FA Council Members Representing National Game Football Communities

Our Organisation

The Football Association (The FA) is the not-for-profit governing body of football in England. It is responsible for promoting and developing every level of the game, from grassroots through to the professional game, and successfully generates enough revenue to support investment of over £150m into English football each year. The FA oversees England international teams across men’s, women’s, youth and disability football, as well as running the National League System and FA Competitions including the Emirates FA Cup, Barclays FA Women’s Super League, FA Women’s Championship, and Vitality Women’s FA Cup, and the world-class facilities of Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park, all with a purpose to Unite the Game and Inspire the Nation.

The Role

The FA is seeking to appoint seven new members of The FA Council with the remit to represent different football communities within the National Game. (National Game is the term we apply to football from the semi-professional level of the game right through to the grassroots level). These positions will be appointed by our National Game Board.

We are continually seeking to ensure that The FA Council better reflects the inclusive and diverse nature of English football and these appointments will contribute to that goal. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from individuals with protected characteristics which are currently under-represented within The FA Council.

The FA Council is part of the decision-making structure of The FA with constitutionally defined powers which enables it to manage and regulate the game of football in England.
As part of the Council you will be required:

• To debate issues at Council meetings, using your skills, knowledge and experience from within the game, whilst acting in the best interests of The FA;
• To act in an ambassadorial role at local, regional, national and international events and in accordance with The FA’s Code of Conduct;
• To serve on committees or working groups within The FA which reflect your skills, knowledge and experience within the game;
• To participate constructively in and positively promote the good governance of The FA; and
• To contribute to debate and the decision-making process in order to resolve issues and further develop the game.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience
You should be under 65 and have an active involvement in football at any level within the National Game. (For example, you may be a player, coach / manager, match official or club / league official).

The following attributes are desirable across the membership of The FA’s Council:

• A broad knowledge of the issues and the aspirations of the level of the game that you represent;
• The ability to clearly represent the views of those that you represent;
• The ability to speak, present and network in an ambassadorial role;
• The ability to mix with diverse groups of people in a wide variety of situations;
•The ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with others (includingfellow Council Members, FA Staff and colleagues from across the football family);
•The ability to scrutinise and challenge in a positive and constructive manner;
•A willingness to act in the best interests of The FA without regard to personal interest orbenefit.

Time Commitment Council

Members should attend each of the 5 scheduled Council meetings per annum. Meetings are usually on a weekday, commencing at 11.00am at Wembley Stadium. Committee meetings are held at differing intervals but are usually on a weekday at Wembley Stadium.

During current lockdown restrictions, meetings are being held using Microsoft Teams.

Council Members can claim allowances and expenses for meetings they attend. Additionally, they will be invited to FA and England matches played at Wembley. Council Members can serve for a maximum of 3 terms of 3 years.

How to Apply

Please apply with a CV and covering letter detailing the qualities and attributes you would bring to complement The FA Council to secretariat@thefa.com by Sunday 13 June 2021.

If you require any further information on The FA Council and this role please contact Richard McDermott, Company Secretary at richard.mcdermott@thefa.com. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place in the weeks commencing 21 and 28 June 2021.

The appointed candidates will join The FA Council from 22 July 2021. The Football Association promotes equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from everyone who meets the criteria. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please detail this in your covering letter