Chair, Football Regulatory Authority (FRA)
Help Shape the Future of Football Governance and Regulation
The Football Association is seeking an outstanding individual to Chair the Football Regulatory Authority (FRA).
The FRA oversees key disciplinary, regulatory and rulemaking matters that help safeguard the integrity of football in England and shape the framework within which the game operates.
Providing independent leadership, the Chair will foster constructive challenge, build consensus across a diverse group of Commissioners and ensure the FRA delivers fair, credible and timely decisions on matters of significant importance to the game.
Interested candidates should contact Odgers directly via www.odgers.com/97035. Please do not contact The FA directly as it may delay consideration.
What is the FRA?
The FRA is a body with disciplinary, regulatory and rule-making functions in relation to football in England. The FRA has twelve Commissioners. Four are elected by representatives from the professional game, four are elected by representatives from the national game and the remaining four members are independent.
The FRA's key responsibilities include the following:
- Reviewing amendments to FA Rules and Regulations – changes to FA Rules and Regulations are discussed and reviewed by the FRA and then submitted to the other relevant FA bodies for final approval.
- Monitoring compliance with FA Rules and Regulations - FRA members are provided with updates on compliance with FA Rules and Regulations and members are invited to provide input on current themes and issues in the regulation of football.
- Reviewing the composition and suitability of The FA Judicial Panel – the FRA is responsible for approving members of The FA's Judicial Panel (the panel which judges The FA's disciplinary cases).
The Role
As Chair you will be responsible for ensuring the FRA operates with credibility, integrity and effectiveness, enabling robust and balanced consideration of the regulatory matters that come before it.
Working with other FRA Commissioners from a range of professional and football backgrounds, you will:
- create the conditions for constructive challenge and rigorous debate, ensuring decisions are informed by a wide range of perspectives and expertise;
- build consensus amongst experienced and influential stakeholders;
- oversee the efficient operation of the committee, ensuring matters are considered appropriately and decisions are reached within agreed timescales;
- act as a trusted and respected figure maintaining confidence amongst stakeholders whilst remaining independent;
- provide appropriate scrutiny and challenge to The FA where necessary, whilst fostering productive and constructive relationships; and
- contribute your own insight, expertise and judgement to discussions on significant regulatory and governance matters affecting the game.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking an accomplished Chair with the judgement and credibility to lead a decision-making body operating at the heart of English football.
You will have previous experience chairing a board, committee, regulatory body or similar governance forum where balanced decision-making, stakeholder management and independent judgement were critical to success.
You may have gained this experience within sport, law, regulation, policing, the judiciary, government or another highly regulated environment.
Most importantly, you will bring the following.
- A proven track record of successfully chairing complex boards, committees or regulatory bodies.
- Exceptional judgement and the ability to balance competing interests whilst maintaining fairness and objectivity.
- The credibility and presence to influence and command the respect of senior stakeholders.
- Strong governance instincts and a clear understanding of the role of independent oversight.
- The ability to facilitate thoughtful debate and unite diverse viewpoints behind collective decisions.
- Experience navigating sensitive, high-profile or reputationally significant issues.
- Courage, independence and integrity, coupled with sound judgement on when to challenge and when to support.
- A genuine commitment to the long-term interests and integrity of football.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to influence a sport of national significance. As Chair of the FRA, you will help shape the regulatory framework that underpins English football, contribute to decisions that protect the integrity of the game and work alongside respected leaders from across sport and beyond. It is a rare opportunity to apply your experience to matters of genuine importance while making a lasting contribution to the future of football in England.
Time Commitment
The commitment is designed to be manageable alongside existing professional responsibilities:
- Six meetings per year with roughly half of those meetings taking place at Wembley Stadium. Meetings typically last around two hours.
- Approximately one day of preparation and reading is required ahead of each meeting.
- Ad hoc engagement may occasionally be required between meetings.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The FA is committed to building a diverse and inclusive game and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from groups that are currently underrepresented within senior governance and regulatory appointments.
