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 Directors
Role Purpose
Non-Executive Directors contribute to the effective governance, strategic oversight, and long-term sustainability of EMD UK. Directors provide independent judgement, constructive challenge, and support to the executive team while safeguarding the organisation’s mission and interests.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to strategy & long-term planning
- Provide independent challenge & support
- Oversee financial performance & risk
- Uphold governance & regulatory standards
- Act as an ambassador for EMD UK
- Participate in committees if required
Person Specification
Essential
- Sound judgement & integrity
- Strategic mindset
- Understanding of governance / risk / finance
- Ability to work collaboratively at Board level
Desirable Skills & Experience
EMD UK welcomes applications from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Sector Expertise
- Governance
- IT or Digital Marketing/Digital Marketing
- Fundraising
Political Lobbying
Rumeneration & Expenses
Board roles are voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
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 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
