Badminton Ireland invites applications for the role of National Governance and EDI Manager. This full-time position is instrumental in advancing the 2022–2028 NGB strategic plan and fostering a culture of governance, equality, diversity, and inclusion across our sport.

Background to Badminton Ireland

Badminton Ireland (a registered company limited by guarantee) collaborates with various stakeholders across the Island of Ireland, including our Provincial Branches, Sport Ireland, Sport NI, the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympic Ireland, the Local Sports Partnership Network and the Federation of Irish Sport. We are dedicated to making badminton an inclusive, lifelong sport accessible to all.

Our Purpose

To make badminton a fun, sustainable, inclusive sport for all throughout the Island of Ireland, fostering participation for life and supporting high performance at all levels.

Our values

Fun, Fair, Inclusive, Progressive, Transparent.

Reporting To:  Chief Executive Officer

Job Purpose:

The Governance and EDI Manager at Badminton Ireland will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of governance, equity, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation. This role will lead efforts to foster a culture of good governance and develop robust structures that reflect the organisation’s values of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.

The Governance and EDI Manager will act as the lead for safeguarding and related areas, ensuring compliance with child protection, GDPR, and other critical governance standards. Collaborating with stakeholders at all levels, they will champion initiatives to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion into every facet of Badminton Ireland’s operations, ensuring alignment between actions and words.

Key to this role will be the development and execution of strategies that align with the Governance Code for Sport, while managing relationships with critical partners, including:

• Badminton Ireland Branches, Counties, and Local Sports Partnerships.
• Sport Ireland, relevant EDI organizations, and other national sports bodies.

The Governance and EDI Manager will ensure:

• Clubs, Counties, and Branches adhere to GDPR, safeguarding, and EDI requirements.
• Staff and Board members receive comprehensive training in governance, fostering a shared commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• The organization nurtures an inclusive and diverse community of players, coaches, and club volunteers, reflecting the values of Badminton Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Governance and EDI Manager include, but are not limited to, the following:

Governance and Compliance

• Lead, manage, and monitor the implementation of Badminton Ireland’s Safeguarding, Governance, and Data Protection Policies.
• Ensure compliance with the Sport Ireland Governance Code for Sport.
• Provide governance support to Branch Associations, County & League Associations, and Clubs where required.
• Collaborate with Badminton Ireland staff to promote an understanding and awareness of best practices in organizational governance.
• Serve as the National Complaints & Disciplinary Officer in accordance with the Badminton Ireland Complaints & Disciplinary Policy.

Safeguarding and Athlete Welfare

• Develop and deliver an annual Safeguarding Training Programme, ensuring adequate recruitment and retention of safeguarding tutors.
• Provide safeguarding and athlete welfare assistance to the High-Performance and National Junior Squads Programmes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

• Facilitate the delivery of an annual Club Forum/Engagement Programme to support Branch Associations, County & League Associations, and Clubs.
• Provide secretarial support to the Badminton Ireland Governance Committee.

Training and Development

• Ensure staff and Board members are equipped with the necessary training to uphold governance standards and foster an inclusive and supportive organisational culture.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

• Develop a comprehensive Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion work plan aligned with the overarching Badminton Ireland Strategy, including:
• Collaboration with the Badminton Ireland EDI Working Group.
• Engagement with the Badminton Ireland Board and the designated Board member responsible for overseeing EDI initiatives.
• Input from Clubs, Branches, and relevant national bodies.
• Implement and deliver the EDI work plan on an annual basis, ensuring progress towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment throughout the organisation.

Badminton Ireland Operations

 Work with the CEO to deliver key grant applications throughout each year across the business such as Sport Ireland’s Core Grant.

• Management of all governance relating budgeting annually

Person Specification – Essential Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• A third-level qualification in governance, education, or a related field, and/or a minimum of five years’ experience in a governance role.
• Experience as a Safeguarding Tutor (desirable).
• Proven understanding of Garda Vetting procedures and their implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management and/or conflict resolution.
• A track record of developing governance structures in volunteer-led environments.
• Familiarity with the Sport Ireland Governance Code for Sport and its application within National Governing Bodies.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including those in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
• Knowledge and practical experience in implementing or delivering Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policies and frameworks.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to deliver clear and concise messaging to varied audiences.
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships and communicate confidently with peers, seniors, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality and discretion.
• Resilience and the ability to perform effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Full clean driving licence and own transport.
• Legally entitled to work in Ireland.

Additional Information:

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Remuneration will be based on experience and skills.

Hours: 37.5 Hours per week. Will be required to work occasional weekends.

Location: Badminton Ireland, Irish Sports HQ, National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Process:

The closing date for applications is midday on January 15^th 2025.

Cover Letter and CV should be sent by email to elynch@badmintonireland.com marked Governance and EDI Manager.

An initial interview will be held in person from a shortlist of candidates.