Vice-Chair Vacancy

Vice-Chair Vacancy

The Royal Navy Rugby Union seeks to appoint a new Vice-Chair to its Executive Committee

The Royal Navy Rugby Union (RNRU), as well as being a part of the Royal Navy, is a National Constituent Body (NCB) of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and a registered charity. It is charged with the management, administration, and development of the game of Rugby Union within the RN, in accordance with Service regulations and traditions, as well as in compliance with the requirements of the RFU and the regulatory framework for charities.

Our Vision is: To be fun, relevant, and successful, inspiring players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators to enjoy rugby at all levels from mess deck to international, wherever the RN goes, reflecting all that is best in the Service.

RNRU Strategy
The strategy of the RNRU is founded in the recognition and identification of our many, and varied, stakeholders including (but not limited to): The Royal Navy; The Charity Commission; Member Clubs; The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Sponsors. The RNRU’s Executive Committee has been structured to deliver this strategy and to provide a broader effort on behalf of those stakeholders. This involves a shift from a singular focus on representative rugby (while seeking to maintain our hard-earned reputation for success), with greater investment in promoting participation and enjoyment of rugby across the Royal Navy

RNRU Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair plays a key role in ensuring the effective operation of the Executive Committee, deputising for the Chair when required, and leading on specific areas of governance, risk management, and strategic development. This is a voluntary appointment that supports the Chair in the provision of strategic leadership and effective governance of the RNRU.

Role and Responsibilities

• Serve as a voting member of the RNRU Executive Committee, contributing to strategic decision-making and oversight.
• Act as a Trustee of the RNRU, a registered charity, ensuring compliance with the Charity Commission’s requirements and the RNRU’s charitable objectives.
• Deputise for the Chair of the RNRU as required, including chairing meetings, and representing the Union at events.
• Ensure that the RNRU Byelaws remain aligned and coherent with the Rules and Regulations of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), recommending updates as necessary to maintain compliance and best practice.
• Take ownership of the RNRU Risk Register, ensuring it is regularly reviewed, updated, and presented to the Executive Committee.
• Lead on the identification, assessment, and mitigation of strategic and operational risks across the organisation.
• Act as the author and custodian of the RNRU Strategy, ensuring it reflects the Union’s vision, values, and long-term objectives.
• Monitor progress against strategic goals and support the Executive Committee in aligning activities with the strategic plan.
• Represent the RNRU at single-Service (sS) Vice-Chairs’ meetings, contributing to inter-Service collaboration and the development of Service-level rugby.
• Support the Chair and Executive Committee in maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, including the RFU, UKAF, and other Service Unions.

Term of Appointment
The Vice-Chair is appointed for a term in accordance with the RNRU Byelaws, typically three years, with eligibility for reappointment as defined therein.

The Person

• Ideally, but not exclusively, a serving member of the RN (including RM) or the RNR/RMR.
• Demonstrable leadership experience within a governance or strategic role.
• Previous experience of volunteering with the RNRU.
• Strong understanding of risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in charity governance and/or sports administration is desirable.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commitment to the values and objectives of the RNRU and Royal Navy Sport.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please send your rugby CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in and suitability for the role to the RNRU Company Secretary Ruth Stanbridge ruth.stanbridge100@mod.gov.uk by 25 July 2025. If you would like to know more about the role please contact sarah.oakley459@mod.gov.uk

Applications will be sifted and depending on the number of applicants, interviews may be held at the beginning of August.