Why Join the EMD UK Board?
Joining the EMD UK Board offers an opportunity to contribute to an organisation that plays a distinctive and influential role within the physical activity sector. Group exercise delivers significant social and health value, and EMD UK exists to support, develop, and advocate for this important part of the active lifestyle landscape.
Board Directors play a vital role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring strong governance, and supporting long-term sustainability. The role provides the opportunity to apply your experience, judgement, and insight to matters of public value, sector development, and organisational stewardship.
EMD UK is committed to fostering a Board culture characterised by respect, collaboration, and thoughtful debate. We welcome Directors who are motivated by purpose, governance excellence, and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the group exercise and the broader health sector.
Non-Executive Director & Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee (FAAC)
Role Purpose
The FAAC Chair works closely with the Chair of the Board, CEO and senior staff to ensure appropriate financial oversight and assurance, and reports to the Board on financial matters.
The Chair of the FAAC is expected to attend all EMD UK general board meetings as an active member.
The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant or finance director with the ability to scrutinise organisational accounts and safeguard EMD UK for the future of its work.
Key Responsibilities (FAAC Chair)
- Chair quarterly Finance and Audit Committee meetings
- Provide financial oversight and scrutiny on behalf of the Board
- Support the Board in overseeing financial planning, performance, and risk
- Oversee the annual audit process
- Review and support the development of budgets prior to Board approval
- Ensure appropriate financial controls and governance processes are in place
- Report to the Board on financial performance and audit matter
- Serve as a Non-Executive Director of the EMD UK board at all times during tenure as the Chair of the FAAC
Person Specification
- Qualified accountant, Finance Director, or equivalent senior financial leadership experience
- Strong understanding of financial governance and audit processes
- Experience of financial oversight within complex organisations
- Understanding of charitable, public sector, or mixed funding environments is desirable
- Ability to provide constructive scrutiny and assurance at Board level
Director Responsibilities and Expectations
Non-Executive Directors of EMD UK share collective responsibility for the stewardship, governance, and long-term success of the organisation. Directors are expected to act with integrity, independence, and in the best interests of EMD UK at all times.
Legal Duties of Directors
Board Directors are appointed in accordance with company law and are required to fulfil the statutory duties of a director. These duties include acting in good faith to promote the success of the organisation, exercising independent judgement, and ensuring reasonable care, skill, and diligence in decision-making.
Directors are expected to uphold high standards of governance, accountability, and ethical conduct.
Conflicts of Interest
Directors must declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest in line with EMD UK’s governance policies. This includes financial interests, professional relationships, or other roles that may influence, or be perceived to influence, impartial decision-making.
The transparent management of conflicts is a fundamental component of good governance and protects both the individual Director and the organisation.
Committee Participation
Board Directors may be invited to serve on committees to support the effective governance and oversight of the organisation. Committees play an important role in areas such as finance, audit, remuneration, and governance.
Directors are expected to contribute appropriately to committee work where their skills and experience are relevant, and to engage fully in Board and committee discussions.
Time Commitment
Board Directors are expected to attend four Board meetings per year, which are typically held in London with the option of virtual participation when unavoidable. Directors may also be invited to participate in Board committees and occasional strategic discussions or sector events.
The expected time commitment is approximately 1–2 days per month, including preparation time and dependent on chair status.
The Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee will additionally:
- Chair quarterly FAAC meetings (held virtually)
- Work with staff to ensure agendas and papers are prepared appropriately
- Provide regular financial reporting and assurance to the Board
Rumeneration & Expenses
Board roles are voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. However, due to the additional responsibilities and time commitment associated with chairing the Finance and Audit Committee, a modest stipend is provided for the FAAC Chair role.
The Application Process
We welcome applications from individuals who are motivated to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of EMD UK.
Applications should be submitted via our online application form hosted here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/emdukboardrecruitment2026
The application form will ask you to provide or upload key information, including your Curriculum Vitae and a supporting statement (maximum two pages) outlining your interest in the role and the skills or experience you would bring to the Board.
Candidates who would like an informal conversation about the role prior to applying are welcome to contact us at:
sarahp@emduk.org
