Could you lead Croquet England?

[<<] [>>] by Gabrielle Higgins
30th June (CqE Official News)

Chief Executive Officer - Croquet England

4 or 5 days per week | Salary: £60,000 (pro-rata for 4 days)
Location: Remote, with regular travel and time in Cheltenham

Croquet England - the national governing body for the sport of croquet in England - is seeking an inspiring, strategic, and inclusive leader to become our first paid Chief Executive Officer.

This is a landmark moment for our organisation. After over 100 years of dedicated volunteer leadership, we are now ready to appoint a CEO to lead the delivery of our ambitious strategy for growth, inclusion, and innovation.

About Us

Croquet England became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2023, with the following charitable purposes:

• To promote community participation in healthy recreation through the provision of facilities for playing croquet.
• To advance the amateur sport of croquet for public benefit.

We are proud of our heritage and excited for our future. More than 10,000 players belong to over 200 affiliated clubs, with many thousands more enjoying croquet informally at home. The competitive scene is thriving, from local leagues to national championships and international tournaments.

Our strategy focuses on seven key areas: play, safeguarding, coaching, inclusion, wellbeing, funding, and sustainability. We are now looking for a CEO who will bring energy, vision, and professional leadership to bring this strategy to life.

The Role

You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of croquet in England. Working closely with the Chair of Trustees and leading a dedicated community of volunteers and staff, you will:

• Drive strategic implementation across all areas of our work.
• Lead a culture change that embraces inclusivity, diversity, and modern governance practices.
• Champion croquet as a sport that can be played by all, at all ages and levels.
• Manage and support directors and committee chairs across key functions - including coaching, development, tournaments, laws and rules, international relations, communications, and IT.
• Oversee operations at our Head Office in Cheltenham and support integration between the small office team, the croquet shop, and our wider volunteer network.

This is a hands-on leadership role with a national reach. The majority of your work will be remote, with some travel to clubs, key sector events and a regular pattern at our Cheltenham office with the Croquet England staff.

For further details see the job description.

About You

We are looking for an experienced and values-driven leader who can confidently steer our organisation through its next chapter. You will bring:

• At least 10 years of senior management experience, ideally in the charity or sports sector.
• A track record of strategic leadership, culture change, and team development.
• A strong understanding of how sport can enrich lives and communities.
• The ability to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders - including volunteers, clubs, funders, and partner organisations.
• A flexible and pragmatic approach, with a commitment to equality, inclusion, safeguarding and good governance.

You do not need to be a croquet expert - but you should be open to learning the game and embracing its unique culture. With our HQ based in the beautiful grounds of Cheltenham Croquet Club, you'll have the perfect opportunity to get involved!

Practical Details

• You will report to the Chair of Trustees.
• Meetings with the Board of Trustees (approx. 7 per year online and one in London) and the Executive Board (monthly online) often take place during evenings or weekends to accommodate volunteers.
• Travel within England will be required to visit clubs and key stakeholders.
• You'll use your own IT equipment, supported by a Croquet England Microsoft 365 account.
• Consultants currently support IT systems and Communications, including the Croquet Gazette, our members' magazine.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Croquet England is committed to building a sport and community that welcomes everyone. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

We support flexible working and welcome applications from candidates seeking alternative arrangements.

How to Apply

• For further information, contact the Chair, samir.patel#croquetengland.org.uk, or the Vice-Chair, carol.driver#croquetengland.org.uk
• To apply, send your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest in the role and your relevant experience and skills to the Secretary, gabrielle.higgins#croquetengland.org.uk by 30 July 2025.
• Interviews will be held online on 6 or 12 August 2025. A second in-person interview may be held if required on 3 September 2025.