Background
The Scottish Handball Association has undergone significant growth and development in recent years. We were delighted to be named the "Scottish Sports Governing Body of the Year" in December 2022, and since then we have grown our reach significantly. At that time, we were delivering Handball introductions to around 4-5,000 Primary & Secondary children each year – that number is now closer to 25,000. With the support of SportScotland, the EHF and the IHF, we have grown our team and reach too. We also have an active Equalities Working Group which now forms a more embedded part of our governance landscape too.
The Scottish Handball Association leads the development of Handball in Scotland and is now recruiting for at least one or two or more new Board members to help us continue to move the organisation forward as part of the ongoing development of our outstanding sport. This is an opportunity for the right people to join an established - but not static - board structure and work closely with other board & Exec team members to achieve the sports' objectives.
Role Description & Person Specification (Board members):
As a Board member of the SHA, you will also ideally have some knowledge of team sports with a general understanding of the role of Governing Bodies in contributing to national outcomes within the framework of the Scottish Government and an appreciation of the role of sports clubs and the business of clubs. Specific working "sport" experience is not absolutely necessary; although a keen interest in, and understanding of, sport is a vital component.
The SHA remains an organisation that is focused upon creating opportunities for all. We are working with our partners, including SportScotland, the European Handball Federation (EHF) and the International Handball Federation (IHF) alongside a growing list of commercial and other partners to continue to develop Handball here in Scotland.
We are particularly interested to hear from those with skills and experience in some of the following areas:
- Communications
- Marketing, Events
- Sponsorship and Commerciality
You should bring most of the experiences listed below:
- Experience in a related field - sports, or similar, and in helping make decisions that carry impact across a wider sphere
- Ideally you will have recent experience on either a board or committee - and certainly will have an understanding of the importance of good governance
- At least some understanding of how the public and private sector interact
- The ability to work as part of team of experienced people, form relationships with key stakeholders and ensure good impressions of the SHA are given at all times
- Work with integrity at all times
- Demonstrate an appropriate desire to be part of an organisation that can genuinely and positively change people's lives
The Opportunity:
The successful candidate(s) will support both the Chair and the Executive Team, led by our CEO, in helping to continue to see Handball deliver exceptional outcomes on a very restricted budget. They will ideally also help us to be able to develop and grow that income, as well as contribute to the wider development of our Sport. These are great opportunities for those with a passion for sport and they present great potential for the development of new/existing skills, meeting new people and new networks and making a genuine difference to communities and sports - and those who play and participate in all its aspects - in Scotland.
Time Commitment:
- Likely to be up to 1-2 hours per week (Board members)
- To attend a minimum of 5 board meetings per year
- Attendance at events – e.g. SHA Awards Evening, higher-profile matches & events
Expenses/Remuneration:
These posts are non-remunerated although travel and meeting expenses will be reimbursed according to the SGB’s policies and procedures.
Terms and Conditions:
The Chair, and Board members, each sit for an initial term of 3 years. These terms are renewable and the Chair is able to sit for a maximum of two terms subject to approval at the AGM.
Detailed expectations of each Board Member will be confirmed during the process with each candidate and confirmed upon acceptance of the offer.
Recruitment Process:
For an informal discussion about these roles please email our Chair, David Watt on David.watt@scottishhandball.com or our CEO, Ewan Hunter (currently working back towards his more normal hours) on: ewan.hunter@scottishhandball.com. To apply, please email your CV and covering letter detailing your skills and experiences and what you would bring to the role you would be keen to be considered for to Office@scottishhandball.com.
We welcome applications from anyone with the necessary experience and skills to bring to these vital (and high profile) roles, regardless of disability, background or beliefs.
Closing Date: 30th December 2025
Interviews will be scheduled for early 2026. In the event of proposed dates clashing with any other pre-existing plans, we will be as flexible as possible with regards to timings and method (e.g. online/in person).
Please note:
These vacancies are not open to anyone who has been disqualified from holding a Directorship in a Limited Company.
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Notes for Editors: Originally founded in 1972, the Scottish Handball Association employs 4.5 people and was announced as Sport Governing Body of the Year 2022 at the Scottish Sports Awards ceremony in December 2022. Working closely with SportScotland, the European Handball Federation (EHF), the International Handball Federation (IHF), the SHA enables thousands of children and young people to play Handball across Scotland. We also deliver training to many young sports leaders across Scotland. There are many primary and secondary School Handball Festivals as a result; and we see many young athletes continue their Handball journey by joining their local clubs. A number have gone on to play professionally with European clubs, as well as representing Scotland and Team GB in international competition. We have vibrant domestic league and cup competitions. The current highlight of the domestic season is the season-ending British Handball Super Cup – where the top two teams from Scotland (Women and Men) play against the top two teams from England. The NorDan British Handball Super Cup was broadcast live on BBC Sport in May 2022 and May 2024, and was broadcast live on other streaming platforms in 2023 and 2025.