Independent Football Regulator x4 Non-Executive Board Members

Independent Football Regulator (IFR); United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 21,000; Part time

Job summary

A national sports regulatory body in the UK seeks experienced Non-Executive Directors to help establish its governance framework. Candidates must demonstrate strong governance skills and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships. The role involves strategic oversight and ensuring the organization meets its statutory objectives. This position offers a commitment of one day per week with a remuneration of £20,800 per annum.

Qualifications

• Clear understanding of the work and challenges facing the IFR.
• Track record of effective decision-making in complex environments.
• Commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the setup of the IFR and its regulatory regime.
• Contribute to strategic direction and governance of the IFR.
• Provide independent oversight and guidance.

Skills

Governance experience

Strategic leadership

Strong communication skills

Ability to build stakeholder relationships

Job description

Organisation: Independent Football Regulator
Sponsor department: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Location: North West
Sectors: Culture, Media & Sport
Skills: Regulation
Number of vacancies: 4
Time commitment: 1 day per week
Remuneration: £20,800 per annum
Length of term: up to 5 years
Application deadline: 5pm on 10 December 2025

Introduction

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is seeking to appoint four Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) board to support the establishment of the IFR and the operationalisation of its regime.

Appointment description

The NEDs will assist the Chair to oversee the setup of the IFR and embedding its regulatory regime. They will be responsible for developing and promoting the IFR, and at all times acting in its best interests. They will contribute to the strategic direction of the IFR and support the Chair in ensuring the IFR effectively fulfils its statutory objectives as well as maintaining and developing strong relationships with government, Parliament, football bodies and other major stakeholders.

They will contribute to the effective governance of the IFR, holding the CEO and executive team to account for the IFR’s performance, and apply scrutiny and challenge at Board level, respecting the boundary between non-executive and executive responsibilities.

With their relevant knowledge and expertise they will provide independent oversight and guidance, and where required, contribute to the Board’s debates and decision making.

Organisation description

About the Independent Football Regulator

English football is an essential part of the social fabric of Britain. It is a global success story and one of our greatest cultural exports. It attracts more viewers and generates higher revenues than any of its international rivals. So it is a product we want to protect, both in its economic value and the interests of the fans who support their teams week in and week out.

But despite its phenomenal success, we know that irresponsible owners, unsustainable financial models and inadequate regulation have cast a shadow over too many clubs. Too often fans have had to fight to protect their club’s identity, heritage and even its very existence. We’ve seen the devastating impact losing these battles can have on communities like Bury.

The IFR has been established under the Football Governance Act 2025. The IFR has the primary strategic purpose to ensure that English football is sustainable and resilient for the benefit of fans and the local communities football clubs serve. The IFR has the powers to operate a licensing regime, and to monitor and enforce compliance with requirements on financial regulation, club ownership and directors, fan engagement and club heritage protection.

Person specification

Essential criteria

We are seeking to appoint NEDs who have the experience to support the IFR's establishment and ability to operate in a high profile complex environment.

All candidates must therefore be able to demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge: A clear understanding of the work, challenges and context within which the IFR operates and a commitment to its statutory objectives.
• Experience: A strong track record of governance and/or strategic leadership within the private, public or voluntary sectors.
• Relationship: An ability to build strong stakeholder relationships, including with government representatives, senior officials and external stakeholders.
• Communication: Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, accept challenges and constructively challenge others in discussions with clarity and respect.
• Judgement: Effective decision‑making skills with the ability to critically analyse a wide range of information, including confidential or sensitive material, to make clear and objective evidence‑based recommendations.
• Collaboration: Ability to work closely with the senior executive and other key internal stakeholders, providing support, constructive challenge and assurance as appropriate.
• A demonstrable commitment to: diversity, equality and inclusion; factoring nationwide perspectives into decision making; and the economic and social value of football.

Additional Criteria:

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with experience and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• Senior experience in the football industry
• Law enforcement/ national security/ illicit finance/ cyber security
• Financial regulation
• Investment banking, asset management, capital markets or similar
• Setting up an organisation to operate at a national or significant scale

For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.