Investigations Panel

Job role: Investigations Panel
Reporting to: World Sailing Board and the Chair of the Disciplinary Panel with support and guidance from the Legal & Governance team
Posted: May 2025
Closing date: 6 June 2025
Location: Remote
Term: 4 years
Compensation: Whilst voluntary, all reasonable travelling and similar expenses incurred in the course of World Sailing duties will be reimbursed in accordance with the Expenses Policy.
How to apply: Applications should be sent to legal@sailing.org. Applicants should provide a current CV and covering letter.

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 145 ‘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 complete governance re-structure and we are now recruiting for an independent person who will act as our inaugural Investigations Panel.

This is a unique opportunity to play a crucial role in the resolution of complaints and disputes falling within World Sailing’s jurisdiction.

At least one-third of the Panel, including the chair, must be legally qualified.

In accordance with the Terms of Reference the Investigations Panel is responsible for:
• establishing and operating an independent whistleblowing mechanism to allow complaints to be made directly to it;
• receiving complaints (including any whistleblowing reports) concerning breaches of the Constitution, Regulations, Code of Ethics or other applicable rules;
• facilitating resolution of complaints by agreement (if appropriate);
• referring any matter to the Ombudsman;
• investigating whether or not a breach of the Constitution, Regulations, Code of Ethics or other applicable rules may have occurred, and if so, charge a person before the Disciplinary Tribunal;
• Reviewing and agreeing Procedures at least once every four years.
• Reviewing and recommending any amendments to the Terms of Reference at least once every four years.
• Exercising any other investigation functions conferred on the Investigations Panel by the Regulations or the Code of Ethics.

Strategic reporting to:

• World Sailing Board and Chair of the Disciplinary Tribunal

Support & Guidance to:

• Legal & Governance Team

Essential:

• Experience of the investigation and prosecution of disciplinary cases within sports organisations.
• Must be independent not be an employee, board member, president, or other officer of either World Sailing or a Member of World Sailing and does not have any close connection
  or relationship with a director or employee of the Federation.
• 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 Investigations with excellent interpersonal skills appropriate for a global organisation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• For the Chair and one-third of the Panel must be legally qualified.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the sport of Sailing.
• Knowledge of the Racing Rules of Sailing.
• Fluency in another language.