3 Mar 2020

The charity and youth expert helping to shape the Alliance

The charity and youth expert helping to shape the Alliance news article image

Caroline has over 30 years’ experience of operating at Board level and delivering transformational change across hospitality, youth development, property, housing and social care. She added her expertise to the Alliance board three years ago.

Between 2009-2017 she was Chief Executive of one of the Alliance’s biggest members, the Youth Hostel Association. During this time Caroline was responsible for 1,300 staff and grew the volunteering number from 1,000 to 3,000.

Reflecting on her success, Caroline said: “I was exceptionally proud to modernise and transform the Youth Hostel Association into a vibrant charity with over 160 locations in England and Wales.

“I have always been dedicated to providing life-changing opportunities, especially for our youngest generations, and to lead such a famous organisation and to provide them with the chance to grow the reach and impact they had was an incredible honour”

Her passionate work in developing young people and improving their lives through sport and recreation was recognised with an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University in 2017.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Caroline added: “The strength and expertise of the Alliance board is fantastic. To know that I sit alongside colleagues from all backgrounds with equal gender representation, proves that we are leading the way on best practice.

“Whether it is providing the chance for young people to become more active or tackling societal issues within our communities, we all know that equality is essential.”

Caroline was most recently in position as interim CEO at ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity which offers emergency shelter for families who have lost their home and other vital items to help them rebuild their lives

Latest News

2 Jun 2026

Sport, volunteering and the connection crisis: four perspectives

A joint contribution from the Sport and Recreation Alliance, /Together, Sport England and the Eden Project.

Read more Arrow Right
22 May 2026

Alliance responds to PE and school sport funding announcement

The government has announced that it will be investing more than £1 billion in PE and school sport over the next three years.

Read more Arrow Right
20 Apr 2026

Alliance responds to DCMS Select Committee’s “Game On” Inquiry report

We welcome the publication of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s “Game On: Community and School Sport” report, which identifies a series of recommendations to government to strengthen grassroots sport and physical activity.

Read more Arrow Right

Become a member

Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!

Register now

Our Partners

Admincontrol logoAir IT logoJMW logoSport:80 logoZellar logo93FT logo