Chair

The Observatory for Sport in Scotland (OSS) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that exists to inform, connect and challenge. Working with a wide network of Scottish and global partners and researchers, we engage everyone with an interest in sport, physical activity and health and wellbeing to identify knowledge gaps, and find, commission and communicate relevant research and evidence to inform solutions. We connect key stakeholders from local to national levels and use credible scientific evidence to address problems and shape sustainability in the provision of sport and physical activity. Key to that is using the lived experiences of everyone from children to older people to challenge approaches that have led to declines in participation and contributed to poor health, as we turn the tide and enable more people to be active and Scotland to reap the benefits.

As we embark on our next phase of development, OSS is seeking a new Chair to lead our Board and help shape the future direction of the organisation. This is a pivotal moment for OSS, and the incoming Chair will play a critical role in ensuring our continued growth and impact.

The Chair of OSS will provide strategic leadership, guiding the Board and executive team as we work to increase the influence and impact of our work across Scotland. This is an opportunity for a passionate individual to lead an organisation that strives to position sport as a key contributor to Scotland’s well-being and social progress.

• Leading the Board in setting and achieving OSS’s strategic objectives.
• Overseeing governance, ensuring the Board operates effectively and adheres to best practices.
• Advocating for the power of sport to address broader public challenges, including health, education, and social inclusion.
• Building relationships with key stakeholders, including government, third sector organisations, and local authorities.
• Providing guidance during a transitional phase as several Board members will step down after the next AGM.
• Supporting the organisation’s fundraising efforts to ensure sustainable financial practices.

We are looking for an individual with:

• Leadership and Vision: Experience in leading an organisation or board with strong strategic thinking and the ability to inspire others.
• Passion for Sport: A genuine enthusiasm for the role sport plays in improving lives and communities, even if not rooted in technical expertise.
• Governance Expertise: Previous experience chairing boards or committees, with a good understanding of governance and compliance.
• Strong Communication Skills: The ability to communicate OSS’s mission persuasively to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
• Collaborative Relationship Builder: Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with government, local authorities, third sector organisations, and other key stakeholders.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to evaluate OSS’s current direction and offer fresh perspectives to drive future growth.

Desirable:

• Fundraising Experience: Experience in securing funding and working with funders, particularly within the third sector.
• Third Sector Experience: Familiarity with non-profits and their governance structures, ideally from a leadership or board position.

Monday 18th November