Independent Non-Executive Director (INED)

TESOL International Association; City Of London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading sports organization is seeking an Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) to provide objective feedback at the board level and ensure governance integrity. The ideal candidate is an experienced executive-level leader with strong stakeholder management skills and a passion for football. Commitment includes up to 25 days per year for meetings and events.

Qualifications

• Experience relevant to Board Committees in Audit, Remuneration, and Commercial.
• Experience in regulated sectors is a plus.
• Strong understanding of governance and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Provide objective judgment at board discussions.
• Manage stakeholder interests with integrity.
• Act as an ambassador for English football.

Skills

Executive-level leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Integrity

Curiosity

Job description

Job Details

The Football Association - Independent Non-Executive Director (INED)

Our Organisation

The Football Association [The FA] is the not-for-profit governing body of football in England. It is responsible for promoting and developing every level of the game, from grassroots through to the professional game, and generates significant revenue to support investment into English football each year. The FA oversees England international teams across men’s, women’s, youth and disability football, as well as running the National League System and FA Competitions including the Emirates FA Cup, the FA Women’s Cup, and the world‑class facilities of Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park, all with a purpose to inspire positive change through football.

The FA Board comprises ten members, being an independent chair, four independent non‑executive directors (inc. the SID), two stakeholder representatives from each of the Professional Game (being the Premier League and EFL) and the National Game (the collective term used for all football below the professional level) and the FA CEO.

In advance of one our current INEDs reaching the end of their full term in October 2026, we are starting the search for a successor.

Applications

Applications for the role of INED at The FA will be managed externally by Andy Hayward at Sam Allen Associates. To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to [e-mail] by 12th November 2025.

The Role

The primary role of the INED is to bring objectivity to board discussions and an independent point of view and judgement on matters such as strategy, performance, ways to manage and connect with the different stakeholders and ensure good governance.

The INED Will

• Be curious and provide both challenge and support to other Board Directors and the Executive team.
• Ensure that the Board acts with integrity and takes all the different stakeholder interests into account as it makes decisions. This includes supporting the Chair to manage the trade‑offs that will naturally arise from these stakeholders to ensure that decisions are taken in the best, and long‑term interests of the game.
• Be an ambassador for English football and The FA, both at home and abroad, building strong relationships at all levels across the game.

The Person Will

• Be an experienced Executive‑level leader, familiar with operating at Board‑level, ideally having held a CEO/Managing Director/Functional Director leadership role.
• Bring experience relevant to Board Committees specifically any of the Audit, Remuneration, and Commercial Committees.
• Candidates who have current or recent experience working in regulated sectors are of particular interest.
• Demonstrate the intellect and natural curiosity to contribute widely to discussion, drawing on experience that will be credible to a variety of stakeholders.
• Be a progressive thinker who will use their skill, experience and values to nurture the existing culture and contribute to complex debate.
• Have well‑developed stakeholder management skills combined with determination and resilience.
• Be keen and willing to travel to attend fixtures and events, in addition to attending Board meetings.
• Have a passion for football and the vital contribution it makes to society at large.

Term

INEDs are given an initial term of three years and can serve for a maximum of three terms of three years.

Time Commitment

Commit to up to 25 days per annum to attend FA Board and Board Committee meetings and to attend fixtures and events.

Definition Of Independence

A person who is generally considered to be free from any close connection to The FA and a close connection shall be deemed to include, without limitation, the following:

• the person is, or has been within the last four years, actively involved in our affairs or held any position or role within The FA
• the person holds, or has held within the last six months, a position or role with any Football Stakeholder (e.g. a league, club, County FA)
• the person has, or has had within the last six months, a Material Business Relationship with The FA
• the person has close family ties with any directors, senior employees or committee members.

The Board has discretion to reduce this to six months in certain circumstances.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Football Association promotes equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from everyone who meets the criteria. If you have any particular requirements and/or reasonable adjustments in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please detail this in your application and covering letter.