Non Executive Director

Overview

Provide an additional channel for Directors and stakeholders, support the Chair, lead on Chair appraisal, and strengthen Board effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and challenge the Chair as a critical friend
• Be available to Directors, staff, or stakeholders if concerns cannot be raised via the Chair or Executive Director
• Lead annual appraisal of the Chair; support Board reviews and development
• Deputise for the Chair when needed
• Represent Play England at key events, including Playday and International Day of Play

Person Specification

• Independent under the Code of Governance definition
• Governance experience as trustee or Non-Executive Director
• Diplomatic, discreet, and good judgment
• Commitment to Play England's mission, safeguarding, EDI, and Nolan Principles

Time Commitment & Term

• 4 years, renewable once
• Eligible to serve as company director and charity trustee
• Appointment subject to DBS check

About The Role The Role of the Board

Our Board provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight. Directors are both company directors and charity trustees, with the associated legal and fiduciary duties. The Board ensures that we meet our charitable objectives and regulatory requirements, that Play England is well-governed and financially sustainable, and that our strategy is delivered effectively. We are committed to the Code of Governance and to continuous improvement in how we operate, including championing children's right to play at the highest levels.

• Play England is well-governed and financially sustainable.
• Our strategy is delivered effectively.
• We meet our charitable objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Children's right to play is championed at the highest levels. We are committed to the Code of Governance and to continuous improvement in how we operate.

Time Commitment

• 4 - 6 Board meetings per year (normally online, with at least one in-person).
• Occasional sub-committees and/or task groups.
• Attendance at Play England key events such as Playday and the International Day of Play.

Support, Term and Remuneration

• A full induction, ongoing training, buddying and mentoring.
• 4 years, renewable once (per our Memorandum & Articles of Association).
• These are voluntary, unpaid roles. Expenses will be reimbursed.

Who We're Looking For

• We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and particularly those currently under-represented on charity boards. We are especially keen to hear from candidates with expertise in areas such as:
• Policy, public affairs, or campaigning
• Digital, data, or communications
• Organisational leadership and change
• Governance, law, finance, or risk You don't need to be a play expert we already have those around the table. What matters is that you share our values, believe in children's right to play, and can bring your skills and experience to help us thrive.

A person is independent if they are free from any close connection to Play England and would be viewed as independent by an objective outsider. This means we are looking for people primarily from outside the play sector who can bring fresh perspectives, expertise, and constructive challenge.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We want our Board to reflect the children, families and communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and especially encourage younger applicants (under 30), people with disabilities, people from underrepresented communities, and people of all genders. Appointments are on merit. If you need any reasonable adjustments, we will provide them.

• Your CV and a covering letter (max 2 pages) explaining which role you are applying for (Chair, SID, or Independent Director), why you are interested, and how your skills and experience match what we're looking for.
• Please provide details of two referees (name, role, organisation, email, phone). We will only contact referees if you are recommended for appointment, and only with your consent.
• We encourage applicants to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. This is anonymous, used only for statistical purposes, and is not part of the recruitment decision.

Recruitment Timeline

• Interviews (by Nominations Committee): early November 2025 we will be flexible around your and our availability
• Recommendations to Board: mid November 2025
• Appointments ratified at AGM: 3 December 2025

If you'd like an informal discussion about the roles and/or the timetable, please do contact our Executive Director, Eugene Minogue.