Job Description

Trustee Director

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Recruitment Pack

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Summer 2025

Download Pack PDF

A message from

The Board of Directors
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Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee director with us.

We're delighted that you're exploring this opportunity to help shape the future of a dynamic and impactful organisation.


As a multi-award-winning charitable leisure trust, Sport Aberdeen is proud to serve its communities with passion, purpose and professionalism. Governed by a dedicated board of directors, we operate as an independent business - supporting over 500 employees and generating an annual turnover of approximately 14 million.


Joining us as a trustee means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation that is committed to making a real difference in people's lives through sport, physical activity and wellbeing. You'll be contributing to a cause that matters within a business that is ambitious, respected and rooted in community values. This pack offers a snapshot of who we are and what we do, but it's just the beginning. To fully appreciate the breadth of our work and the impact we make, we warmly invite you to explore our website here.


Our board of directors continue to successfully guide our charity through a challenging economic climate and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Our trustees play a vital role, not just in the boardroom, but as ambassadors for Sport Aberdeen in the wider community.


Beyond attending board and committee meetings, it's what you bring to the organisation through your knowledge, skills, networks, energy and presence that truly adds value and where your personal and professional attributes can have the greatest impact.


Our trustees are champions for the organisation, ensuring the voice of Sport Aberdeen is heard across multiple communities. As a trustee, you will be an excellent communicator, with sound, independent judgement and the ability to think creatively. An understanding of what we do and of the voluntary or not-for-profit sector would be helpful but is not essential.


As an equal opportunity organisation, we are committed to building a board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Please consider this opportunity carefully.

If you choose to apply, we look forward to hearing from you and potentially welcoming you to the next stage of this exciting journey.

Thank you for considering Sport Aberdeen,

The Board of Trustees

Help Us

Make it Happen
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This could be your opportunity to take your first step as a non-executive director in the not-for-profit sector, and we'd be thrilled to support you on that journey.

Awaiting you is:

A chance to make a real impact at one of Aberdeen's most respected, multi award winning charities.

An opportunity to give something back to your city and its local communities.

The prospect of using your experience, skills, expertise and personality to influence our people and shape our future.

Sport Aberdeen is a private limited company (Company No. 350981) and a registered Scottish charity (Charity No. SC040973) regulated by the OSCR.


We deliver sport and physical activity opportunities across a range of city-wide venues - ensuring everyone has the opportunity to get active, regardless of any barriers including price, gender or ability.


You might be surprised at just how far our reach extends and the real, lasting difference we make in people's lives through sport and physical activity.


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Your Contribution


As a trustee director, you will play a key role in the governance and strategic leadership of the organisation. You'll join a passionate group of professionals committed to excellence, inclusion and social impact. In addition to board and committee meetings, your influence will extend through your networks, ideas and visibility in the community, helping to amplify the voice of Sport Aberdeen where it matters most.


Strong boards thrive on shared values, respect, collaboration and a sense of humour, and ours is no different!


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What's next?


This pack outlines what you need to know about the role and if you feel you would be a suitable candidate. Although this is not a paid position, being a trustee is a very rewarding role and offers the opportunity to enhance your CV and professional development, as well as support and shape the work and strategic direction of Sport Aberdeen.


If you feel inspired to apply, please submit your expression of interest by

20

th

July 2025

.

About

Sport Aberdeen
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We are passionate about creating opportunities, inspiring people, and changing lives through sport and physical activity.


Established in 2010, Sport Aberdeen manages sport and physical activity services on behalf of Aberdeen City Council. With a team of over 500 dedicated employees, 31 venues, 800+ volunteers and more than two million visits each year, we are proud to be the largest provider of sport and leisure services in the North East of Scotland.


Our reach goes far beyond our venues: we run a range of different coached lesson programmes for children and adults across sports including swimming, tennis, ice skating, snowsports and gymnastics.


We deliver over 1,000 classes every week to more than 8,000 participants. This is complemented by a growing portfolio of innovative health and wellbeing programmes, designed to meet the evolving needs of our communities. What truly sets us apart is our purpose. As a charitable trust, every penny we make is reinvested into the venues we manage, the programmes we deliver and the people and communities we serve.


Sport Aberdeen is not just about sport. It's about inclusion, wellbeing, ambition and creating a healthier, happier future for all.


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Workforce Structure


The company is structured into six key areas, each led by a member of the Senior Leadership Team:

Community Leisure Operations

Finance and Corporate Services

Digital and Technology

HR and Organisational Development

Marketing and Commercial Development

Sport and Active Communities

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Principal Activities


Adventurous Activities
Fitness
Golf
Ice Skating
Snowsports
Swimming
Tennis / Padel
Active Lifestyles
Active Schools
Holiday Camps

Our Journey

so far...

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About

the role

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The most valuable thing we ask of our trustees is their time.


This includes attending board meetings, participating in events and reviewing reports and key documentation that support oversight and strategic decision-making on behalf of the charity.


Most meetings take place at our company headquarters in Bridge of Don. The full board of directors meet quarterly and each trustee is expected to join at least one sub-committee; which meets around three to four times per year. Each sub-committee aligns with specific area of the business such as health and safety or finance - and this will be matched to your expertise and interest.


Upon appointment, you will be formally registered as a company director with Companies House, registered as a trustee with OSCR and welcomed into the organisation with a comprehensive induction including a one-to-one meeting with our Chief Executive Officer Keith Heslop.


A full role profile will be provided upon application.

Remuneration


The role is voluntary and unpaid, in line with charity governance. Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed (excluding routine meeting attendance).


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Duties as a Trustee Director


Ensure compliance with the organisation's constitution, Articles of Association and all relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.


Be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Sport Aberdeen.


Help to develop and deliver the company's vision, values and goals in line with its constitution and regulatory requirements.


Act as a guardian of the charity's assets, ensuring their appropriate use, protection and management.


Monitor the financial health of the charity, ensuring accountability and sustainability.


Provide constructive challenge and input at board and committee meetings.


Uphold the charity's code of conduct and champion its values in everything you do.


Protect the reputation and good name of the charity in all your dealings.

Membership

location map 2024/25

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This map represents the number of members, coached programme participants and Get active for Less (discounted access scheme) pay and play users.


The areas of the city with the highest number of people getting active are Northfield and Bridge of Don - both of which have two Sport Aberdeen venues located within them. Get active @ Northfield and Get active @ Sheddocksley are in the Northfield area and Get active @ Alex Collie and Get active @ Jesmond are in Bridge of Don.


It is worth noting that there is no intermediate zone of the city where there is no engagement with Sport Aberdeen. Lighter areas of the map represent areas where there is no Sport Aberdeen venue.


1 - 400
401 - 700
701 - 1,000
1,001 - 1,500
1,500+

About

You

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We're looking for individuals with strong values and a passion for making a difference.


What matters most is your ability to offer your own unique insight and having a collaborative spirit, along with a willingness to champion Sport Aberdeen's mission in your networks and communities.


Above all, we are looking for people who want to contribute to a forward-thinking organisation that values inclusion, integrity and impact.

The benefits

of being a Trustee

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Joining the Sport Aberdeen board of directors is more than just a governance role; it's a rewarding opportunity to grow personally and professionally whilst contributing to a meaningful cause.


As you can probably tell, it's a rewarding role and here are a few reasons why:

Make a broader difference, beyond big business

Giving back to others less fortunate

Improve the lives of Aberdeen's citizens

Being part of a success story

Aid your personal development as a non-executive director

You will have some fun along the way!

Board structure

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Company Information

CHARITY NUMBER

SC040973

COMPANY NUMBER

SC350981

HQ ADDRESS

The Bridge (4th Floor), King's Way,

Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. AB23 8BL

COMPANY SECRETARY & REGISTERED ADDRESS

Stronachs LLP, 28 Albyn Place,

Aberdeen, AB10 1YL

Did You Know...

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Interested in

Joining Us?

We would be delighted to hear from you!


To register your interest, please email Tess Murphy at


thmurphy@sportaberdeen.co.uk.


Tess will provide you with a brief application form and the full trustee role specification. We ask you to complete the form with your contact details and a short summary of your background and what you feel you could bring to Sport Aberdeen. You're welcome to include a supporting statement or CV alongside your form.


If you would like to have an informal conversation before doing so, Keith Heslop would be happy to speak with you. Or likewise, so would any other Trustee. Please contact Tess to arrange a conversation.


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Next

Steps

All expressions of interest will be reviewed and shortlisted by a panel from the board.


Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a formal interview.


Before interview, we encourage you to take the time to familiarise yourself with Sport Aberdeen and our work, venues and values. If you'd like to visit our headquarters in the Bridge of Don or speak with a member of the team, we'd be happy to arrange this.


We are committed to ensuring a consistent, fair and inclusive recruitment process for all applicants.

Closing date for expressions of interest is 20

th

July 2025.

We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for considering a trustee role with Sport Aberdeen.


Want to keep a copy?

Download the Trustee Recruitment Pack (PDF) 3.1MB