British Obstacle Sports is inviting applications for new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to join our Board and help guide the next stage of development for obstacle sports in the UK. This is a unique opportunity to support a community-driven sport at a pivotal moment.
Our mission is to ensure that everyone in the UK can enjoy the endless possibilities of obstacle sports. We work to create safe, inclusive, and accessible opportunities for participation at every level, while supporting athletes, coaches, centres, and event organisers.
Over the past four years, our volunteer-led Board has helped build the foundation for our sport. We’re now looking to strengthen that foundation by bringing in additional experience from outside the sport – particularly in areas such as funding, commercial development, finance, safeguarding, and media.
If you’re a strategic thinker, passionate about sport, and looking to make a meaningful contribution in a governance role, we encourage you to apply. This is a voluntary position, with a time commitment of around one day per month. The role is remote, with some very occasional in-person meetings, and expenses are covered.
We’re especially keen to hear from those currently underrepresented in sport and those who bring fresh perspectives and lived experience.
Role Description
Location: UK-wide (remote, with occasional in-person meetings)
Type: Voluntary (expenses covered)
Term: Two-year term, renewable
Time commitment: Approximately 1 day per month
About British Obstacle Sports
British Obstacle Sports is the not-for-profit national governing body for obstacle sports in the UK, covering disciplines such as obstacle course racing (OCR), ninja sport, and adventure racing. Our mission is to ensure that everyone in the UK can access and enjoy the full range of opportunities obstacle sports provide. We support athletes, clubs, coaches, and event organisers by promoting safe, inclusive, and high-quality participation at every level.
The Opportunity
We are seeking committed and proactive individuals to join our Board of Directors as Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). This is a governance-level, voluntary position for people who want to help shape the future of a dynamic sport.
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Sourcing funding – including grant applications, corporate sponsorship, and fundraising strategy
- Commercial development – such as building partnerships, revenue streams, or growth strategies in the sport sector
- Public relations and media engagement – with a focus on raising the profile of British Obstacle Sports through traditional press, broadcast, online media, and storytelling. This includes securing media coverage, developing strong media relationships, and increasing public visibility of the sport
- Finance – with experience in budgeting, financial controls, reporting, auditing and oversight
- Safeguarding and welfare – including policies and practices that protect children, vulnerable adults, and ensure safe sport environments
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic direction, challenge, and support to the Executive and volunteer team
- Uphold and promote high standards of governance and integrity
- Contribute to Board discussions and decision-making across all areas of the organisation
- Apply your area(s) of expertise to help the organisation grow and improve
- Act as a positive ambassador for British Obstacle Sports and its mission
- Attend Board meetings 4-6 times per year (held online or in person) and support relevant committees, working groups or projects between meetings
Who We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Professional experience in at least one of the key areas listed above
- Strong commitment to the vision, mission, and values of British Obstacle Sports
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively
- A proactive approach and the willingness to commit time and energy to the role
Desirable:
- Prior experience in a board, trustee, or NED position (not essential)
- Understanding of governance within sport or the charitable sector
- Awareness of best practices in safeguarding, inclusion, or equity
Our Commitment to Inclusion
British Obstacle Sports is committed to building a diverse and representative board that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly encourage applications from individuals currently underrepresented in sport, including women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from lower-income communities. We value lived experience just as much as professional expertise.
How to Apply
Please send a CV and email us at (apply@britishobstacle.org) explaining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the needs of British Obstacle Sports. Applications close on August 15th.
