Could you lead Team Wales to success at the 2018 Commonwealth Games?
The search is on for a leader for Team Wales at the next Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia in 2018.
Commonwealth Games Wales (CGW), the body responsible for all aspects of the Commonwealth Games in Wales, is looking for an individual to fill the role of Chef de Mission. The role involves leading the Welsh team of athletes, coaches, managers and support staff to the 21st Games in Gold Coast.
As well as a passion for sport and for Wales, outstanding leadership skills and inspirational qualities are also top of the list of requirements for the role.
Traditionally, Chefs de Mission have been selected from the world of sport, but CGW are widening the net and are keen to attract applications from leaders from all walks of life, including business, industry and academia.
Following Wales’s best ever Team performance in Glasgow in 2014, the successful candidate will work with CGW to create an excellent platform to help achieve even greater success for Welsh athletes competing at the Games. Accountable to the CGW Board, he or she will also play a key role in getting the whole of Wales behind the Team.
Helen Phillips, Chair of the CGW Board commented: “Preparations are well underway to create and deliver a high performance environment at the Gold Coast 2018 Games. These Games will be the next opportunity for Welsh athletes to represent Wales in an international multi-sport event. As always, we aim to support athletes to excel and surpass their rivals.
“The Chef de Mission will work closely with our Chief Executive, Chris Jenkins, and the Board prior to the Games to ensure an outstanding delivery model is put in place to enable excellence in all areas of delivery expected in an elite sporting environment.”
She added: “It is widely recognised that strong leadership plays a major part in achieving sporting success. By casting the net beyond the world of sport, we hope to attract a greater number of applications from people who can demonstrate excellent leadership and motivational abilities as well as a passionate understanding of Welsh sport and its importance for the public in Wales.”
The Glasgow 2014 Chef de Mission for Wales was Brian Davies, who has since been appointed to the role of Director of Elite Performance at Sport Wales. He was awarded an OBE last year for services to sport after leading Team Wales to its most successful Games ever in terms of medals won.
Brian said: “It was a great honour to act as Chef de Mission in Glasgow. It can be a challenging role with a lot of responsibility, but it is also hugely rewarding and gratifying, especially when you see the Team succeed as they did in Glasgow. It truly was an experience of a lifetime for me and I’d encourage anyone with the passion, enthusiasm and leadership abilities to take on this role to apply.
“There will be some very different challenges for the next Chef, not least the distance and time difference between Australia and Wales. This will make it more important than ever to get the whole of Wales behind the Team. I have no doubt that the successful candidate will benefit massively – as I did – from the support of the CGW Board, staff, Governing Bodies and everyone else involved in the Commonwealth Games in Wales in achieving that goal.”
Retired gymnast Frankie Jones, who won six medals inc. five silvers and gold in Glasgow, now sits on the CGW Board. Commenting on the role of the Chef de Mission, she said: “We were very lucky in Glasgow to have Brian Davies OBE lead the Team. His wealth of knowledge of elite sport, his passion for Wales and the Team and his brilliant leadership skills helped to motivate and focus us as athletes. I am really looking forward to seeing who will be at the helm to take Team Wales to the next Commonwealth Games.”
If you think that you have the relevant experience and skills to lead, unite and inspire another successful Commonwealth Games Wales Team, send a CV and covering letter to cjenkins@teamwales.net no later than Monday 29th February 2016.
This key role which will be announced on April 4th 2016, exactly 2 years ahead of the opening ceremony.
What is a Chef de Mission?
Chef de Mission is the title of the team leader of a national delegation in major sport events, including the Commonwealth Games.
Previous Team Wales Chefs de Mission at Commonwealth Games include:
- Brian Davies OBE, Glasgow 2014
- Chris Jenkins, Delhi 2010
- Anne Ellis OBE, Melbourne 2006
What does the role involve?
Accountable to the board of CGW, the Gold Coast Chef de Mission for Wales will be responsible for the overall leadership of the Team during the 11 days of exciting sporting action. The role also includes:
- Representing Team Wales to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) & the Organising Committee of Gold Coast (OC) at Chef de Mission daily meetings.
- Playing a key role in the planning, preparation, management and debriefing for the Team Wales.
- Being the spokesperson of the Games Team and assist with overall public relations and communications for Gold Coast 2018.
- Leading a team of mixed skills and professions to unite behind the team to achieve success.
- Being accountable to and communicating daily with CGW via the Chair.
Is this a paid role?
No, this is a voluntary post with all costs and expenses paid.
What is the timetable for appointment?
Recruitment process launched 20.01.16
Closing date for applications 29.02.16
Interviews w/c 07.03.16
Appointment announcement 04.04.16
Where can I get more information?
A full role description can be found here: Chef DM Commonwealth Games Wales Person Specification for Gold Coast 2018 . Should you wish to have a discussion to better understand the role and its responsibilities please feel free to contact CGW Chief Executive Chris Jenkins on cjenkins@teamwales.net or CGW Board Chair Helen Phillips on helen.phillips@teamwales.net