CHAIR CANDIDATE PACK
OF CHAIR APPOINTMENT
The role of the Chair is to lead the Board of Directors in the development and delivery of the vision, mission, values and strategy of the organisation.
Key fundamental focus areas include:
Ensuring that the Directors fulfil their overall responsibility for strategic leadership, governance and appropriate management control of Swansea Bay Sports Park. Supporting the organisation to thrive and realise its ambitions, with an assured and sustainable approach.
BAY SPORTS PARK OVERVIEW OF SWANSEA Swansea Bay Sports Park (SBSP) is a premier regional sports and leisure complex located in west Swansea. It is home to a range of world-class facilities and community assets, including Wales National Pool, the Swansea Athletics & Hockey Centre and King George V playing fields. The facilities and land are owned exclusively by Swansea University and Swansea Council (the Partners), who have a long- standing partnership and collective vision to develop the site as a centre of excellence for performance sport, community sport and sport science. The Partners have a number of shared objectives that are pursued through SBSP: Improving health and wellbeing outcomes through physical activity and sport, reducing inequalities and encouraging a more inclusive approach. Increased participation in sport and physical activity, developing flourishing communities, with participation in sport and physical activity an integral part of their lives. Developing collaboration and partnerships, sharing of resources and infrastructure to deliver for a wide range of different communities. Integration of elite and performance athletes, and talent pathways, with community programmes and participation. Developing new and improved facilities for sport and recreation, including for the provision of major events. SBSP Ltd is a joint venture company, wholly owned by the Partners and established to lead the sustainable operation and future strategic development of the site. The day-to-day operation of SBSP is delivered by Freedom Leisure.
BAY SPORTS PARK VISION FOR SWANSEA
“To be a world class destination for performance sport, community sport, sport science & technology”.
JOB DESCRIPTION CHAIR We are seeking to appoint a dynamic and driven Chair to lead the Swansea Bay Sports Park (SBSP) Board into the future, in alignment with our emerging strategy and ambitious aspirations for transformational change. We are looking for a values-driven leader who has a demonstrable commitment to the facilities and services we offer our communities and elite athletes, and has a good understanding of the commercial world of sport and leisure, ensuring long-term success and sustainability.
DESCRIPTION ROLE
The Chair is responsible for leadership of the Board, ensuring its effectiveness in all aspects of its governance role. The Chair leads the Board in developing a professional and ethical culture in line with the values of the organisation. The Chair is pivotal in creating the conditions for overall Board and individual Board member effectiveness, and ensures constructive relations between Board members and staff.
THE ROLE PURPOSE OF
Working with the SBSP Ltd directors and employees, the role of the Chair is to provide effective leadership and strategic direction, focusing on the vision, core values and objectives of SBSP Ltd. The Chair has an important role in leading the Board and establishing an environment that displays the culture, values and behaviours of the organisation, enabling a multi-disciplinary Board to achieve its potential and secure the long-term success of the organisation.
OF THE ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
LIAISE WITH THE CONTRACT MANAGER Whilst the Board has responsibility as the employer of the Contract Manager (CM), the Board is usually represented through the Chair in managing the working relationship with the Contract Manager – in effect acting as Line Manager. This responsibility may include appropriate delegation to other Directors. In coordination with the Contract Manager, the Chair will ensure that the most relevant and robust performance management information is available to inform discussions and strategic decisions at both Board and operational levels. The Chair will ensure that the Board fulfils its duties in relation to the sound financial health of SBSP Ltd and maintains comprehensive systems that support robust financial accountability. DEVELOP AND ENCOURAGE BOARD MEMBERS Taking the lead in inducting, coaching and developing individual Board members, with a view to enhancing the Board’s overall effectiveness as a team and assisting with succession planning. With the Directors and key funding partners, committed to reviewing the board make-up and governance arrangements so that they are most effective. PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT Ensuring that peer and self-assessments of performance are undertaken regularly for all members of the Board, including the Chair. The Chair may delegate aspects of his or her authority but remains accountable for the action of the delegate. PROMOTE EQUITY AND EQUALITY To enable equity in practice and strive for equality across the organisation. REPRESENT SWANSEA BAY SPORTS PARK To represent Swansea Bay Sports Park Limited (including its integrated key facilities such as the Wales National Pool Swansea) on external bodies and at external events, where appropriate. Act as an ambassador for Swansea Bay Sports Park and its placement within the region. To support communication and engagement initiatives on behalf of Swansea Bay Sports Park including media activity.
MANAGE BOARD MEETINGS To Chair and manage Board meetings throughout the year in compliance with the Articles. Set the board agenda, in conjunction with Directors and employees. Ensure that the Board members receive accurate, timely and clear information. Ensure that Board decisions are executed efficiently and effectively. To provide an independent approach to SBSP decisions. STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE To subscribe to, uphold and champion the Nolan Principles – Seven Principles of Public Life ( see Appendix ). To lead the Board and staff in defining the strategic direction and priorities, and ensure there are appropriate resources available to deliver. To enable the Board to monitor and review risk associated with delivering the business plan and understand the likely impact on business, whilst at all times maintaining a high standard of governance. To take responsibility for the implementation of a Board Development plan to ensure continued effectiveness and representativeness of the overall Board. Monitoring the implementation of the annual business plans, major contracts and aligned objectives. Manage and maintain robust frameworks to identify, record and manage conflicts of interest transparently. To lead the Board and business through business transformation, informing and understanding the wider strategy of Swansea Bay Sports Park and the Partners.
AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
Strong chairing experience on Boards or Partnerships. Evidence of success within or outside of the sport sector, in a Trust, Charity, Corporate, Education or Professional Service environment. Evidence of the ability to act with professionalism and probity, and with a strong philosophy of equity, inclusion and diversity. Evidence of leading in a change environment. Credibility in and knowledge of the Welsh sporting sector, including awareness and understanding of issues facing sports organisations and facilities at community and/or performance level. Experience of dealing at a high level with individuals in the world of politics, business and the media. Experience and understanding of working alongside public sector bodies or joint ventures. Legal and Corporate Governance experience would be highly beneficial.
AND REMUNERATION COMMITMENT, LOCATION
Time Commitment
12 to 15 days per annum total estimate, spread across ad-hoc calls and meetings ranging from one hour to a half day.
Meetings are conducted in a hybrid format, combining virtual options (Teams/Zoom) with essential in-person attendance at the Swansea Bay Sports Park complex as required for key strategy sessions and stakeholder events.
Location & Format
The post is remunerated up to £5,000 per annum for the most suitable candidate. Reasonable travel and subsistence expenses incurred on official business will also be fully reimbursed.
Remuneration
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ELIGIBILITY & As Swansea Bay Sports Park Limited is a joint venture wholly owned by Swansea University and Swansea Council, independence and objectivity are paramount. Current employees or elected officials directly representing either partner organisation must declare their status upon application. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain strict independence from political or institutional bias during their tenure.
KEY DATES APPLICATIONS &
To apply for this role, please submit an up-to-date CV alongside a covering letter (maximum of two pages) outlining your relevant experience, alignment with our core values, and your vision for leading the strategic success of SBSP. Applications should be submitted electronically via email to: b.d.lucas@swansea.ac.uk. INDICATIVE TIMELINE Closing Date for Applications: 31 August 2026 Shortlisting Confirmation: week commencing 7 September 2026 Provisional Panel Interviews: week commencing 21 September 2026 Informal & Confidential Discussions: For a confidential discussion regarding the duties, commitments or expectations of the role prior to making a formal submission, please contact b.d.lucas@swansea.ac.uk/richard.dando@swansea.gov.uk.
THE NOLAN PRINCIPLES APPENDIX:
The Seven Principles of Public Life (originally defined by the Committee on Standards in Public Life) outline the ethical standards expected of all public office-holders and leaders within organisations operating in the public interest. The Chair is expected to champion and model these throughout their tenure: 1. Selflessness: Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. 2. Integrity: Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships. 3. Objectivity: Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias. 4. Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this. 5. Openness: Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing. 6. Honesty: Holders of public office should be truthful. 7. Leadership: Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.
Thank you for your interest
swanseabaysportspark.wales
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