Independent Non-Executive Director (Finance)

Introduction:

BASES, the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, is the professional body and multi- disciplinary membership association for sport and exercise scientists in the UK. It was founded in 1984 and is a not-for-profit organisation (registered as a private company limited by guarantee). At present, there are approximately 2,600 members of the Association.

We are currently seeking a new Non-Executive Director (NED) with significant and relevant experience to provide the Board with the benefit of professional financial expertise and oversight. The appointment will be for an initial three-year term.

The purpose of the BASES Board is to set the strategic direction of the Association, to ensure effective delivery of our plans, and to oversee the management of the Association’s affairs. Our strategic aim is to develop and enhance professional and ethical standards in sport and exercise science by promoting research; developing guidance to support evidence-based practice; distributing knowledge; and implementing professional standards for individuals involved in sport and exercise science. We are a growing organisation, delivering well into the final year of our current 2021-2025 Strategy. We are currently finalising our new strategy from 2025-2028 and have recently petitioned for Royal Charter status, so now is an exciting time to join our Board.

Our NEDs have responsibility for ensuring that appropriate corporate governance is observed. They will be expected to provide advice and direction to the BASES management in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the strategy; to monitor our legal and ethical performance; and to monitor the accuracy and appropriateness of financial and other information provided to members and other stakeholders. In addition to a commitment to the Board, NEDs will be involved in Standing Committees and some Advisory Groups. Along with the Chair of the Association, NEDs are responsible for the evaluation of the professional staff of BASES.

About the BASES Board:

• The Board meets typically five times per year to further the development of the business; normally two face-to-face meetings are held at varying locations and three via conference calls. Additional deliberations are conducted via e-mail / calls between meetings, including a monthly catch-up call in those months without a formal Board meeting.
• All Board members serve three-year terms and can serve up to two consecutive terms. The Chair of the Association serves a four-year term, serving as Chair-Elect for the first year.
• The current Board comprises of:
  • Chair of the Association
  • Chair of the Division of Biomechanics and Motor Behaviour
  • Chair of the Division of Physical Activity for Health
  • Chair of the Division of Physiology and Nutrition
  • Chair of the Division of Psychology
  • Chair of the Division of Sport and Performance
  • Four Non-Executive Directors
  • Chief Executive Officer
• Services on the Board and Standing Committees are non-remunerative. Travel and meeting expenses are reimbursed according to our policies and procedures.

Candidate Profile:

We are seeking an NED who:

• shares our passion for driving excellence in sport, exercise, physical activity, and health.
• is willing to challenge and probe.
• can always demonstrate integrity and high ethical standards.
• will act collectively as part of the Board.
• will participate in key Standing Committees as required.
• will add value by contributing their experience, expertise, and insight.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Provide independent challenge, advice and support to the Chair and Chief Executive Officer through attendance at Board and Standing Committee meetings.
• Support the Board in its leadership of the organisation and assist the Chief Executive Officer to develop the organisation’s capacity and capabilities to meet its future challenges and responsibilities.
• Provide independent and objective guidance to the Board and Executive team.
• Meet periodically with the Senior NED to appraise roles, duties and projects.
• Ensure that the Board maintains compliance with the Governance requirements.

Skills and Experience

No specific knowledge of sport and exercise science is required.

The NED will be able to access, for free, an extensive library of eLearning training and development courses, which cover a broad range of relevant modules, including Data Protection and Diversity and Inclusion.

Essential:

• Recent relevant financial accounting experience or substantial budget management experience.
• Understanding and knowledge of financial governance and risk.
• Understanding of strategic financial management, with the ability to balance the competing objectives of quality, operational performance, and finance.
• Committee/Board experience at a senior level as either an NED or Executive.
• Ability to accept responsibility and understand Good Corporate Governance and Board requirements.
• Excellent communication and relationship skills, ability to articulate ideas and to work with complexity.

Desired:

• Committee/Board experience at a senior level as an NED.
• An understanding of the components of a membership organisation and the processes of planning, financial control, performance management and assurance that deliver its objectives.
• Commercial acumen, from any sector, and sound judgement in relation to opportunities for growth for the long-term benefit and sustainability of the Association.
• Proven strategic thinker who can contribute across a range of governance, quality, planning, financial and advocacy issues.
• Experience of governance and organisational delivery from a variety of perspectives.

Candidates should be prepared to devote at least twelve days per annum to BASES business, which includes the Board, any Standing Committees, and any major events. Membership of BASES is not a requirement.

Enquiries and Applications:

The appointment of the NED will be via a formal, open, and transparent recruitment process, with the aim of attracting the widest range of the most suitable talent. At BASES, we are committed to Fairness, Professionalism, Honesty, Responsibility and Excellence. We strive to improve our ways of working to be more inclusive and diverse, to accelerate our impact on society and live up to our Values. We acknowledge that we lack representation from various underrepresented groups and therefore strongly encourage applications that will amplify the voices of people with a disability, those from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds, women or gender diverse people in STEMM and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Please notify the Chief Executive Officer (iwilson@bases.org.uk) if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Informal enquiries can be made to Ian Wilson, BASES Chief Executive Officer, e-mail: iwilson@bases.org.uk and to Prof Zoe Knowles FBASES, BASES Chair, email: Z.R.Knowles@ljmu.ac.uk. More information about BASES can be found here: www.bases.org.uk

If you are interested in this opportunity, please forward an electronic copy of your CV along with a covering letter no longer than two pages of A4 outlining how you meet the candidate profile. Please mark this email Confidential and send to iwilson@bases.org.uk. An email to acknowledge safe receipt of the application will be issued.

Key dates:

Applications will close noon on Wednesday 8 May 2024; interviews will take place on either 23 or 24 May 2024 via conference call. The incoming NED will take up post from July 2024, ready to attend the Board meeting on 16 July 2024.