Passionate about the power of the game and giving back? Suffolk FA is recruiting new Trustees to help shape the future of their charity and join them in changing lives through football. If you have skills within ESG, Funding & Partnerships or EDI, along with a passion for the beautiful game, we’d love to hear from you.
About Us
Suffolk County Football Association (Suffolk FA) is the not-for-profit governing body for grassroots football in Suffolk.
Our purpose is to inspire positive change through football, by driving the local game to unite communities, tackle inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of people across Suffolk.
We provide the leadership, structure, and support that enable players, coaches, referees, and volunteers to thrive and enjoy the game. With over 330 clubs representing players of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, we are proud to ensure football truly is for all in Suffolk.
Background to the role
Suffolk FA is supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers striving to enhance football across the county. The organisation is undergoing a transformative phase with the appointment of a new CEO who starts in August, the forthcoming appointment of a Commercial Funding & Partnerships Manager and the recruitment of three new Trustees to fill important skill gaps in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Corporate Funding and Partnerships. Please see the candidate information pack for full information on the roles and requirements.
In addition to expertise in either ESG, funding and partnerships and/or EDI, we are especially looking for applications from women and people from minoritised communities as we are seeking to broaden both the diversity and gender balance of our Board. Previous Board experience is not essential, and we offer a full induction and onboarding process. What is essential is a passion for our work and a desire for positive change through football.
Being a Trustee – what's involved
Every charity has a Board – a group of volunteers who ensure that the organisation is effective in carrying out the purpose for which it was set up. The trustees at Suffolk FA have responsibility for overseeing the work of the charity, ensuring that it is effectively and efficiently run, with the appropriate oversight and governance, in line with the requirements of the County FA Code of Governance.
A helpful summary of trustee roles and responsibilities can be found in the Charity Commission guidance for new Trustees: The Essential Trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do (CC3)
We are looking for
- People with the skills, knowledge and experience to lead on the development and implementation of Suffolk FA’s strategy within your specialist area (ESG; Funding & Partnerships; EDI), in line with business and football development plans.
- The ability to challenge constructively and work collaboratively with a diverse Board and Executive team.
- Ability to assess proposed courses of action against the concerns of your specialist area.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with confidence in representing the organisation externally.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- A genuine passion for inspiring positive change through football.
How to apply
Eastside People is supporting Suffolk FA in the recruitment of these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.
Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:
- Why are you interested in a Trustee role at Suffolk FA?
- Which role are you applying for (ESG/Funding/EDI) and how do your skills and knowledge meet the specification?
Please note that we will focus on your demonstrable experience and potential in the areas listed under the Person Specification and do not expect candidates to have experience in all responsibilities outlined in the Job Description. We would discourage you from deselecting yourself if you are in doubt about meeting all the criteria. Instead, if you have specific questions about the role, please email John Sanger. Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.
The closing date for applications is Friday 25th July with online shortlisting interviews with Eastside People taking place throughout the recruitment process and the week after. Face-to-face interviews with the recruitment panel at Suffolk FA will take place between the 1st and 6th of August.
Suffolk FA is an equal opportunities organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and lived experiences. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to equity and inclusion at every level of our governance.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident organisation. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.
Non Charity Employer 
11 - 20
Thank you!
Position: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Location: Devon/Cornwall
Offices: Home Park, Outland Road, Plymouth PL2 3DQ
Manadon Sports Hub, 121 St Peter’s Road, PL5 3JG
The Hub at Foulston Park, Madden Road, PL1 4NE
Carn Brea Leisure Centre, Station Road, TR15 3QS
Salary: Voluntary
Contract: 3 years
Hours: 10 hours per month
Join us our Chair of the Board of Trustees
We are seeking an inspiring Chair who will play a vital role in shaping our future.
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? Do you have a strong desire to contribute your skills to a cause that matters? We invite you to become the new Chair of our Board of Trustees and be a driving force for change!
What we are looking for:
An individual who will provide strategic guidance, support our growth and provide governance leadership. You will also support us in making a difference to the lives of people within our local communities.
While working collaboratively with our CEO, dedicated, diverse and committed team of staff, trustees and directors you will support and oversee the activities of our organisation and have oversight of board and committee activity and decision making.
Why you should join us as our Chair:
Impact: Be part of an organisation making a real difference to the lives of local people. Leadership: Support our strategic decision-making and shape the future direction of the organisation. Fulfilment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts contribute to positive change.
We want to work with a Chair who is an experienced trustee or director who will champion our vision and mission. Commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is essential, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory practice.
Time commitment:
Our Trustees are committed and provide a valuable and positive contribution, building on our strengths and ensuring our results are sustained. There are currently 10 Trustees within the Charity who bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to the organisation.
You will attend an average of 4 Board meetings and up to 4 Committee meetings a year, plus Trustee away-days & other events, such as AGM. Meetings are held during business hours and are a mixture of in-person and online. Events (including strategy days, conference and AGM) usually take place at our offices in Plymouth.
How to Apply:
If If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and to become the Chair of Board of Trustees with ACT, we would love to hear from you!
You will be given the opportunity to upload a covering letter and CV should you wish to do so however, for safer recruitment purposes, we do not accept application by CV only.
For more information about the work of Argyle Community Trust and our strategic aims visit
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