Non-Executive Directors

The SSA is the independent membership organisation for Scottish governing bodies of sport (SGBs), representing and supporting the organisations that govern, develop and promote sport across Scotland.

Established in 1982, the SSA has a long history of advocating for SGBs and ensuring that their voice is represented within national debate and decision making. Its work includes engagement with the Scottish Government, sportscotland and other national stakeholders, responding to consultations, representing the sector on national groups and forums, and providing a range of practical services and support to its members.

Today, however, the SSA is at the beginning of the most significant transformation in its history. A recent review commissioned by sportscotland, in partnership with the SSA and the SGB CEO/COO Forum, considered how SGBs can work together more effectively, to strengthen their collective voice and make better use of shared resources. It concluded that the current landscape is too fragmented and that there is a compelling case for the SSA to be recognised as the single, authoritative and independent organisation to represent SGBs across Scotland.

This provides a rare opportunity for six new directors to join an established organisation and to help guide us through this transformation which will involve developing a new strategy, building a new identity and brand, strengthening our governance and membership, developing our services and partnerships, and ensuring that we have the resources and organisational capacity to match our ambitions.

The Opportunities

The SSA is seeking to appoint six Non-Executive Directors (NED) to join the board:

• 1 Independent NED with experience in people, HR and remuneration to also serve as Chair of the HR & Remuneration Committee of the board.

• 5 SGB Directors - with significant executive or non-executive experience of working within SGBs and currently hold a senior position within an SGB. (Two of these SGB directors will be nominated by the SGB CEO/COO Forum and three will be openly recruited from SGBs – see more details in the candidate pack).

The term of each appointment: The term for each appointment varies in line with the succession planning requirements of the board. This is detailed in the candidate pack.

Remuneration: These are voluntary and unremunerated positions. Eligible business expenses will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment: The average time commitment for each role is anticipated to be around 8 – 12 hours per month, to attend board meetings and committee meetings and occasional events as required.

The Responsibilities: The directors are individually and collectively required to bring independent judgement to bear on issues of strategy, performance, resources, regulatory frameworks, policies and procedures and standards of conduct which further the aims and objectives of the SSA as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the strategic plan.

Principal responsibilities include:

• Strategic oversight – shaping and approving the organisation’s vision, strategy and priorities.

• Constructive challenge – scrutinising proposals and holding the executive team appropriately accountable.

• Sound governance – promoting high standards of governance, integrity and ethical conduct and compliance with the sportscotland Governance Framework.

• Financial stewardship – overseeing financial performance and the responsible use of resources.

• Risk and compliance oversight – ensuring key risks are managed and legal duties are fulfilled.

• Stakeholder focus – considering the interests of members, partners and wider stakeholders.

• Collective responsibility – contributing fully to Board decisions and supporting their effective implementation.

Personal qualities

The successful candidates will help to shape the future of the SSA by offering strategic advice to the Chair and Chief Executive and key members of the Executive Leadership Team.

They will provide leadership and functional expertise, independence, good judgment, diplomacy, impartiality, professional integrity and the gravitas to make an effective contribution at board level.

Applications are invited from candidates who can demonstrate some or all of the following:

• Significant experience of working at Board or Senior Executive level with experience of a high level of accountability

• An understanding of the Scottish sporting landscape and the work of SGBs

• Time & capacity to attend board meetings and contribute fully to meetings and decision-making processes

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively within the Board

• A proven ability to demonstrate strategic thinking and leadership

• Excellent communication, problem solving and decision-making skills

The ability to listen sensitively to the views of others, demonstrate good judgement and the skills and experience to influence good decision making.

• A proven commitment to high standards of corporate governance, financial and risk management

• A personal commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion

• Commitment to abide by the SSA’s Directors Code of Conduct

More detailed role specifications for each role are included within the Candidate Pack.

Strengthening the diversity within the Board

The SSA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from disabled people and people from ethnic minority backgrounds, who are currently under-represented on our Board.

The Candidate Pack

The candidate pack can be found here.

How to apply

The detailed information about how to apply for these roles is contained within the candidate pack, but all candidates should submit a covering letter and CV to the SSA, with SSA Director application as the subject line, at: chair@thessa.org.uk

Closing Date: 14 December 2026 @ 5.00pm.

Interviews: To be held between 6th – 20th January 2027