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Chair of the North Regional Team

We are recruiting for the next Chair of the North Regional Team at an important and exciting time for the region’s development. 

Having recently completed a review of the RYA Regional Teams and have revised their structure and Terms of Reference, our Regional Teams are now better placed to support engagement, provide support and deliver specific projects that enable the delivery of our strategy Together on Water.  

In addition, the process for recruiting and inducting volunteers have been improved to make it easier and more rewarding to volunteer for the RYA. Whilst we have made some good steps forwards, we now need to consolidate and continue to implement these changes, so this is an important role for the ongoing success of the region. 

Purpose of the Regional Team

To support the overall RYA Strategy Together on Water in the North region. More specifically, the purpose of the Regional Team is:

  • To support and enable engagement with and between internal stakeholders in the region. Internal stakeholder groups include RYA affiliated organisations, recognised training centres ("centres"), and other internal stakeholders as agreed with the Board.
  • To be a point of contact for RYA affiliates and members within the region.
  • To ensure the RYA is connected to and understands the needs of the region.
  • To create and deliver a regional implementation plan.
  • To support the region through the delivery of specific projects.

Dimensions

  • 119 RYA Affiliated Organisations
  • 160 Recognised Training Centres
  • 10,562 RYA Members
  • 27,747 Members of Affiliated Clubs

Further information 

The North Regional Team is a non-policy-forming committee of the English Regional Forum covering the following areas – Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, the Isle of Man, Northumberland, County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, the Tees Valley authorities (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees), North Yorkshire (including York), West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.  

The Regional Team comprises of a Regional Management Group, a Regional Engagement Group and a Regional Volunteer Team. The number of members of the Regional Team varies, but the Regional Management Group is limited to 7 persons to include the Regional Manager. The Chair will work closely with this RYA staff member to achieve the purposes of the Regional Team, with the Chair leading the volunteers within the Regional Team. 

The Regional Chair will usually chair all regular meeting of the Regional Team and represent the region at the English Regional Forum as well as on other bodies as needed. 

The English Regional Forum enables interaction between the RYA regions, the RYA Chair, Chief Executive and senior development and performance staff. It positions the English regions alongside those of the other Home Countries, RYA Cymru Wales, RYA Northern Ireland and RYA Scotland, and provides the regions with the opportunity to support and learn from each other. 

Commitment required: 

2-3 days per month for a term of 2 years with the option to extend by 2 years with the approval of the Board. 

Responsibilities & Commitments

  • Provide leadership to the volunteers on the Regional Team.
  • Represent the region in discussions at both regional and national levels where appropriate.
  • Develop and maintain knowledge of boating issues and delivery arrangements within the region.
  • Develop strong relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
  • Encourage effective communication between members, clubs and the RYA, both nationally and regionally.
  • Together with the Regional Team, develop a regional strategy and delivery plans to implement and enhance the RYA strategy locally.
  • Ensure that Regional Team roles are maintained and regularly refreshed.

Skills and Qualities

The Regional Chair will need to be:

  • An experienced sailor or boater, either across a range of activities or specialising in one, with the ability to understand the needs of a wider range of participants and organisations.
  • Able to think strategically and understand the distinction between local, regional and national perspectives.
  • Confident in representing the region at both regional and national levels.
  • Able to lead and motivate volunteers and chair meetings effectively.
  • Organised, diplomatic, and possess strong communication skills.
  • IT literate, including the use of Microsoft 365.

We will provide Regional Chairs with:

  1. An opportunity to play a key role in supporting the development and resilience of sailing and boating in the region, and to represent the views of affiliates, recognised training centres and members.
  2. Connections with relevant clubs, recognised training centres and members.
  3. RYA branded clothing for attendance at meetings.
  4. A Microsoft 365 account and an RYA email address.
  5. Reimbursement of reasonable expenses.

For further information, please read the Proposed RYA North Terms of Reference .

The Application and Appointment Process

  • For an informal conversation about the role, please email Gareth Brookes, RYA Head of Regions, at gareth.brookes@rya.org.uk.
  • To apply, please complete the Regional Chair Application Form North .
  • We will hold individual meetings with shortlisted applicants to discuss the role during the week commencing 31 August 2026 (first-round interviews).
  • We intend to appoint the new Chair in October 2026.

The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity.

As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity, and creativity.

We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves. We would particularly encourage applications from ethnically diverse candidates who are currently underrepresented at the RYA.