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Structure

West Riding FA shall have a clear and appropriate governance structure, led by a Board which is collectively responsible for the long-term success of the Association and exclusively empowered to lead it. The Board shall be property constituted and shall operate effectively. 

Having the right governance structure is paramount in facilitating effective decision-making and driving our success. A well-defined governance framework ensures that decisions are made at the appropriate levels, fostering accountability, transparency, and efficiency.

By establishing clear lines of authority and responsibility, we ensure each decision is directed to the appropriate decision-makers, leveraging their expertise and knowledge. This not only streamlines our decision-making process but also facilitates well-informed and strategic choices.

Furthermore, a sound governance structure promotes a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, allowing diverse perspectives to be considered in the decision-making process. 

In the context of West Riding FA, a sound governance structure, guided by the Companies Act 2006 and the FA Code of Governance, serves as the bedrock for making decisions that advance our mission and safeguards the interests of the grassroots game in the county.

In 2022, the Board concluded phase 1 of the Corporate Governance Review which resulted in the removal of Council in favour of consultative Working Groups. This change positioned the Board as the ultimate decision-making body empowered to exercise all the powers of the Association.  

Click here to find about our Corporate Governance Review 

The Working Groups are aligned to the current strategic objectives and are coordinated by the Executive Team and the Directors. 

The following Working Groups (WG) have been established: 

WG1: Operations 
WG2: Membership/Customer Excellence 
WG3: Football Development 
WG4: Referee Development 
WG5: District Associations 
WG6: Clubs/Leagues/Communities 

Click here to join one of our Working Groups 

 

key information

No. A maximum of 30% of Directors are elected (i.e were former members of Council). The remaining Directors are independent. 

The following are mandatory on the Board: 

- Safeguarding Board Champion 
- Safety and Welfare Director 
- Finance and Risk Director 
- Strategy and Planning Director 

All vacancies are subject to open, publicly advertised recruitment process. Further details are provided in the Selection and Recruitment Policy for Directors. 

Directors can serve for a maximum of 9 years on a 3 x 3-year term. 

This number is directed by the Articles of Association. The Board shall not exceed 12 Directors (including the Chief Executive Officer) 

The Code states that a minimum of 30% of Directors shall be female. There are currently 2 females on the board with a further recruitment planned in early 2024 to recruit an additional female. 

The board meets monthly.  

The Job Role profile for a Director is available for download. The Companies act 2006 sets out the duties and liabilities of Directors. 

The recruitment of new Directors is based on the skills gaps identified in the annual skills, knowledge, and experience assessment.