Eligibility Panel Independent Member - UK Sport
The Role
Help support fair and robust decisions concerning eligibility for public funding and publicly funded benefits.
UK Sport is seeking to appoint an Independent Member to join its Eligibility Panel.
The UK Sport Board has delegated decision-making authority to the Eligibility Panel to determine matters relating to the eligibility of Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel to receive Public Funding and/or Publicly Funded Benefits, in accordance with the UK Sport Funding Eligibility Policy.
This is an opportunity to play an important role in supporting fair, independent and robust decision-making within the UK high-performance sporting system.
About the Role
As an Independent Member, you will sit on Eligibility Panel hearings and contribute to fair, evidence-based and procedurally robust decisions.
You will help ensure that cases are considered independently and consistently in accordance with the UK Sport Funding Eligibility Policy. You will work alongside other Panel members, drawing on the collective experience, capacity and skills required to understand UK Sport’s investment role and the interests of relevant stakeholders.
Please see the job description for a full overview of the role and its responsibilities.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking candidates with relevant knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:
- elite performance;
- safeguarding;
- sport science;
- sports medicine; and
- coaching.
Applicants should be able to consider complex and sensitive information objectively, contribute effectively to Panel discussions and provide appropriate challenge to support fair and robust outcomes.
What You Will Bring
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- relevant knowledge and experience in one or more of the areas listed above;
- strong judgement and the ability to analyse complex information and evidence;
- the ability to approach cases fairly, independently and objectively;
- excellent communication and listening skills;
- the confidence to provide appropriate and constructive challenge;
- the ability to work collaboratively with the Independent Chair and other Panel members;
- a commitment to fair and robust decision-making.
A full person specification is available in the job description.
Please note: UK Sport is recruiting both Independent Chairs and Independent Members. Legally qualified applicants will only be considered for the Independent Chair role.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
At UK Sport, we are committed to building inclusive leadership and governance structures that bring together people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We believe better decisions are made when a broad range of voices and experiences are represented on the Panel.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are particularly interested in attracting individuals whose lived experience, professional expertise or career journey may bring additional insight and challenge to the Panel’s discussions.
We are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process and will make reasonable adjustments wherever needed to ensure candidates can participate fully in the appointment process.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to contribute to independent and effective decision-making within the UK high-performance sporting system.
As an Independent Member, you will use your knowledge, experience and judgement to help ensure that complex eligibility matters are considered fairly, consistently and robustly.
Terms of Appointment
- Appointment for a term of up to four years.
- Eligibility for consideration for a further term of up to four years, subject to mutual agreement.
- A maximum of two terms may be served.
- Primarily remote working, with occasional meetings in London.
About UK Sport
UK Sport is the nation’s high-performance sports agency, funded by the Government and The National Lottery. Working in partnership, our mission is to lead Olympic and Paralympic sport in the UK to world-class success and create extraordinary sporting moments that reach, inspire and unite the nation.
How to Apply
To apply, please follow this link to complete the application form and submit your CV.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday 11 October 2026.
Interview dates: Candidates should note that interviews will be held during the week commencing Monday 2 November 2026. Due to the appointment timetable, we are unable to guarantee that alternative interview dates outside of this week will be available. Interviews will take place online.
