Chief Executive of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority

Role specification

Salary: £62,000 - £82,000

Location: Greater London, London

Closing Date: 24 April 2015

Interviews: w/c 11 May 2015

Working Arrangement: Full or part time. Applications from flexible workers or job share applicants are welcomed.

Travel and some weekend working will be required

Summary

This role becomes available when the current postholder completes her secondment at the end of April. The Chief Executive is responsible for the delivery of the Authority’s strategies and reports to a non-executive Board consisting of an independent Chair and Members. He/she leads a team of 5 headquarters staff based in Central London and ten Inspectors based in the geographical areas they serve throughout the country. He/she is also the Accounting Officer.

About the Sports Grounds Safety Authority

The Sports Grounds Safety Authority is a government body and the world leader in spectator safety. It has played a fundamental role in keeping spectators safe over the past 20 years, from its beginning as the Football Licensing Authority in 1990 to the expansion of its role in 2011 allowing it to advise other sports and other countries.

The SGSA receives around £1 million per year from Government to carry out three main functions:

i)Issuing annual licences to the 92 grounds in the Premier League and Football League, and to Wembley and the Millennium Stadium, to enforce the UK Government’s policy on all seater stadia for football.

ii)Supervising Local Authorities in relation to Safety of Sports Grounds legislation and safety certification.

iii)Providing general advice and guidance on spectator safety. The UK is recognised globally for the safety of its sports grounds, and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority is vital in driving that and setting standards. Its knowledge and expertise is highly respected, and its team of inspectors has varied backgrounds and experience.

The SGSA works with a wide range of bodies to keep spectators safe and has strong relationships with clubs and venues, local government, industry, and strategic partners such as the football authorities and government. Its publications , including the Green Guide and Safety Management are used internationally by a range of sports governing bodies and venues.

More details are available

The Role of the Chief Executive

The Chief Executive’s responsibilities will include:

  • Accountable for all operational activities of the SGSA;
  • Recruitment, management, appraisal and development of employees of the SGSA;
  • Liaison with key stakeholders, representing the SGSA in its dealings with amongst others Parliament, Government, the Football Authorities, other Sports governing bodies, Local Authorities, Supporters and the Media.
  • The preparation of strategy and policies for the consideration and approval of the Board, and reporting progress to the Board;
  • Promulgation and implementation of those strategies and policies when approved and the monitoring of their implementation;
  • Planning and co-ordinating activities and resources;
  • The preparation of the Risk Register, the Annual Business Plan, the Annual Report and Accounts for the approval of the Board;

Skills and competencies

It is essential that the Chief Executive has:

  • A commitment to the SGSA’s ethos of education, advice and assistance.
  • A demonstrable high level of organisational and managerial skill, including experience of developing and implementing a strategic plan and successfully delivering a corporate plan.
  • The ability to be a high profile and effective ambassador for the SGSA and the ability to engage with key stakeholders at all levels.
  • Strong and effective communication and negotiation skills.
  • Experience in developing and advising on strategy/policy issues at the highest level.
  • Strong motivational and team development leadership skills.
  • A proven track record in directing and managing change.
  • An understanding of the role of an Arms Length Body and of its significance within Government.
  • Business focus and financial awareness.
  • Experience in management of intellectual capital, or the ability to acquire it.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable but not essential:

  • Within a comparable role within an NDPB or governmental department;
  • Within the Sports Industry;
  • Within a sector/industry governed by risk-based regulations;
  • Risk management including mitigation;
  • Experience of marketing and business development, possibly in the services or consulting sector

Principles of Public Life

The 7 principles of public life apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder. This includes people who are appointed to work in non-departmental public bodies such as the Sports Grounds Safety Authority.

The Principles are:

  • Selflessness
  • Integrity
  • Objectivity
  • Accountability
  • Openness
  • Honesty
  • Leadership

How to apply

Please apply by email to

Your application should include a letter setting out why you want the job and how you meet the requirements of the role (no longer than two pages), and a recent CV.

Chief Executive Job Specification1 April 20151