Insights

Driving diversity in sport leadership with Sport England and UK Sport

Lead Author
Perrett Laver
Published
03 Jul 2024
Industry
Location
London

Diversity is the foundation of excellence in sport and this is true from the pitch to the track to the boardroom.

At Perrett Laver, we believe that only with diversity at a senior level can organisations truly understand the perspective of excluded communities and dismantle barriers to success and participation at a grassroots level.

That is why we have worked with Sport England and UK Sport since 2018 to create the Diversity in Sport Leadership programme, designed to prepare leaders from the private sector for governance roles in some of the country’s leading sporting organisations.

This programme works to identify and develop a network of senior, experienced candidates from a range of backgrounds, including women, people from black, Asian and other ethnically diverse backgrounds, disabled people and LGBT+ people.

Appointments made

38

Across multiple sports boards

Diversity

65%

Appointees coming from black, Asian and other ethnically diverse backgrounds

Gender Representation

73% female

Appointments made

Diversity

8%

Appointees with a declared disability

Sport England and UK Sport have supported the programme with £450,000 ($620,000/€525,000), while a pilot has been set up to improve diversity at regional and local level.

We have also been supported in the delivery of the project by a consortium of expert partners, including RimJhim Consulting, Birkbeck University of London, Sport and Recreation Alliance, Women on Boards, Activity Alliance and Stonewall.

Jennifer Thomas is one leader who has been through the programme which allowed her to take up a board position with England Netball.

“Sport has played such an important role in my professional and personal development, and I reached a point in my career when I wanted to give something back.”

Jennifer Thomas

England Netball

Board Member

Jennifer went on to say, “The Diversity in Sport Leadership programme has given me the opportunity do that. It has allowed me to transfer my professional experience into a governance role and begin to drive the change I want to see in sport.”

 

“The board team at England Netball really encourages a hands-on approach and there have been opportunities to work on some amazing projects. I have offered myself as a sounding board for diversity and inclusion, and hopefully given some insight that will help drive diversity throughout the organisation.

I would highly recommend that any private sector leaders with an interest in sport pursue Sport England, UK Sport and Perrett Laver’s Diversity in Sport Leadership programme.”

Perrett Laver Sport National Governing Bodies
Related Expertise
Executive Search in Sport

“At SportsAid, we have long believed that diversity equals excellence. Only with a diverse range of people at every level can organisations truly reach their full potential.”

Tim Lawler

SportsAid

Chief Executive

Tim continued, “The sporting world is now going through an important period of education and action on diversity and inclusion, and initiatives like the Diversity in Sport Leadership programme from Sport England and Perret Laver are an essential part of that.

The programme has allowed us to bring in exceptional leaders from the private sector who have helped us challenge our processes and create structures and systems that are inclusive to all. Sport England, UK Sport and Perrett Laver’s programme has already broken down so many barriers to entry in sport, and we would encourage any leaders and organisations to engage with the programme to continue driving positive change.”

We are proud to have extended our partnership with Sport England and UK Sport and we look forward to driving positive change into the future.

Related Insights

Q&A: Imogen Baird on Diversity & Inclusion in Sport

28 Jul 2022

Meet the Leaders: In Conversation with Sanjay Bhandari

21 Aug 2021

Perrett Laver

Perrett Laver specialises in executive search to identify outstanding leaders globally. We connect influential organisations with dynamic leaders who share common values and visions for the future.

Our deep understanding of each client’s values and culture ensures we find candidates from diverse sources who bring fresh perspectives and real impact.

We connect influential organisations with dynamic leaders who share common values and visions for the future.Our deep understanding of each client’s values and culture ensures we find candidates from diverse sources who bring fresh perspectives and real impact.