Chair – Junior Inter-Regional Regatta

The JIRR has a proud history of developing event organisers and sports administrators. We are looking for an exceptional individual to drive and develop the event using this as a first step into running major events.

We welcome all applications but are particularly interested to hear from those who are under-represented in the sports volunteer cohort. The JIRR exists to support young people developing in rowing, both on the water and in relation to volunteer roles.

The Chair will lead the JIRR Organising Committee (OC) and provide strategic oversight of Junior Inter-Regional Regatta, evolving and developing the event to serve junior rowing. JIRR brings together young athletes selected to represent regional teams and provides an important early experience of national competition and regional representation that is a first step on the British Rowing pathway. The role requires a close working relationship with the British Rowing Events staff member(s) who have a key role in delivering all British Rowing Events.

Key responsibilities

The Chair will:

• Lead the OC

• Represent the JIRR on relevant British Rowing committees

• Provide support and development for members of the OC in completing their roles

• Set the event’s strategic direction and annual priorities in consultation with key stakeholders

• Ensure a positive competitor, spectator and volunteer experience

• Ensure the regatta is safe, inclusive, well governed and athlete-centred

• Support the Event Manager in planning across all aspects of the competition including safeguarding, welfare, volunteers, officials, communication, finance and risk

• Maintain effective relationships with British Rowing, regional councils, the Junior Rowing Committee,   team managers, officials, venue partners, suppliers and other key stakeholders

• Chair regular OC meetings and monitor actions and deadlines, holding committee members to account

• Support the recruitment, development and succession of OC members and volunteers

• Ensure the event complies with British Rowing Regulations, Rules of Racing, RowSafe and safeguarding requirements and any other applicable British Rowing requirements

• Lead the post-event review and ensure lessons are applied to future regattas.

Person specification

Applicants should have:

• Confidence in chairing meetings

• Experience of effectively leading and motivating a committee, team, project, event or volunteer group

• Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making skills

• The ability to build relationships across different organisations and regions

• A commitment to junior rowing, safeguarding, inclusion and athlete welfare

• The confidence to manage risks and make decisions under pressure

• An inclusive and collaborative leadership style.

Experience in rowing, sporting events, governance, public service or volunteer-led organisations would be advantageous. No specific formal qualification is required.

Time commitment

The role will involve approximately six virtual committee meetings each year, regular communication between meetings, attendance during the regatta period (including the day before the regatta) and participation in event planning and review. The role is voluntary. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with British Rowing policy, with accommodation provided during the event where required.

To Apply

Please send a letter of application, describing briefly why you think you are qualified for the role, together with an up-to-date sport CV.  Applications should be done through personio 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon Sunday 6th December 2026.

The Junior Inter-Regional Regatta is seeking an experienced and inclusive volunteer leader to become Chair of its Organising Committee.

This is an opportunity to lead one of British Rowing’s key junior championship events and to help shape its future. The Chair will provide strategic direction, lead a representative committee, work closely with British Rowing and regional stakeholders, and ensure that the event delivers a safe, fair and inspiring experience for young athletes.

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, communication and organisational skills, together with a commitment to junior rowing, volunteer development, safeguarding and inclusive sport. Experience of rowing is desirable, but we are equally interested in people with transferable experience. The JIRR has historically been a pathway event for event organisers and sports administrators; we seek candidates who are keen to take their initial steps in running major events.

JIRR is a unique region-based team event and an important early step in the competitive pathway for many young athletes. It is also a development pathway for volunteers who want to progress into regional or national roles. The Chair will play a central part in ensuring that the event remains ambitious, welcoming and athlete-centred.