Independent Chair of the Board

"Enriching the lives of people and horses together" British Equestrian (BEF) is the National Governing Body for horse sports in the UK, affiliated to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the international governing body of equestrian sports. It exists to provide leadership, vision and purpose in steering the direction of equestrianism. The BEF is an umbrella organisation representing the interests of 3 million riders, vaulters and carriage drivers in Great Britain via 19 independent Member Bodies (14 members and 5 associates). Established in 1972 it is the largest representative body within the equestrian industry in the UK. Together with the British Horseracing Authority, Thoroughbred Breeders Association and representatives from veterinary and welfare organisations, the BEF is a member of the British Horse Council (BHC), which provides a unified voice for the UK's equine stakeholders. 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. Apply by clicking on the apply button and quoting the reference 7005 .