Candidate Brief
Confidential brief for the position of
General Director, Scottish Gymnastics
Contents
The Board Role & Time Commitment
Candidate Person Specification
Role Key Responsibilities
Scottish Gymnastics Background
Scottish Gymnastics Organisation Structure
Summary of Terms & Conditions
How to Apply
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The Board Role
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As the National Governing Body for Gymnastics in Scotland enters its 125th year, it is
embarking upon the first stage of a new 12 year strategic plan to ensure a successful
future for Scottish Gymnastics. This will rely upon a commitment to one long term vision
and a strong and supportive Board who ensure Scottish Gymnastics is building stability
through the development of strong governance and management.
The vision is focused upon the delivery of strategic objectives in four, key interdependent areas of Clubs, People, Gymnasts and Corporate. Above all we will empower
its member clubs to achieve their goals and achieve the Vision of:
“A strong Scottish Gymnastics inspiring & nurturing emerging talent”
We are looking for a commercially focused candidate who can provide drive and energy
and work alongside other Board members, the CEO and members of the Association to
ensure that we maximise on commercial opportunities, support the delivery of the new
strategic plan and who are keen to add value to the Board and the development of
gymnastics in Scotland.
The jobholder will report into Scott Harper who was appointed into the Remunerated
Independent Chair role on 1st November 2013 for a 3-year term.
A full copy of the 2015-2027 Strategic Plan can be accessed via this link https://www.scottishgymnastics.org/scottish-gymnastics/governance-strategy
Time Commitment
This role requires six to nine days per year on average for general duties including board
meetings and preparation time. Meetings are held every six weeks normally from
September to June. The Non-Executive General Director will be elected onto the Board
at the Annual General Meeting for an initial three year term.
Candidate Person Specification
Essential
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Ability to challenge and debate Board decisions
Maintain a focus on strategy rather than operational detail
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to influence key people to take ownership of and implement policy
Ability to gain and maintain the trust and respect of the company’s staff, fellow
Board members and external stakeholders
Experience operating in senior management or director level roles
Excellent organisational and planning skills within a commercial/ business
environment
Proven ability to work with senior stakeholders, provide direction and influence
the strategic decisions of an organisation
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Desirable
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Degree in management or business studies or considerable senior management
experience within the commercial or public sector
Ability to establish network alliance within the political arena
Proven ability to devise and implement strategic initiatives
Extensive practical experience of at least one of the following core areas:
Strategy/ Corporate Governance/ Risk Management/ Sponsorship or Marketing
Knowledge of gymnastics and the external environment in which it operates
Role Key Responsibilities
1. In liaison with the Chair, Chief Executive Officer and fellow Board members,
establish the Vision and Strategy for SGA and monitor progress of the delivery of
the Vision and Strategy ensuring that necessary financial and other resources
are in place to meet its objectives.
2. In liaison with the Chair, Chief Executive and fellow Board members, monitor and
evaluate the work of Sub-Groups and Committees, ensuring that they are
performing the key performance indicators, where appropriate on budget and on
time according to the operational plans.
3. Be responsible for determining the appropriate level of remuneration of the NonExecutive Chair, and perform a prime role in appointing and where necessary
removing Senior Management (including the CEO), and in succession planning.
4. Satisfy themselves on the integrity of financial information and financial controls
and systems of Risk Management are robust and defensible.
5. Contribute to the Board Agenda and contribute enthusiastically to debate and sit
on sub-committees of the Board where requested by the Chair.
6. Maintain a current knowledge of the Board’s activities, work of SGA and the work
of relevant Committees, undertaking training where appropriate.
7. Together with the Chair, Chief Executive and fellow Board members report to the
membership annually.
8. Satisfy themselves on the integrity of financial information and financial controls
and systems of Risk Management are robust and defensible.
Scottish Gymnastics Background
The Scottish Gymnastics Association (SGA) is the National Governing Body for
Gymnastics in Scotland and was established in 1890 and incorporated as a company
limited by guarantee in 1997. It is responsible for the development and governance of
five Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines: Women’s Artistic, Men’s Artistic, Rhythmic,
Trampoline and Acrobatics and 5 other competitive disciplines within the sport TeamGym, Tumbling, Schools, Disabilities, and for programmes that deliver ‘Gymnastics
for All’.
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The SGA is recognised by UK Sport, the Scottish Sports Association (SSA) and
sportscotland. It is also an affiliated member of British Gymnastics (BG) which
represents the four home countries at the Olympics, Federation of International
Gymnastics (FIG) and the European Governing Body for Gymnastics (UEG).
Scottish Gymnastics’ major partner and funding agency is sportscotland. It is one of the
agencies responsible for overseeing the implementation of Reaching Higher the Scottish
Government’s national strategy for sport in Scotland. Member levels remain healthy with
over 19,000 members and circa 160 registered clubs.
Scottish Gymnastics has been through major change in the past 2 years including
relocation to new offices in South Gyle in Edinburgh, undertaking a detailed strategic
review of its strategy and corporate plan, and a new organisation structure announced
last year, including a new CEO who started in September 2014.
A new Board was put in place in November 2012, followed by a new Chair in November
2013 and has been fully involved in the development of the new SGA strategy, and
running of the association including chairing a number of sub-committees e.g.
Remuneration and Nominations Panel. Current Board members come from wide ranging
commercial and sports background and we aim to achieve at least 30% female Board
members by 2017.
In April 2015, and following extensive consultation with the membership a longer term
strategy has been introduced to guide the work of Scottish Gymnastics through to 2027.
This long-term strategy and vision places clubs at the centre with a series of interlinked
objectives designed to develop the people who can transform Scottish Gymnastics to
better serve the needs of all Scottish gymnasts.
The Board continues to develop a close working relationship with British Gymnastics and
is in the final stages of establishing a formal working partnership to deliver an enhanced
range of service to member clubs. Developing the strategic relationship with British
Gymnastics will be an ongoing focus as we seek opportunities to strengthen commercial
partnerships.
This is an exciting time for Scottish Gymnastics following the successful 2014
Commonwealth Games and 2015 World Championships being held in Glasgow, and we
are committed to ensure that we leave a strong legacy for gymnastics across Scotland.
Scottish Gymnastics Organisation Structure
Please go to http://www.scottishgymnastics.org
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Summary of Terms & Conditions
Location:
Board meetings are generally held at Caledonia House, 1 Redheughs Rigg, South Gyle,
Edinburgh, EH12 9DQ.
Salary:
This position is not remunerated, however, expenses will be paid for Directors incurring
business travel, accommodation and other expenses (including subsistence) on behalf
of SGA.
How to Apply
Scottish Gymnastics is an equal opportunities employer and would welcome applications
from a fully diverse range of candidates, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual
orientation, faith or disability.
These Board roles are elected posts and will require the Scottish Gymnastics Voting
Members to review your details prior to voting at the AGM. If you are not associated with
a gymnastics club or would value a confidential discussion about the role please contact
Scott Harper on 07710 487567 who can discuss how we can help with your application.
To apply candidates should send the following:
1. Completed Application form highlighting your motivation for the post and relevant
experience
2. Up to date curriculum vitae
3. Candidate personal disclosure information form (for Scottish Gymnastics only)
Items 1 and 2 will be circulated to the membership (minus personal details) as part of the
AGM process.
Applications should be sent online to Lara Gregson at HR@scottishgymnastics.org
by no later than 5pm on Friday 31 July 2015.
Candidates will be invited to the AGM to support their application with appointments
made by the membership at the meeting on 29 August at Stirling Management Centre.
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