A bit about the role

This senior leadership role provides strategic oversight across British Rowing’s risk management, health & safety, external partnerships, and advocacy.
 
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will help the organization anticipate and manage strategic, operational, and financial risks while strengthening critical relationships with waterway authorities, sector bodies, and political stakeholders.

A bit about you

1. Risk Framework & Governance
• Lead Risk Strategy: Develop and embed a practical, modern risk culture across
  strategic, operational, reputational, and financial domains.
• Board Reporting: Monitor emerging risks, establish proportionate controls, and report updates to the CEO, Senior Executive Team, and Board committees.
• Organizational Resilience: Drive strategic decision-making by balancing commercial ambition with governance, resilience, and sustainability.
 
2. Health, Safety & Incident Management
• Competent H&S Adviser: Act as British Rowing’s competent adviser under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, providing practical, proportionate guidance.
• Crisis & Business Continuity: Lead crisis response planning, oversee serious incident investigations, and manage relationships with insurers and claims handlers.
• Staff & Volunteer Training: Build capability across the organization so teams can manage risk and make informed, safe decisions.
 
3. Strategic Partnerships & Advocacy
• Waterway & External Stakeholders: Build constructive partnerships with key bodies, including the Environment Agency, Canal & River Trust, and Port of London Authority.
• Policy & Influence: Lead evidence-based advocacy with political and sector stakeholders to protect and improve the operating environment for rowing.
• Champion the Sport: Promote rowing’s contribution to community health, inclusion, waterway access, and environmental stewardship.

Mandatory Requirements

Essential Experience & Skills:
• Senior leadership experience shaping strategy and risk culture in complex organizations.
• Proven track record in stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, or external affairs.
• Strong analytical and strategic decision-making skills with sound commercial judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience advising C-suite/Board level.
 
Desirable Qualifications & Background:
• Professional membership or qualification in risk management (e.g., IRM) or Health & Safety (e.g., IOSH/NEBOSH).
• Background in sport, leisure, public sector, membership bodies, or maritime/waterways sectors.

What we offer

7.5% employer pension contribution (when you contribute 3%)
£20 per month with Betterspace (our wellbeing platform)
Company Health Insurance and Health Cash Plan
Life assurance (x3 your salary)
Cycle to work scheme
Free and secure parking in Hammersmith
Free annual ROW Membership
Bonus annual leave between Christmas and New Years Day

Additional Information

To apply for this role, please submit a covering letter alongside your CV. We’re going to close applications at midday on Monday 24 August but, if you like the sound of the job, please apply straight away as we reserve the
right to close applications early if we find the right candidate!