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Board Opportunities - Non-Executive Directors

horsescotland is seeking to appoint three Non-Executive Directors to the board. As the organisation prepares to launch an ambitious 10-year strategy, the board wishes to appoint individuals who have strategic experience and a strong desire to help support  horsescotland to deliver on the strategy and ensure success for the organisation, member bodies and equestrianism within Scotland. 

 

Areas of expertise 

Director positions are currently available to individuals with skills, knowledge and experience in the following areas: 

  • Welfare

  • IT & Digitisation

  • Finance

However, applications are also welcomed from any individuals who feel their skills and  experience would be beneficial to the board and organisation outside of the above specialist  areas and such individuals are encouraged to apply, stating areas of knowledge and experience. 

 

Overall responsibility 

To support other board members, the chair and staff team on governance and compliance of horsescotland as well as the strategic vision of the organisation. Appointed directors will draw on their knowledge and expertise to keep the board informed of developments in their particular field and support the staff team with implementation of best practice for horsescotland. 

 

Main duties and responsibilities 

  • Directors will advise and support on policy, procedures and governance in their areas of expertise 

  • Make recommendations to the board and staff team 

  • Contribute to the overall organisational governance and compliance 

  • Share independent judgement on issues of strategy, policy and performance 

  • Take part in enabling the board to arrive at balanced and objective decisions where required

  • Have input on launching the new strategy and regularly assess and review strategy success and challenges 

  • Contribute to funding decisions where required 

  • Attend board meetings and ensure a contribution to discussions 

  • Attend and engage in board training and development away days once a year 

  • Participate in any board induction, training and evaluation as identified and required throughout term

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Person Specification 

  • Demonstrable commitment to horsescotland’s values and mission 

  • Experience of leadership whether at management, board or committee level 

  • Be aware of existing and emerging challenges within the equestrian sector/wider sporting landscape 

  • Excellent communication skills  

  • Ability to build trust and nurture strong relationships 

  • Dedication to the development and success of equestrian sport and activities across  Scotland 

  • Ability to self-evaluate skill set and identify areas where training is required 

  • Ability to understand, analyse and suggest solutions to complex strategic issues

  • Sound, independent judgement and an ability to view circumstances from differing  perspectives 

  • Work well within a team and ability to collaborate effectively with others

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Requirements of the role 

  • Successful candidates must be able to attend/contribute updates to board meetings  throughout the year. Around eight meetings are held every year and are hosted online

  • Ability to attend and participate in Board Away Days – these are held once a year 

  • horsescotland expects Board Directors to commit approximately 30 hours a year, this includes meeting times 

  • Director positions are all undertaken on a voluntary basis and no remuneration is provided 

  • These positions will require successful candidates to join the PVG Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland 

  • Appointments run for a 3 year term with the possibility of re-election for a further 3 years thereafter 

How to apply​

If you wish to apply to join the horsescotland Board of Directors, please email a copy of your CV and a cover letter stating which of the three areas of expertise you are applying within, or if it is an additional area you feel would be beneficial to the organisation. Your cover letter should detail why you wish to join the board as well as how you meet the required skills and experience. 

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Please email your CV and cover letter to the horsescotland Education and

Development Manager Emily Smith at emily@horsescotland.org 

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Closing date for applications: 

23:59 Sunday 19th of April 2026

If you have any questions about the opportunities before applying, please get in touch with Emily at emily@horsescotland.org 

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horsescotland commitment 

horsescotland is committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion across equestrianism and that horses are accessible to everyone. Our recruitment process is no different and we encourage candidates from all different backgrounds, identities and abilities to apply and share their experiences, skills and knowledge with us. We are dedicated to having an inclusive environment and culture across our organisation and sport where everyone feels valued, respected and has the opportunity to excel.

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