Appointed director — Finance, risk and Audit

As a people-focussed and volunteer-led organisation, we strive to support and educate everyone who paddles in Scotland. Our aim is to cultivate an inclusive community people want to be part of, with opportunities for all to grow, develop and progress in paddlesport.

There are five Appointed Director positions on the Paddle Scotland Board, appointed by the Board. Appointed Directors bring impartial perspectives to decision-making. Their primary role is to contribute independent judgment, challenge assumptions, and help ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the sport as a whole.
Appointed Directors play a critical role in strengthening governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity across the organisation. Appointed Directors can bring expertise from outside the sport, such as in finance, law, marketing,
or governance, which adds valuable insight and balance to the Boardʼs discussions. Their presence also helps to mitigate conflicts of interest and support effective oversight of strategy, risk, and performance.
Following review by the Board of the skills, knowledge and experience of current Directors, and in line with the revised governance arrangements for Paddle Scotland, the Board seeks to appoint an Appointed Director with a specific skill set in Finance, Risk and/or Audit activity.
In addition to appointment to the Board, the successful candidate will also Chair the Paddle Scotland Finance. Risk and Audit Committee.

• Offer Independent, Objective Advice to the Paddle Scotland Board
  ● Provide independent, objective oversight and challenge to the Boardʼs decision-making processes.
  ● Maintain independence from operational involvement, interest groups, or conflicts of interest.
  ● Offer expertise and perspective from outside the sport to enhance the Boardʼs collective skills and insight.
• Drive Cultural Change
  ● Play a central role on the Board of Directors focused on driving cultural change within Paddle Scotland and across Scottish paddlesport.
  ● Contribute to the ongoing governance review of Paddle Scotland and the structure for the delivery of paddlesport in Scotland.
• Strategic Planning and Judgement
  ● Fully participate in the Boardʼs involvement in strategic planning and key decision-making processes.
  ● Bring outside knowledge, experience, and innovative perspectives to the organisation by acting as a project sponsor for various initiatives.
• Accountability and Implementation
  ● Share collective responsibility for implementing all recommendations identified in the
  governance review.
  ● Contribute to a collective sense of accountability within the Board to ensure successful
  implementation.
• External Relations and Representation
  ● Develop external relationships with relevant partners and stakeholders in conjunction with the Chair and CEO.
  ● Represent Paddle Scotland at various meetings and events, contributing to the organisationʼs profile and impact.
• Board Engagement and Oversight
  ● Contribute to the development of Board agendas, actively participate in enthusiastic debates,
  and provide constructive feedback and clear thinking.
  ● Share collective responsibility for the Boardʼs judgement and outcomes.
• Committee Chair Responsibilities
  ● Chair the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee in accordance with its Terms of Reference.
  ● Provide leadership to Committee members, ensuring meetings are effective, inclusive, and
  focused on strategic oversight rather than operational delivery.
  ● Ensure the Committee fulfils its responsibilities for finance, risk and audit oversight, including planning, monitoring and evaluation.
• Corporate Governance and Compliance
  ● Ensure Paddle Scotland complies with standards of good corporate governance, including risk management and fulfilling any independent audit requirements.
  ● Act as a Director of Paddle Scotland, working in the organisationʼs best interests in line with the Companies Act 2006 and the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc.
• Other
  ● Ensure Safeguarding & Wellbeing and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are visibly supported and encouraged.
  ● Travel across Scotland and overnight accommodation may be required as part of this role in addition to any additional international duties.

• Knowledge and experience
  ● Proven experience in senior
  leadership, governance, or a
  relevant professional field (e.g.
  Finance, Risk and/or Audit).
  ● Strong understanding of good
  governance principles and
  strategic oversight.
  ● Exceptional communication and
  interpersonal skills with the
  ability to represent the
  organisation at various forums.
  ● Experience in engaging partners
  and building strong, sustainable
  relationships.
  ● Experience in building and
  maintaining relationships with
  internal and external
  stakeholders and partners.
• Other
  ● Flexible approach to the role,
  which may include evening and
  weekend work.