Our Board has a wealth of knowledge and experience from the Sport and Recreation sector and beyond.
The Board sets the strategic direction of the Alliance and provides oversight for the delivery of our strategy Support. Recover. Achieve. whilst ensuring that good governance principles are maintained.
The 12- person Board comprises of the following:
The Alliance also has a number of Vice-Presidents, whose experience in the sector is invaluable to shape our future direction.
Dame Janet was appointed Chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance on 5 July 2022, joining the organisation as it continued to deliver its Support. Recover. Achieve. strategy.
A firm advocate of physical activity, Dame Janet recently completed an 8 year term of office as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool. Between 2007 and 2015 she was the Vice Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University.
In Liverpool she chaired the Knowledge Quarter, Sciontec and Education Improvement Boards. She was the President of Universities UK between 2017 and 2019 and a Trustee of the British Council from 2014 until 2020.
With a strong background and experience in political influencing, Dame Janet is a Member of the Board of the Arts and Humanities Research Council, of the Advisory Board of the Government Skills and Curriculum Unit, and is Patron of the Mark Evison Trust. She was made Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2017 for services to higher education and diversity and equality.
Alliance roles on behalf of the Board:
Lisa Wainwright trained as a Physical Education teacher at the University of Warwick, where she was also elected Sabbatical Sports Officer and FISU student representative. She then went on to gain an MA in Learning and Teaching and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science for her services to the sports sector by the University of Bedfordshire.
Lisa has held a number of senior roles at Sport England - initiating the work on the safeguarding standards, clubmark and volunteering - before moving to become CEO at Volleyball England in 2008 and then British Basketball in 2016, before taking on her current role as CEO at the Sport and Recreation Alliance in 2019.
Internationally, Lisa has held roles on the European Volleyball (CEV) Credentials Panel and at the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) as their Technical Director and on their World Ethics Panel. She was also a member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Governance Commission, as well as being a Director of the British Olympic Association.
Lisa has held a number of Non-Executive roles, including at Swim England [Vice Chair and Interim Group Chair of the Group Board 2013-2017] and the Institute of Swimming [Chair 2014 - 2017]. She was a trustee of the Samworth Brothers Sports Opportunity Fund [2012 – 2023] and has been a Director of the Wallace Group of Universities, working to support the development of sport in Zambia for the last 10 years.
Lisa graduated from the UK Sport CEO Executive Leadership Programme, and in 2018 became an Ambassador for Women on Boards UK. In 2019 she was ranked number 8 in the Top 100 Executive LGBT+ Allies by FT OUTStanding. Lisa is Vice Chair of Governors at Northampton School for Girls, is a member of the Sports Broadcast Committee and a judge for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award. Lisa was shortlisted for The Times Sports Women of the Year – Gamechanger Award (2023) for her work in securing the UK’s Secretariat for and host of the International Working Group on Women in Sport. She has two young daughters aged 11 and 12, and in 2022 was awarded an MBE for Services to Sport.
Alliance roles on behalf of the Board:
Richard is a lawyer whose career included senior positions in the legal and financial services sectors in the UK and Asia.
He is passionate about the benefits of sport and physical activity for individuals and communities, and believes that they can be used for transformative change on both a local and national level. He also has extensive governance experience and is a trustee/director of a number of other organisations in the voluntary sector, including his role as Chair of Active Surrey – members of the Alliance.
Richard lives around Guildford with his family, and is an active member of a number of sports clubs. He particularly enjoys cricket, tennis and golf.
Alliance roles on behalf of the Board:
Kenny has a wealth of experience in commercial and communications and is currently a sports sponsorship consultant. He was previously the Director of Partnerships and Communications at British Rowing; his responsibilities included Brand; Sponsorship; Retail and Licensing; Marketing; Internal and external communications; Media and PR; Broadcasting; Public affairs; Events.
Kenny joined British Rowing in 2015 following a successful tenure as Chief Executive Officer of London Scottish FC and before then was Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Warriors, one of the two professional rugby clubs owned by the Scottish Rugby Union.
Other volunteer roles he has is as a mini rugby coach at London Scottish for the Under 6s.
Alliance roles on behalf of the Board:
Currently Head of Community Engagement at London Marathon Events, Hamid has more than a decade of experience working in the youth and community sector and is a passionate diversity and inclusion advocate.
Before taking on his current role in 2019, Hamid worked as Strategic Lead for Sported where he managed projects and services to almost 400 community sports organisations in London, primarily focusing on disadvantaged and under-represented communities across the capital and understanding barriers to engagement.
He also spent five years working for national charity, Catch22 on a series of successful initiatives and continues to engage with young people through his roles as a Trustee for the Young Harrow Foundation and the Running Charity.
Alliance roles on behalf of the Board:
Caroline has over 30 years’ experience of operating at Board level and delivering transformational change across hospitality, youth development, property, housing and social care.
Caroline was Chief Executive of the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) (June 2017) for nine years and during this time was responsible for 1,300 staff and grew the volunteering number from 1,000 to 3,000 at the YHA.
She was also heavily involved in developing partnerships with the Department of Education and British Triathlon. Throughout her career, Caroline has developed a deep understanding of the culture of not for profit organisations and charities.
Alliance roles on behalf of the Board:
Dave was appointed Interim CEO at the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in September 2021 having joined the as Head of Finance in 2012 following four years at the British Judo Association. His career began in accountancy practice and was followed by two roles within the LP gas industry. His 11 years at Cavagna Group, a subsidiary of an Italian manufacturing company, culminated in the role of MD; he then joined Schneider Industry, a leading gas pressure vessel manufacturer, where he helped to re-shape the UK presence of the French owned subsidiary. Since joining the RYA, Dave has taken numerous RYA courses and has cruised with friends and family. Outside of boating, he is a keen (dog) walker and cyclist and encourages his children to be active, via swimming, life-saving and dance.
Alliance roles on behalf of the Board:
Jack is a public affairs professional who has been able to combine his interest in politics with his passion for sport, its importance to communities, and role in improving lives.
He joined the LTA in April 2019, and is currently Head of Public Policy, responsible for all public affairs, policy and government engagement for the organisation. Working across the UK, Welsh and Scottish Governments and Parliaments, he supports tennis in Britain from the grassroots through to the professional game, building advocacy, engagement and support for the LTA’s work. He is also the organisation’s Business Lead for environmental sustainability. Prior to his role at the LTA, Jack worked for a sports-focused public affairs consultancy, where his role centred on supporting All-Party Parliamentary Groups for sport in Parliament.
Jack is a lifelong rugby league fan and has been involved in the community game for many years, including as a coach, player and volunteer. He also enjoys running, cycling and music.
Alliance roles on behalf of the Board:
Katie has worked in healthcare regulation since 2016, and is a strong advocate of evidence-based policy-making and ensuring decisions represent value for money.
As well as this, she was worked with various government departments and stakeholders on consultations, secondary legislation, and strategy development and implementation, from both within and outside the civil service.
She has spent her career in social policy, working for ten years as a government economist before moving into a more policy and strategy-based role.
Katie is passionate about the mental and physical health benefits of exercise and being outdoors, with . She and her family enjoy a variety of sports and recreational activities including cycling, walking, water sports, yoga and camping, while Katie has also previously played in netball and water polo leagues.
Alliance roles on behalf of the Board:
Dame Sally, a leading figure in education for the past 40 years, has been a senior leader in schools and colleges – leading two successful, innovative colleges – Milton Keynes (1996-2003) and Activate Learning (2003-2022). Whilst at Activate Learning, she and her team transformed a medium-sized struggling institution into a high quality, financially strong organisation with a group of seven innovative colleges, three training providers, six schools and international work with a turnover of 150 million pounds.
Sally’s passion lies in creating learning organisations where people develop both their emotional and thinking capabilities, which led her to develop the Learning Philosophy which became the cultural heart at Activate Learning.
She is also a keen advocate for vocational education and was the President of the Association of Colleges from July 2020 until October 2022, and has also chaired and been a member of a range of local, regional and national Boards. Some of Sally’s other Board commitments include:
Chair of Learning with Parents and Brook
Board member of two private limited companies and two universities
Sally also coaches and mentors senior leaders and works with a range of organisations on culture change and team development.
In October 2013, Sally was awarded a CBE, before receiving a Damehood in the 2023 New Year’s Honours List.
Over the past 24 years, Rupinder has been practising law as a qualified Solicitor. She is the Managing Director of Pinder Reaux & Associates: a law firm specialising in commercial and civil litigation, media, sports and matrimonial/family law.
In 2017, Rupinder made history by becoming the first Asian appointment to the Board of the Football Association (FA), having been jointly appointed by the Premier League and the English Football League. This was followed up by Rupinder’s appointment to the Women’s Football Board in early 2019, before her term at the FA came to an end in July 2023.
In 2013, Rupinder was appointed to the Board of Directors of The Lily Foundation- a charity dedicated in researching into the treatment and possible cure for Mitochondrial Disease and in May 2023, Rupinder joined the Board of Integral Sports Management.
Alliance roles on behalf of the Board:
Mike is the former Chief Operating Officer (COO) in London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and subsequently COO for the first two years of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). Mike is currently a Non-Executive Director of Brentford FC and was on the Board of the Sport and Recreation Alliance from 2011 to 2017, during which time he was Treasurer and Senior Independent Director. He also served on the Board of British Swimming from 2007 to 2015.
Mike's professional background is in Finance and General Management and is a qualified Chartered Management Accountant. Prior to his involvement in the sporting world, he rose to be a Divisional President at the Procter & Gamble Company and subsequently was an expert advisor to a leading management consultancy from 2009 to 2017. He is currently an occasional lecturer at the Said Business School at Oxford University.
As such, Mike brings a wealth of sport and commercial experience to this voluntary position.
A teacher of physical education and dance, Margaret worked as a fitness teacher and teacher trainer for Flexercise of which she is now Vice President. She was a founder member and the first Chair of the Exercise, Movement & Dance Partnership (EMDP) 2005-2010.
She was made a Vice President of the Alliance in 2004, having been Deputy Chair of the Movement & Dance Division 1993-2005; a member of the main Board 1999-2004; Deputy Chair 2001-2004. She produced festivals of exercise, movement and dance at the Royal Albert Hall for Flexercise and for the Alliance (1995-2005). Margaret received her OBE for services to fitness, dance and sport in the Queen's Birthday Honours 2008.
A Board member of Sports Leaders UK from 2003, she took on the role of Chair in 2004, a position she held until 2011 with a further period from 2012-2015.
Board member of Bucks & Milton Keynes County Sports Partnership 2007-2011. Board member of Oxfordshire County Sports Partnership from 2013 to the present day.
Robert has been an Honorary Member since 1980 and attended the Outdoor Pursuits Divisional meetings since 1970; he was elected Chair of the Division 1997 - 2005.
Member of the Rights of Way Review Committee; Standing Conference on Countryside Sports; Mountain Training Board (sometime Chairm); National Mountain Centre Plas y Brenin Advisory Committee; Sport and Natural Resources Group, Yorks & Humberside Regional Sports Forum; Millennium Crag Project (Chair), Chair of the Alliance 1995-1997.
Robert represented Loughborough University First XV rugby, athletics and cross-country running. He was Chairman of Loughborough University Mountaineering Club being an active mountaineer and mountain explorer on foot and ski in every mountainous area of Great Britain and Ireland and European Alps from Lyngen in Arctic Norway to Central Italian Alps - several first ascents of peaks and passes. Significant mountain exploration over many seasons in the Kulu region of the Punjab Himalaya of India. Several first ascents of peaks and passes between 16,000ft - 22,000 ft. Frequent contributor to Alpine Journal and Himalayan Journal. British Mountaineering Council delegate to North York Moors National Park (1988-1994); sometime Chairman Mount Everest Foundation Screening Committee (1980-1996); sometime President British Mountaineering Council (1974-1977); Chairman Mountain Training Board (1987-1993); British Honorary Secretary of the Himalayan Club of India (1986 -). Honorary Member, The British Mountaineering Council.
Currently President of the Access and Conservation Commission of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation - World body representing mountaineers of 80 nations.
Currently a free-lance consultant on sport and recreation in India and Outdoor Education in the UK.
An enthusiastic individual seeking positive impact in society through social transformation projects using, sport, faith, co-operatives, social enterprises & Foundations.
A sound grounding in government and Sports Policy through my 13 years as the MP for Loughborough and serving in the DCMS, DEFRA and the Treasury Ministerial Teams.
Now serving voluntarily on various sport, faith and voluntary organisation boards as well as being a serial social entrepreneur - creating solutions for local communities.
Joint Founder of the Independent Sports Think Tank and Director of SajeImpact serving numerous clients across sport, co-ops and foundations and in partnership with various leaders in their field.
Working to innovate using disruption & technology in all sectors and create high performing organisations through my non-executive work at EPpartners (www.eppartners.co.uk) and Icon Training.
Always keen to share these passions and future proofing organisations through media and public platforms worldwide - not just confined to the UK.
Taking on Chair roles with organisations to seek transformational change - having Chaired the Sport And Recreation Alliance, Leicestershire & Rutland Sport, CIMSPA, SAPCA to help transform their governance and strategic direction.
Brigid Simmonds became Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) in September 2009. The BBPA represents over 90% of the brewing industry and their members own over 20,000 pubs. Brigid was previously Chief Executive of the umbrella organisation Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL), from 1992 to 2009, where she represented over 100 companies across private sector sport and leisure interests.
She was a former chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance [2005 – 2011] and is also a board member of the Tourism Alliance. She was previously on the Board of Sport England and Leicester City Football Club. She is also a member of the Government’s Future High Streets Executive and a trustee of the Responsible Gambling Trust. In June 2006 she was awarded an OBE for Services to Sport.
Peter was appointed to represent the National Association of Community Education Officers in the Division of Interested Organisations in 1975. Between 1979 -1989, Peter was the Deputy Chair of this Division, and between 1997 - 1999, was the Chair and he served as a Member of the then CCPR Executive Committee. Between 1998 - 1999 chaired the Organisation & Services Review Group and successfully steered the major changes to the governance of the organisation. He was elected to the new Board of Directors in 1999 - 2002. In 2014 he was awarded our prestigious Emeritus Award.
He is a former member of the GB Sports Council and has represented the UK on a number of pan-European Working Groups on Youth Sport and has been a Consultant on Sport & Recreation Management to the Sultanate of Oman; The University of Oman and the State of Bahrain. In addition his sport and recreation speaking engagements have taken him Melbourne to Moscow and from Prague to Tokyo.
Since his retirement from his position of a Senior Education Officer and Head of the Arts, Sport and Recreation Service of Buckinghamshire County Council he has continued to work professionally and as a volunteer in the world of sport including being engaged by Sport England in the corporate governance and financial management of sport. He has served an Executive Chair; Executive Director; Chair, Board Member and Chief Executive of a number of key facilities and national sports organisations and national governing bodies of sport.
He was awarded the MBE for service to sport in 2004 and as a former Visiting Professor and Director of Sport at Buckinghamshire New University was conferred with the status of Honorary Professor in 2013.
Since 2012 he has served as the President of LEAP, the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Sport & Activity Partnership. Between 2006 - 2012 he had served as its founder Chairman. In 2012 he was presented with the first Buckinghamshire Life -time Achievement in Sport Award. He has also served as a Vice President of the British Sports Trust - Sports Leaders UK, having been appointed by the CCPR in 2002, as its first Chairman when it became a separate legal entity. Between 1999 - 2017 he served as the 4th Chairman of the Colson Trust - Phyllis Colson CBE being the founder of the CCPR - following in the foot steps of Sir Stanley Rous, Sir Robin Brook and Dame Mary Glen Haig.
Hilary attended her first meeting at the then CCPR in 1971, when she became the representative member for the Medau Society. She was already a teacher and trainer for the Society, working to get people of all ages and abilities involved in Medau work, and movement and dance in general. She was the first elected Chairman of the Medau Society, and continued to take classes and train teachers for many years.
After becoming Deputy Chair of the Division in 1979, she became a member of the CCPR Executive Committee, among others, including the Sports Council/Health Education Authority’s Fitness and Health Advisory Group. In 1989 she became Chairman of the Movement and Dance Division, and was active in promoting the work of the Division for many years through large scale events around the country and, in particular, helping to organise the regular Festivals of Movement and Dance every five years at the Royal Albert Hall, coinciding with the CCPR/S&RA anniversaries.
Hilary is a Vice President of both the Medau Society and the Alliance. She has five children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren, and has still to retire completely.
Howard has spent 46 years in sport and recreation management. He has been chief executive of six different organisations since the age of 37 and set up four from the outset.
Howard was the first chief executive of UK Sport and spent 15 years in Hong Kong up to 1996. As a former senior coach of the FA, Howard also played and coached at Wycombe Wanderers FC. He has been a Member of the Saudi-British MoU Group on sports development since 1996. Between 2008 and 2014 Howard was a Match Commissioner of FIFA.
Howard is also a visiting lecturer at Bucks New University and a consultant to the Buckinghamshire Learning Trust.
Howard was elected to the Sport and Recreation Alliance board in 2000 and was chair from 2001 to 2005. He was awarded an OBE in the 2013 New Year Honours List. Howard finished his term as an Appointed Director in July 2016.
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