Independent Game Representative

RFU IMPACT STEERING COMMITTEE 2026-30

ROLE DESCRIPTION: INDEPENDENT GAME REPRESENTATIVE

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) are seeking independent game representatives to join the Impact Steering Committee.

The purpose of the new Impact Steering Committee (SteerCo) is to provide ongoing insight and constructive challenge on our Impact Plan 2030. The plan sits at the heart of delivering the RFU’s strategic ambitions and purpose, to help enrich lives and grow rugby for future generations. It will drive how we go about achieving the RFU’s strategic goals, and is focused on tangible social, inclusion and environmental outcomes that ensure rugby not only thrives, but actively strengthens the communities it serves.

We are seeking to appoint an independent Game Representative for each of the following areas of the Impact Plan:

• Social Impact
• Inclusion 
• Environment

Expertise across these areas will help guide and support the implementation of the Impact Plan 2030, as the successful candidates will interact with key stakeholders across the RFU and delivery partners.

Application Information:

• Please submit an anonymised CV (i.e. remove personal details).
• Please submit a cover letter, telling us which area of the Impact Plan 2030 you are most interested in, and why you believe you are a good fit for the role
• Vacancy closing date: Thursday11th June at 12pm.
• Interviews likely to commence W/C 22nd June with a view of appointing members in early July.

• To advise the RFU on social impact, inclusion and environmental related issues, including those faced by specific communities and groups.
  • To provide expert insights and challenge – supporting the development and delivery of the RFU’s Impact Plan.
  • To help evolve the RFU’s Impact agenda and ensure progress against targets.
  • Where appropriate and agreed, individual members will be asked to support specific departments of the RFU, providing external challenge and insights to ensure they are operating in an impactful way, and delivering focussed outcomes.

The successful candidate will have a blend of the following experience, attributes and skills, likely with some areas stronger than others:

• Proven experience in one or more of the three areas – inclusion, social impact and environment. 
• Experience and understanding of executive and/ or volunteer governance.
• Passion for, and knowledge of, sports development and how it operates.
• Knowledge of the objectives and strategies in the RFU’s Plan 2030.
• Confidence to offer opinions in a clear, constructive and respectful way, to question respectfully and listen to fellow volunteers and staff members.
• Strong influencing skills, including the ability to successfully engage stakeholders to understand and accept a view which may not accord with their existing views and experience.
• Integrity, good judgment and independence of mind.
• Committed, loyal and highly trustworthy and someone who demonstrates the values of the RFU.
• Analytical skills and data confidence. 

• Formal meetings will take place no more than three times a year, although ad-hoc discussions may take place where mutually agreed.
• At least one meeting will be in person per year. All other meetings will be hybrid, with virtual joining options available.
• Dates of meetings will be agreed in advance for the year. Agendas and papers will ordinarily be circulated at least one week in advance of Group meetings.
• Each meeting agenda will have a substantive discussion item, as agreed by the Chair and Impact Director, prior to each formal meeting taking place.

• The Group shall remain in place until 31 July 2030, or such other time as the RFU and Executive Team shall agree.
  • Members will serve a two-year term. Members will be able to seek re-appointment for a second term of two years, with a maximum term of four years, until the end of the 2026-2030 Action Plan period.
  • The group will be supported by the Impact Office, who will coordinate meetings and ensure regular engagement with members.
  • These roles are voluntary and unremunerated. Reasonable travel expenses for in-person meetings can be provided.