Independent Nominations Panel Members

Posted: 18 February 2025
Closing date: 28 February 2025
Location: Worldwide (Remote)
Term of Appointment: The post holders will be appointed by the Board and will serve a four-year term and this may be extended for one further term.
Salary Range: Voluntary Role but all reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed following agreement with World Sailing’s Expenses Policy.
How to apply: Please send your CV and covering letter addressing the criteria below, the reasons for your interest in applying and identifying your suitability for the role to legal@sailing.org.

World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

World Sailing is responsible for:

• the promotion of the sport internationally;
• managing sailing at the Olympic and Paralympic Games;
• developing the Racing Rules of Sailing and regulations for all sailing competitions;
• the training of judges, umpires and other administrators;
• the development of the sport around the world; and
• representing sailors in all matters concerning the sport.

The principal members of World Sailing are the 149 ‘Member National Authorities’ (MNAs) and the 100+ ‘Class Associations’.

Under our “Ready for the Future” strategy we have a clear and ambitious purpose: Inspire, empower and grow vibrant sailing communities around the world.

Our mission

Develop sailing as a sport with integrity, sustainability and credibility at its heart, enabling global growth through innovation, backed by robust financial decisions to create lasting legacies for generations to come.

World Sailing has completed a wholesale governance re-structure and we are now recruiting for independent persons who will help to bring this new structure to life. This is a unique opportunity to play a crucial role in the appointment of World Sailing Independent Bodies.

We are therefore recruiting for an independent Chair and four other independent members to become the World Sailing Nominations Panel.

In accordance with the Terms of Reference, the Nominations Panel is responsible for making recommendations to the General Assembly for:

• The Investigations Panel which must consist of at least three persons with experience of the investigation and prosecution of disciplinary cases within sports organisations.
• The Disciplinary Tribunal which must consist of at least seven independent members who:(a) must be legally qualified (and of an appropriate senior level) or be persons with relevant expertise and experience in legal, sporting
  or ethical disputes; and,
• The Ombudsman who must be an independent person with experience in the administration and governance of international sports federations.

The Nominations Panel is also required to make recommendations to the Board on the appointment of the Chair of the Board’s Audit Committee.

Towards the end of their term the Nominations Panel will also be responsible for reviewing their Terms of Reference.

As with all our appointments, World Sailing is committed to ensuring gender and regional balance.

The Nominations Panel must ensure that recommendations are against agreed criteria and propose candidates that have the skills, knowledge and experience to adequately perform the role they are being recommended for.

Essential

• Must be independent (not be an employee, board member, president, or other officer of a Member or of World Sailing);
• Experience of a global organisation;
• A commitment to the very highest standards of governance;
• Demonstrable personal integrity to act fairly and impartially in the interests of World Sailing as a whole, using independent judgement and maintaining confidentiality as appropriate;
• An aptitude for recruiting or developing high performing teams with both gravitas and understanding;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of international sports federation governance;
• Knowledge of disciplinary/dispute resolution.

Additional requirements for the Chair

• an independent person who is a professional from the executive placement industry or a senior human resources practitioner;
• significant experience of chairing a Panel/Committee or Board.