A bit about the role
British Rowing’s Development Directorate is focused on strengthening the foundations of the sport and supporting more people to take part in ways that suit their lives. We work with clubs, community partners and national programmes to broaden access, modernise participation offers and create clearer, more connected pathways into and through rowing. Our approach is evidence-led, collaborative and centred on enabling local environments to thrive.
We aim to make rowing more relevant, more welcoming and more sustainable for the long term. This means testing new ideas, supporting clubs to develop, building strong local partnerships and ensuring that volunteers and staff have the tools and confidence to deliver high-quality experiences. The directorate works closely across British Rowing to link participation, workforce, events and talent development into a coherent, inclusive system.
As Volunteer & Workforce Development - Initiatives Lead, you will play a pivotal role in turning strategy into action. Your focus will be on designing, piloting and rolling out practical workforce initiatives that support the people who make rowing happen - from coaches and umpires to club leaders and volunteers.
Working closely with the Head of Volunteer & Workforce Development, Head of Qualifications & Training Development and delivery colleagues, you will ensure new ideas move quickly and effectively from concept to implementation. You will balance strong project management discipline with collaborative relationship-building, ensuring initiatives are inclusive, targeted and responsive to real-world needs.
A bit about you
This role is well suited to someone who enjoys driving momentum and making things happen.
You will:
Translate strategic workforce priorities into clear, deliverable programmes and initiatives.
Lead the design, piloting and rollout of new coach development and workforce initiatives, ensuring relevance, inclusion and impact.
Extend support across other key roles in rowing, including umpires, club leaders and event organisers.
Work closely with qualifications and training colleagues to ensure new learning products are integrated into wider workforce initiatives.
Use data, insight and local intelligence to target initiatives where they will have the greatest effect.
Build strong relationships across British Rowing and the wider rowing community to inform design and prioritisation.
Develop and manage clear project plans, with milestones, ownership and reporting in place.
Monitor progress, capture learning and share insight to support continuous improvement and quality enhancement.
If you enjoy moving ideas into delivery, coordinating across teams and creating initiatives that genuinely support volunteers and the workforce, this role offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference to how rowing is delivered across the country.
For more information, please refer to the Application Pack and Job Description
What we offer
Besides the salary and 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) pro rata, you’ll also get:
● 7.5% employer pension contribution (when you contribute 3%)
● £20 per month with Betterspace (our wellbeing platform)
● Company Health Insurance and Health Cash Plan
● Life assurance (x3 your salary)
● Cycle to work scheme
● Free and secure parking in Hammersmith
● Free annual ROW Membership
● Bonus annual leave between Christmas and New Years Day
Additional Information
Please submit your application alongside your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability.
Salary: £31-35k plus employee benefits package.
Closing date: 12th January 2026.
About us
Our passion is rowing in all of its forms. British Rowing is the governing body for rowing, responsible for supporting grassroots rowing in England and preparing the GB Rowing Team ready for the Olympics, Paralympics, and other international competitions.Our vision is a sport that welcomes and has an offer for everyone. Our mission is to create a healthy, inclusive and life-enhancing sport. We are a membership organisation with over 30,000 individual members, supporting over 550 affiliated clubs and 230 affiliated events. We cover all types of rowing - whether it’s on the river or lake, on the sea, at home, or in the gym.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnership. If you require reasonable accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know by indicating your needs to the HR team in the application form or by emailing hr@britishrowing.org.
