Recruitment Pack: Chair of the Audit, Remuneration & Governance Committee January 2022
TOGETHER FOR FOOTBALL
We are the Football Foundation — the Premier League, the FA and Government’s charity delivering upon a shared vision to help communities improve their local football facilities through grants. We’re the only example of a partnership between a national Government and a national sport coming together to support communities throughout the country.
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you so much for taking the time to find out more about this opportunity to join the Football Foundation. The Chair of the Audit Remuneration and Governance (ARG) Committee plays an important role in supporting the governance of the Football Foundation group, comprising the Football Foundation (Foundation) Charity, the non-charitable Football Stadia Improvement Fund Limited (FSIF) and the Foundation’s non-charitable trading subsidiary, The Football Foundation Trading Limited. The Foundation and FSIF Boards delegate specific responsibilities to the Chair and ARG Committee Members, such as making sure proper accounts are in place, reviewing financial performance and risk management, and ensuring there are robust and effective financial controls, policies and principles in place. With the recent announcement from the government to invest a further £205 million into grassroots football over the next 3 years, the Chair of the ARG Committee will have a vital governance role in supporting the Boards and Charity through this period and beyond. This is a great opportunity for a finance professional to support the development of a brilliant organisation. We hope you take the time to apply.
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OUR STORY
Over the last 20 years we’ve been planting the seeds to grow grassroots football, transforming communities where demand is greatest, and impact will be strongest. We have worked closely with local authorities, County FAs and other passionate people in communities up and down the country to deliver over 17,000 sports projects worth over £1.8 billion and we’ve got big plans to revolutionise England’s grassroots facilities over the next decade.
20,000 1,300
1,700
Improved grass pitches over the next 10 years
New pavilions over the next 10 years
3G facilities over the next 10 years
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OUR GOALS
The Football Foundation’s ambition is to transform the landscape of England’s grassroots game by 2030. In that time, we will deliver thousands of new pitches, while also investing in the improvement of existing grass pitches and off-pitch facilities across the country. The approach to achieve our goals includes: ○
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Local Football Facility Plans In order to achieve our ambition, we have completed 318 Local Plans, covering every area in England. These are the culmination of three years of work with local authorities, County FAs, and other stakeholders. These plans identify the current provision of facilities and the projects that each community needs and deserves, providing a blueprint for our investment. Grass Pitch Improvement Programme We are working alongside The FA on a 10-year plan to transform the quality of 20,000 grass pitches across the country. 87% of affiliated football is played on traditional grass pitches and maintaining these to the highest quality is crucial. We are working with experts and volunteers and have invested in a new digital app, PitchPower, to make expert knowledge, support, and funding into pitches more accessible.
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Our Hubs £200m investment in multi-pitch hubs has enabled us to work with Local Authorities and local football organisations, with hubs already in Sheffield, Liverpool, Sunderland, and one site in London: with construction underway for further sites in London, as well as Newcastle and Wigan.
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3G Artificial Grass Pitches In 2020, we opened 49 new floodlit 3G Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs) guaranteeing access for hundreds of thousands of people across the country, no matter the weather. Our goal is to install 1,300 more 3Gs by 2030.
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Changing pavilions We constructed and refurbished over 57 pavilions in 2019, providing players and match officials with safe, secure spaces to get changed, whilst also acting as hubs for the delivery of vital community outreach work. We are committing to 1,700 new pavilions by 2030.
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OUR FOUR CORNERS
We refer to our company values as our four corners and these form a central part of our working culture. When applying for roles we encourage applicants to be aware of our four corners as we will frame some of our interview questions around these.
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OUR IMPACT
Since 2000, we have been privileged to make a truly transformative difference to grassroots football across the country. We’re proud that, through the investment of our funding partners into grassroots football, we’ve seen incredibly positive effects on physical health, mental health, participation, and the overall economy, and we want to keep moving the goalposts.
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1223
8726
Artificial grass pitches installed
Changing room pavilions built and refurbished
Natural grass pitches improved
OUR FINANCES
With the recent announcement from the government to invest a further £205 million into grassroots football over the next 3 years, the Football Foundation is well-supported to continue to invest in pitches and communities across the nation and we are ready to scale up our operations.
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OUR CHARITABLE PURPOSE
The charity’s ‘purpose’ is what it is set up to achieve. The Football Foundation’s purpose is defined as: ○
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To put in place a new generation of modern facilities in parks, local leagues and schools; To provide capital/revenue support to increase participation in grassroots football; and To strengthen the links between football and the community and to harness its potential as a force for good in society.
You don’t need to follow football to apply, but it is expected that you appreciate the power of sport to change lives and have a genuine interest in using your skills and experience to help the Foundation achieve our charitable purpose and strategic objectives.
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MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ARG COMMITTEE
MAIN PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW OF THE ARG COMMITTEE The Football Foundation Group comprises of The Football Foundation (Foundation) Charity, the non-charitable Football Stadia Improvement Fund Limited (FSIF) and the Foundation’s non-charitable trading subsidiary, The Football Foundation Trading Limited. The Foundation and FSIF Boards have overall fiduciary responsibility for the activities of the group, but have delegated certain responsibilities to the ARG Committee. The Committee comprises representation from each of the Foundation and FSIF Boards, a co-opted independendent Committee Member and an independent Chair appointed by the Foundation Board. The overall purpose of the ARG Committee is to provide scrutiny of the Football Foundation group’s systems and processes, ensuring that these are robust and fit for purpose, and to keep the Boards informed about their financial and governance duties and responsibilities. The ARG Committee does this by:
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Ensuring that the Foundation’s resources are managed responsibly so it can meet its charitable purpose. This includes monitoring spend; approving the annual financial statement, budget, reports, and accounts; and seeking to minimise risk appropriately.
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Ensuring compliance with statutory accounting policies and processes.
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Assessing the internal financial control framework to ensure it has effective checks and balances and reviewing its effectiveness.
Reviewing the annual report and financial statements for the Foundation, Football Foundation Trading Limited, and Football Stadia Improvement Fund, and recommending these for approval/further discussion at the respective Board meetings.
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Reviewing governance and policy matters.
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Considering and reviewing the risk register and ensuring that major risks to the Foundation are identified and reviewed, and that systems are in place to mitigate or minimise these risks.
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Making recommendations to the Board on the adequacy of internal controls and procedures.
Overseeing the appointment of the external auditors, setting clear expectations of the auditors, and having a keen oversight of the audit function.
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THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
THE ROLE OF CHAIR OF THE ARG COMMITTEE The Chair is responsible for ensuring that there is effective risk management, internal controls, external and internal audit, and financial and governance systems in place. It is also the role of the Chair to ensure that ARG Committee members are acting collectively to provide high level oversight and ensure adequate control arrangements are in place to support the Executive and provide assurance to the Board of Trustees.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAIR ✓
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Ensuring the ARG Committee complies with any legal and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of its Terms of Reference (ToR). Upholding the fiduciary duty invested in the role, especially in relation to governance process and the responsibilities invested by the Board.
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Overseeing and approving the remuneration of senior Executive staff members.
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Developing a strong relationship with and supporting the CFO.
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Maintaining absolute confidentiality regarding any sensitive information received.
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Chairing ARG Committee meetings effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the forum.
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Providing feedback to the Executive regarding where efficiencies and improvements could be made and encouraging continuous improvement.
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Ensuring that ARG Committee Members are fully engaged and that the members are satisfied that the Foundation systems and processes within its remit are operating effectively and are fit for purpose.
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Undertaking a periodic review of the performance of the ARG Committee and working with the Executive and Members to respond to the learnings.
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Ensuring that the ARG Committee has the right composition and dynamic.
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Upholding the ‘four corners’ of the Foundation.
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Demonstrating a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
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Updating the Board regarding the work of the ARG Committee to facilitate and support the Board and general governance process. Fostering, maintaining, and ensuring that constructive relationships exist with and between the ARG Committee Members and the Executive team.
As part of the role, the Chair is expected to gain an understanding of the Foundation group, its objectives, risks, structure, and culture, as well as the legal framework.
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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS OR EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE ✓
Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with minimum 6+ years of post-qualified financial and operational experience (Essential)
It is expected that the Chair of the ARG Committee will add value to the Foundation group through their expertise, counsel, and sound judgement; and they are expected to demonstrate all the following personal competencies and the capacity to apply these to the direction of a mid-sized organisation:
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE 1.
Empathy with the vision, mission and aims of the Football Foundation and a way of working that demonstrates this. Ability to communicate this enthusiasm to others.
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Experience of risk management and oversight with the ability to manage risks with a balanced and informed approach.
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Knowledge or experience of audit and auditing practices.
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Understanding of the difference between governance and management functions.
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Experience of chairing forums or committees, with a willingness to express views in a reasoned way and listen to the views of others, and with the confidence to challenge and hold to account the executive and representatives of the auditors.
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Ability to analyse and evaluate management information and other evidence.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality on confidential and/or sensitive information.
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The ability to work within a framework of collective decision-making in the best interests of the Foundation and within the terms of reference of the ARG Committee, exercising sound and independent judgement at all times. Proven interpersonal, communication and people skills, including critical listening, the ability to question intelligently and debate constructively.
SECTOR EXPERIENCE The Chair is expected to have a working knowledge and a genuine interest in the charitable sector, as well as an interest in sports and an understanding of the nter-relationships between Sports Governing Bodies in the UK.
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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
COMMITMENT 1.
The ARG Committee meet five times a year and meetings are scheduled to tie in with the cycle of Board meetings. The Chair is expected to be available for all ARG Committee meetings. Meetings are held either virtually via Microsoft Teams, or in person at the Foundation’s offices in London. As well as these scheduled meetings, other contact – usually by email or telephone – may be necessary in between times.
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The ARG Chair is also required to provide a verbal update to the Board each quarter, which can be managed virtually.
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It is anticipated that the ARG Chair will dedicate around 8 days per year to the role, which will be mainly focused around preparing for and attending ARG Committee meetings. There must be a willingness from the Chair to give at least the minimum time commitment required for the role.
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The Chair must always carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with Foundation policies and legal and statutory guidelines.
LOCATION Our office is based in Paddington, London
INDUCTION ○
The Football Foundation offer a comprehensive induction process where you will learn about the responsibilities of the ARG Committee, as well as the work of the Foundation and its culture.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ✓
As a voluntary position, the role is non-remunerated; however, the Chair may claim reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of carrying out their role.
TERM OF APPOINTMENT ✓
Our current Chair will stand down from the role in May 2022. To achieve continuity and sufficient handover, the new appointee will be invited to observe the budget meeting in April 2022 and the ARG Committee meeting in May 2022. The appointment will be for an initial 3-year term, with the possibility of an additional two 3-year terms.
ELIGIBILITY While this is not a Trustee position, the Fondation adopts the Charity Commission’s eligibility criteria for Committee Membership: 1)
You must be at least 16 years old.
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You must not be disqualified under the Charities Act, i.e., you must not: a)
Be disqualified as a company director.
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Have an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud).
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Be an undischarged bankrupt (or subject to sequestration in Scotland), or have a current composition or arrangement including an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) with your creditors, and/or
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Have been removed as a Trustee of any charity by the Charity Commission (or the court) because of misconduct or mismanagement
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EQUALITY & DIVERSITY COMMITMENT
We request that all applicants complete our equal opportunities form as part of the application process. This anonymous and confidential form helps the Football Foundation to build up a picture of who is applying to join the organisation, and to monitor progress in this area. The link to complete this is in the application process. The Football Foundation group is committed to, and values the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all our team and volunteers feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential. We encourage and welcome applications from all, regardless of background and are particularly interested to hear from individuals belonging to under-represented groups including diverse ethnic communities, individuals with a disability and those from the LGBTQI+ community.
INTERVIEW ACCESSIBILITY Reasonable adjustment to the interview and application process can also be made for any candidates with a disability, please contact us at: jobs@footballfoundation.org.uk 14
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. APPLICATION
2. SELECTION
To apply, please follow the steps outlined below:
All applications received will be short listed against the role requirements and person specification. Those most closely matching our requirements will be invited to take part in an online interview.
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Please send the following to jobs@footballfoundation.org.uk ○
CV
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Cover letter highlighting your motivation for the post and indicating how your skills and experience meet the criteria for the role.
Complete an anonymous Equal Opportunities form: ○
Click here to fill it out. Please only submit one form, if you have any issues get in touch.
Closing date for applications: Sunday, 6 February 2022, 23:59
We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible, as we may close the application window once we have received sufficient applications.
3. CHECKS AND REFERENCES If you are successful in your application, we will ask you to provide us with the contact details of two organisations that we can apply for a reference; one of which must be your current/most recent employer. Please be aware that the Foundation aim to have all references in place before new members commence their engagement with us. Under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, you are required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK. If called for an interview, you will be advised of the documents that you will need to provide, which, if you are offered the role, will be checked to ensure the Foundation complies with current legislation.
We thank all applicants for taking the time to apply, however, due to the high number of applications received for most roles, the Foundation only contacts candidates if they are shortlisted for interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, you should assume your application has not been successful. The Foundation aim to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates who are unsuccessful at interview. However, due to the volume of applications received for most roles, the Foundation will unfortunately not provide feedback to those candidates who are not shortlisted for interview.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND QUERIES This Recruitment Pack is designed to be comprehensive; however, if you have any further questions regarding this role, please email: jobs@footballfoundation.org.uk 15
DATA PROTECTION
Information provided as part of your application will be used for the recruitment process. Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application and in the recruitment process. If you are successful in your application, the information you provide during the application process will be retained by us for the duration of your engagement, plus 6 years. If you are unsuccessful at any stage of the process, we will retain your personal information for a period of six months after we have communicated to you our decision about whether to appoint you to work. Please see the full Privacy Notice for job applicants on the Careers page of our website for more information about how and why your personal data will be used, namely for the purposes of the recruitment exercise, plus your rights in relation to your data.
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For more information, please email: jobs@footballfoundation.org.uk