BRITISH FENCING SEEKS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Join the board of a thriving Olympic and Paralympic sport with thousands of engaged members across the country. British Fencing seeks three Non-Executive Directors (NED) to join the Board, two appointed from the membership and one independent (INED). Closing date: 7th June.

Closing Date: 7th June 2026

Apply via: CV & Covering Letter to [email protected]

Following term expiries the BF Board will have three vacancies for one Independent and two appointed Directors from October 2026.

The Board must ensure that it has a broad range of skills, attributes and experience that collectively support the delivery of British Fencing’s 2030 Strategy.

The Board is seeking to enhance its collective experience and expertise by encouraging applications from candidates with one or more current qualifications and relevant practice experience in the following areas.

• HR (senior/director level experience)
• Senior/director level delivery/oversight of world class performance programmes in Paralympic sport
• Private sector fundraising/commercial activities
• Sport/activity procurement and delivery in the education or leisure sector (primary/secondary)
• EDI – tackling inequalities and under represented community engagement,  policy development, able to take on the role of  BF Board Equality Champion
• Sport and physical activity in deprived communities
• Safeguarding & welfare experience, able to take on the role of BF Board Safeguarding Lead

We actively welcome applicants from a diverse set of backgrounds to support our strategic ambitions. Following the expiry of the current directors’ terms, females, ethnic minorities and disabled people will be under-represented on the Board. The Board specifically encourages applicants from these groups to apply.

The successful applicants should have a collaborative approach to working, and a desire to bring their skills and commitment to further develop fencing across the country from community to performance level, ensuring our sport remains inclusive to all.

As BF receives public funding (>66% of BF’s income comes from UK Sport and Sport England), applicants should also have an understanding of the governance responsibilities and expectations on the Board that come with this.

• Role Description: Director Responsibilities
• Remuneration: The role is not renumerated, travel expenses for attendance at Board meetings are covered.
• Term: The term is for four years. Directors who have already served two terms are not eligible to reapply. Appointments are subject to membership approval at the annual AGM (usually held in October).
• Location: Board meetings are a mixture of online and in-person. In-person meetings currently take place in London.
• Meetings: Quarterly Board Meetings plus annual Strategy Day.
• Additional Responsibilities: Depending on skills and experience, Board Directors will typically sit on one other committee or steering group – these meetings are 1-4 times a year and held online.

About British Fencing

British Fencing is the National Governing Body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the United Kingdom. Our members are the fencers, clubs, coaches, referees and countless volunteers who make up the British Fencing community. We aim to support them on every step of their development journeys, helping them to realise their goals in a safe, enjoyable and respectful environment. We support all ability levels: assisting new beginners, recreational fencers as well elite international, Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

We understand the vital importance of accessibility, inclusivity and diversity, which we actively promote through our programmes. We believe that fencing is for everyone and through our social impact programmes, we aim to deliver positive impact on people’s lives.

The BF Board sets the strategic direction of the sport and consists of twelve Directors, four Elected Directors, five Appointed Directors and three Independent Directors including the chair.

More information about the Board can be found here.

How to apply

Applicants do not require fencing experience, but must be a member (starter, recreational or compete) to be considered for the Appointed Director vacancies.

Applications should indicate on their application whether they are a member and whether they are independent (see definition below).

Applications should be sent to the Chair of British Fencing via [email protected] in the form of a covering letter and curriculum vitae in one document.

Note on definition of Independence – In accordance with the BF Articles 48.2

No person may be appointed to be an Independent Director (who may be a Member and who may be a member of any Affiliated Club or Associated Body) if he or she:
(i) is an employee of the Association;
(ii) has any other contractual relationship with the Association or any Affiliated Club or Associated Body, except for any Directors’ Agreements which may be entered into between the Association and the Independent Directors, which agreement shall be in terms appropriate for Independent directors and which do not compromise their independence;
(iii) has any other material relationship with the Association or any such club or body which could impair their impartiality or the perception of impartiality; or
(iv) has been in any position described in (i), (ii) or (iii) at any time within four years preceding the date of appointment.

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