Chair of the Board – Trafford Leisure

Trafford Leisure CIC is recruiting a new Chair for its Board of Directors. You don’t need to be a sports or physical activity expert to apply for this role. If you have a passion for improving the lives of the Trafford Community through health and wellbeing initiatives, you could be perfect for this role. Our new Chair will be an independent and strategic thinker, experienced in leading and motivating others through periods of change. With a collaborative approach, you will bring an excellent understanding of good governance, sound judgement, and be comfortable navigating a complex environment. The Chair will be a first-class communicator and ambassador for Trafford Leisure, building relationships and advocating for us and our work across various platforms.

Our History and Vision

Trafford Leisure CIC was established in 2015 when the local authority, Trafford Council, engaged us to provide leisure services and recreational activities at the Council leisure centres and golf facilities. We are the largest operator of sport and leisure facilities in Trafford with a bold vision to “Inspire and create opportunities for the people of Trafford to move more and live longer, healthier, happier lives” we want to help reduce health inequalities across the Trafford and Greater Manchester area, in a sustainable way, to inspire people to move more every day.

This is a pivotal point in our evolution as Trafford Council invest millions of pounds in the 5 main indoor leisure facilities in Trafford over the coming years. The ambitious investment program will see the portfolio of centres transformed into fit for purpose, accessible, inspiring spaces under a new brand of “move” for future generations to come. Trafford Leisure works collaboratively with Trafford Council for the benefit of all Trafford residents.  As well as operating and managing the leisure centres, golf course/driving range and 128 football pitches, Trafford Leisure supports the delivery of the Trafford Council’s Trafford Moving Strategy, with a particular focus on older adults over the age of 75, BAME communities, women and girls and residents from areas of deprivation and/or with long term conditions and disabilities to reduce inactivity.

Trafford Leisure are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring we operate to the highest standards of governance and in doing so have developed a two-year plan, that when achieved will see us comply with all requirements of a Tier Three Sport England organisation.

Our previous Chair, Andy Worthington OBE, has now stepped down after an amazing 9 years of continuous service with the Trafford Leisure Board. We are therefore seeking a new Chair who will lead the Board, continue to foster the relationship with Trafford Council and key stakeholders, and work closely with our CEO and Executive team to deliver our vision, effectiveness, and good governance.

You need not have been a Charity or CIC Chair before, but you will bring considerable Senior or Executive Level Leadership experience, non-Executive or Trustee experience gained on high caliber boards, ideally as Chair, Vice Chair or with experience of chairing sub-committees or similar.

Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion (EEDI)

Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion are critical for the success of Trafford Leisure and the achievement of our vision. We aspire to being a diverse, inclusive and responsible organisation. Recognising that a diverse Board and workforce is essential to bringing fresh ideas and perspectives, we particularly welcome applications from minority, marginalised and diverse groups, and we promise a fair and unbiased recruitment process.

The Commitment as Chair: 

• Quarterly Board Meetings
• Annual Performance Reviews of Directors (maximum 12)
• Annual Performance Review of CEO and support
• Development Days (two half days per year)
• Ad Hoc Events and Trafford Council Strategy Partnership Meetings (where possible)

The minimum commitment is 3 years, which can be extended to a maximum of nine years through two additional 3-year terms. The role of Chair requires an estimated amount of commitment of around 8-10 hours per month.

Remuneration

The Chair role is remunerated at £5,000 per year, depending on skills and experience. Trafford Leisure will also reimburse any reasonable expenses incurred whilst carrying out the role, (to be discussed and agreed upon appointment). Additionally, the Chair, like our other Non-Executive Directors and people, will receive complimentary membership to all our Trafford Leisure facilities, saving up to £450 a year.

If you feel Trafford Leisure matches your own aims, ambitions and values, and relish the opportunity to make a real difference for the people of Trafford we would love to hear from you.

As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any questions, or any special requirements to help with your application, then please e-mail our People team at supportservices@traffordleisure.co.uk and we will be happy to help you.

The Next Steps

To find out more about the appointment and to apply please visit:   https://traffordleisure.co.uk/chair-of-board-job-role/

The closing date for this role is 22nd May 2025.

We very much look forward to receiving your application.

We do not accept speculative CV from Agencies and any CVs received will be treated as a gift.