisations we exist to champion and support.
Reporting to the board, you will use your expertise in HR and L&D to develop and deliver world class approaches across:
* Culture - values - equity - inclusion - diversity
* People development - recruitment - retention - engagement
* Organisational development - change management to support strategy programmes.
* Celebrations - reward - recognition

As a confident, experienced and driven leader you act on your own initiative, effectively communicating to bring people with you in relation building cultures with the best people, the support the Strategy and Growth of the sport in Wales.
We seek an exceptional, inclusive leader to fill this vacancy, who will bring the skills and credibility to provide independent support and challenge to the Board and other relevant stakeholders. You will be able to evidence competency in sport decision making, enabling you to contribute to the Board and assist in determining the strategic direction of the organisation. You will be a natural collaborator, able to build effective relationships with all stakeholders both within and external to Rugby League. With high levels of political sensitivity, diplomacy, and judgement, you will offer excellent ambassadorial and networking skills.

Time Commitment: circa 25 days per year plus attendance at some matches and key events.

Location: Remote working or at venues of the game

Term: Initial term of three years. Non-executive Directors may serve a maximum of 6 (made up of 2 x 3 year terms).

Remuneration: The role is on a volunteering basis where agreed expense will be covered.
WRL recognises the enhanced creativity, performance, and legitimacy of an organisation that embraces and celebrates diversity, and are actively striving to realise these benefits at Board and beyond. We recognise that to fully deliver on our mission and be true to our guiding principles, we must be representative of the communities which we serve. We have committed to achieving gender parity and greater diversity on our Board, and strongly encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates from under-represented sections of the community, whether based on sex, gender, race, disability, sexuality, lower socio-economic groups, or other characteristics. We would be pleased to discuss our culture and commitments with any interested individuals.

How to apply:

If you are interested in this role, please submit your CV and cover letter to the recruitment@walesrugbyleague.co.uk.

Alternatively, if you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact andy.morgan@walesrugbyleague.co.uk.

Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.

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