RYA Regional Chair – Midlands Region
The Regional Teams are key to our engagement with boating community across the country and the delivery of projects that enable us to successfully implement our Together on Water strategy.
To help lead that delivery in the Midlands Region, we are looking for the next Chair of the Regional Volunteer Team at an important and exciting time for the region’s development.
Purpose of the Regional Team
- To support and enable engagement with and between internal stakeholders such as RYA affiliated organisations inc sailing clubs, recognised training centres (“centres”) and other internal stakeholders.
- To help ensure the RYA understands the needs of the region
- To create and deliver a regional implementation plan and support the region through the delivery of specific projects
Within the Midlands Region there are - 83 RYA Affiliated Organisations (who have a total of 18,788 members), 100 Recognised Training Centres and 8,400 RYA members.
The region covers the Counties or Unitary Authorities of: Derbyshire (including Derby), Herefordshire, Leicestershire (including Leicester), Lincolnshire (excluding North and North East Lincolnshire), Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire (including Nottingham), Rutland, Shropshire, Staffordshire (including Stoke on Trent), Telford and Wrekin, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire.
Responsibilities & Commitments of the Role:
- Provide leadership to the volunteers on the Regional Team ensuring that the regional team roles are maintained and regularly refreshed
- Represent the Region in discussions at both a regional and at a national level whilst developing strong relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders
- Develop and maintain knowledge of boating issues and delivery arrangements within the region
- Encourage effective communication between/ to /and from members and clubs to the RYA nationally and regionally
- Together with the Regional Team develop a regional strategy and delivery plans for the volunteer team to deliver and locally enhance the RYA strategy
Skills and Qualities:
- an experienced sailor or boater, either across a range of activities or specialising in one, but with the ability to understand the needs of a wider range or participants and organisations.
- able to think strategically and be able to understand and distinguish between local, regional and national perspectives
- confident to represent the Region at regional and national levels
- able to lead and motivate volunteers and to chair meetings effectively
- organised, diplomatic and have good communication skills
- IT literate including the use of Microsoft 365
In return for your commitment of around 2-3 days per month you will have 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, centres and members.
We will provide you with RYA branded clothing for attendance at meetings, a MS 365 account / RYA email address and the reimbursement of expenses.
For further information please read the - RYA MIDLANDS REGIONAL TEAM TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Application and Appointment Process
- For an informal conversation about the role please email gareth.brookes@rya.org.uk
- To apply please complete this Application Form
- Closing date for applications: Sunday 5th October
- We will hold Individual meetings with shortlisted applicants to discuss the role on the 21st or 23rd October 2025.
- We intend to appoint the new Chair in November 2025.
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.
