Skip to main content

Chair

Current Holder

Phil Rogers

📧 chair@eastgrinsteadac.co.uk

Club Chair

Role Overview​

The Club Chair at East Grinstead Athletics Club (EGAC) is the most senior official, providing leadership to achieve the club’s vision and goals. This role oversees all aspects of club management, from training and competitions to fundraising and social activities, while fostering a collaborative, volunteer-driven environment. The Club Chair drives EGAC’s modernization efforts and strategic growth, aiming to restore membership to its historical peak of 230–250, while ensuring compliance with England Athletics requirements.

Key Responsibilities​

  • Provide leadership across all club activities, including training, competitions, fundraising, and social events.
  • Lead strategic planning and key decision-making to support EGAC’s short- and long-term goals.
  • Build a diverse and skilled committee by filling officer and volunteer roles, considering experience and inclusivity.
  • Delegate tasks, motivate volunteers, and align efforts toward EGAC’s objectives, such as membership growth and modernization.
  • Uphold the club’s constitution and ensure compliance with England Athletics affiliation terms.
  • Ensure the club meets its legal responsibilities, including financial, welfare, and safeguarding obligations.
  • Enforce the club’s code of conduct, promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
  • Support safeguarding initiatives, including the use of Presli for athlete registrations.
  • Declare and manage personal conflicts of interest in accordance with club policies.
  • Chair regular committee meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM), ensuring effective communication and decision-making.
  • Develop and implement a Club Development Plan to guide EGAC’s growth and modernization.
  • Represent EGAC at local and regional events, fostering community and athletics network connections.
  • Arrange handover or succession planning to ensure continuity of the role.

Skills and Attributes​

  • Strong leadership and motivational skills to inspire volunteers and members in a small, community-focused club.
  • Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities to guide EGAC’s growth and modernization.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with members, volunteers, and external bodies like England Athletics.
  • Basic understanding of legal and safeguarding responsibilities (training provided if needed).
  • Familiarity with or willingness to learn tools like Presli and the myAthletics portal.
  • Commitment to EGAC’s volunteer-based ethos and passion for restoring the club’s historical vibrancy.

Time Commitment​

  • Approximately 4–6 hours per week, with additional time during key periods (e.g., AGM preparation, major events, or affiliation renewals in March–April).
  • Attendance required at committee meetings, the AGM, and select local/regional events.
  • Flexible hours, with some tasks manageable remotely, though in-person presence is often needed for leadership and representation.

Collaboration​

  • Works closely with the Club Secretary to plan meetings, set agendas, and manage correspondence.
  • Collaborates with the Membership Secretary and Treasurer to monitor membership trends and financial health.
  • Engages with coaches and volunteers to ensure alignment with club goals and member needs.
  • Liaises with England Athletics and local/regional athletics bodies to represent EGAC and maintain affiliations.

Tools and Resources​

  • myAthletics portal: For managing affiliations and accessing England Athletics resources.
  • Presli: Used for safeguarding and athlete registration, in collaboration with the Membership Secretary.
  • Email templates: Standardized communications for member and volunteer engagement.
  • Club Development Plan: A strategic document to guide EGAC’s growth and modernization efforts.
  • Access to training on safeguarding, England Athletics systems, and leadership provided by EGAC or external partners.

Notes​

  • The Club Chair is pivotal in driving EGAC’s modernization, including streamlining processes and enhancing member engagement.
  • The role supports the club’s ambition to grow membership and maintain a vibrant, inclusive community.
  • As a volunteer-based role, flexibility and teamwork are essential, with support available from other officers to manage workload.

Contact​

For matters related to this role, please contact: chair@eastgrinsteadac.co.uk