Scottish Cycling Foundation looking to appoint independent trustees

Scottish Cycling Foundation is looking to increase both the skills and diversity of its trustees by appointing further members this spring.

Whilst we have a good mix of skills and experience, we would like to further strengthen our board over the coming months and sustain gender parity. We are also seeking individuals with charitable fund-raising, communications and business development skills. As part of this process we are also seeking an Independent chair with  demonstrable skills to chair the charity.

About Scottish Cycling Foundation

The Scottish Cycling Foundation (“SCF”) is the official charity of Scottish Cycling, registered with OSCR, the Scottish Charity Register.

The objects of the charity are the advancement of public participation in cycle sport in Scotland by the provision of education, facilities, assistance, and financial grants, whilst protecting and enhancing the natural environments that cycling and mountain biking take place in.

The overriding goal of SCF is to raise funds to progress cycle sport and cyclists in Scotland, be that by enhancing current initiatives or removing barriers to participation. SCF will organise its activities to support the strategy of Scottish Cycling.

SCF will develop and deliver a programme of fundraising events and activities to generate funds and raise awareness of its positive impact.

The SCF acts as an umbrella organisation for various smaller funds, which support specific causes such as mental health, trail development or allowing young riders to fulfil their potential

SCF will itself, and with Scottish Cycling and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, develop, provide, and encourage:

• a programme of fundraising events and activities, and donation schemes, to generate funds for the charity and raise awareness of its objects
• innovative, sustainable, and targeted participation programme and activities aimed at those who would benefit the most from cycling and mountain biking
• a grants programme to provide an appropriate package of support for people to address barriers around finance, equipment, supervision, and transport
• support to those in need because of age, gender, disability, financial hardship, or other disadvantages

About Scottish Cycling

Scottish Cycling is the governing body for cycle sport in Scotland, its remit ranging from the playground to the podium and everything in between. Guided by its organisational strategy, Developing a Nation of Cyclists 2.0, the organisation looks to grow the number of people riding bikes, taking part in events and achieving success on the world stage.

Aside from its normal business of supporting the sport, clubs and members Scottish Cycling has some fantastic opportunities with the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where it will have a number of athletes competing on the track. In July 2027 the Tour de France Grand Depart is in Edinburgh where Scottish Cycling is working with various delivery partners, local authorities and Scottish Government on a multi-year social impact programme to bring the joy of cycling to a wider audience across Scotland.  This builds on existing work through the Rock Up & Ride programme ensuring under-represented communities get the chance to take part in cycling and the Women and Girls strategy, which aims to shift the dial on female participation.

How to Apply

If this is an opportunity that is of interest, and you feel you have the skills to help the Scottish Cycling Foundation at a strategic level, please get in touch. In the first instance this will be via an informal chat, before a more formal discussion.

If you would like to express your interest, or simply know more about the opportunity and expectations, please contact one of the following individuals:

• Kathy Gilchrist – Trustee: trustees@scottishcyclingfoundation.org
• John Watt, Chair of Scottish Cycling and Trustee: john.watt@scottishcycling.org.uk
• Fiona Cockburn – Trustee:  Fiona.Cockburn@edrington.com

For full details of what the role entails, please check out the trustee terms of reference.

For those interested in the Chair role, please contact one of the above for a copy of the role description.

Applications should be submitted to both Kathy Gilchrist and Fiona Cockburn at the email addresses above by noon on Friday, 29 May, with a CV and a short covering letter stating why the applicant feels suited to the role, bringing out relevant expertise, and their interest in cycling.

Following that there will be an interview panel with a short list of candidates.         

Note that these are likely to be in the week commencing 15 June.

We hope to have appointed suitable candidates prior to our next Trustee Meeting on Wednesday, 8 July.

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