Wednesday, 20 December 2023
After four years at the helm, our Chairman, Malcolm Wharton CBE, has taken the difficult decision not to stand for a second term to give him more time to enjoy other pursuits. He has had a major impact on the Federation – to the HQ and all members – steering us through some difficult times including Covid, and has been an excellent support to the team. With the organisation in good health under a strong Board and a group of focussed staff, Malcolm feels he can step down with confidence but will remain in position until a suitable replacement is appointed. Working with Perrett Laver, we've now opened the recruitment process and applications are invited from individuals who feel they meet the set criteria to be the next Independent Chair of the Board of British Equestrian (BEF).
The appointment of the next Independent Chair of the Board of the BEF comes at a critical and exciting time for the equestrian sports and activities we represent. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an individual with the vision, purpose and commitment to drive the long-term sustainability of equestrianism in the UK.
Supporting the common interests of our diverse membership Member Bodies, you will be in a unique position to build links and relationships across the British and International equine and broader sports sector, continuing to develop our reputation as a leading nation for equine sports whilst also encouraging growth in equestrianism across the UK.
As we enter the Olympic year, an immediate priority will be to help support the teams at the Paris Games, deputising for the out-going Chair when necessary and ensuring a smooth transition. Looking further ahead, the Chair will be integral in helping maintain strong relationships with a varied stakeholder group ensuring that British equestrian sports remain well positioned for the LA Olympic and Paralympic cycle and beyond.
In addition, the Chair will be fundamental in driving partnership with our diverse membership bodies to achieve our common goals. As the equestrian landscape continues to evolve, we must continue to safeguard the interests of both human and horse, whilst also driving forward with our diversity and inclusion agenda, working with our Members to help engage a wider audience. It is crucial to us that our new Chair be an inclusive leader who shares our commitment to enable us to deliver the ambitions set out in our new Diversity and Inclusion strategy.
To help us maintain the international standing of British equestrian sports, as well as our wider objectives, strong leadership will be critical. With strong Chairing skills, you will demonstrate exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills; political acuity and good judgement; the highest standards of integrity and governance; as well as commercial awareness and financial acumen to ensure a sustainable future for the Federation. Your passion for equestrian sport developed as a participant or a spectator will be an important dimension, as will an understanding of funding/grant-giving organisations, knowledge of the international federation landscape and the nuances and demands of Olympic cycles.
Building and maintaining relationships with our key partners, including UK Sport and Sport England, will be paramount in advocating for the many benefits of the sport and securing the best interests and the financial future of equestrian pursuits, for all members.
If you share our vision and have the ambition to help us deliver on it, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Perrett Laver, the appointed advisers of British Equestrian, are conducting an executive search exercise alongside the public advertisement for this role. Perrett Laver will support the Nomination Committee in the discharge of its duties. Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing career and achievements, as well as a covering letter addressing the role description and person specifications.
For further information and how to apply, please visit our vancancies page.
The closing date is midnight (GMT) on Sunday 14 January 2024.