• Craig Beeston, SGA Programme Manager, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland

• Jeanette Bain-Burnett, Executive Director of Policy & Integrity, Sport England

• Lynsey Tweddle, Strategic Lead (Governance), Sport England
• Rob Morini, Head of Sporting System, UK Sport

A look at the principal themes arising during the year since the publication of the revised Code. We look at which new requirements are proving the most challenging for organisations as well as the support that Sport England and UK Sport are putting in place to help their funded partners to implement the Code.

• Georgina Usher MBE, Chief Executive, British Fencing
• Arran Coggan, Director of Participation, Archery GB
• Chris Pringle, Senior Regional Manager, The Football Association

This panel session features organisations who have already begun or have well advanced initiatives to implement improved governance in their regional structures.

We discusss the value of good governance and how this has been articulated to stakeholders. Plus, useful practical insights into challenges faced in rolling out governance projects.

• Dr Russell Seymour, Chief Executive, BASIS - The British Association for Sustainable Sport
• Jack Baker, Head of Public Policy, The Lawn Tennis Association
• Craig Beeston, SGA Programme Manager, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (Moderator)

Like all areas of society, sport has a responsibility to protect our environment. Our changing climate and the increased frequency of adverse weather events also jeopardise organisations operationally and financially.

The revised Code for Sports Governance introduced a requirement for funded bodies to consider the impact of their decisions and actions on their stakeholders, wider society and the environment. Our panel explores practical ways in which sustainability can be put at the heart of strategic planning.

• Dr Mike Higgins, Loughborough University

Based on the findings of extensive research and interviews with those occupying leadership roles in a range of NGBs and other organisations in the sector, this session focuses on:

• The nature of sport and how this shapes the leadership needs of sports organisations, what makes leadership different in sports organisations, how the complexities of sport drives specific leadership requirements.
• The next evolution of sport leadership which is values based, purpose driven and collective. Where leadership is authentic, ethical, collective, and focused on developing others.
• Growing leadership capacity by identifying how leadership really develops in individuals and teams

Delegates are encouraged to reflect on the learnings from this presentation to clarify their own leadership philosophy and principles.

View session slides

• Rosie Benson, Head of Clubs, Sport England
• Kristen Natale, Head of Volunteering, Sport England
• Spencer Moore, Director of Strategy, CIMSPA
• Claire Beney, Director - Strategic Relationships, Active Devon

This session looks at the strategic value of People Plans and workforce governance, both in terms of the Uniting the Movement strategy and the wider sport and physical activity sector. We address how these can impact transformation in the workforce and lead to shifts in organisational culture. 

• Lindsay Games, Head of Equality, Sport England
• Trixie Marchant, Senior Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Advisor, UK Sport

View sessions slides

• Jayne Molyneux, Director of Children & Young People, Sport England (Moderator)
• Katie Fudakowski, Barrister & Partner, Farrer & Co
• Savita Sohal, Case Manager, Sport Resolutions

A key responsibility for all organisations at any level is the provision of a safe environment for everyone to enjoy sport. Examples of where this has not been attained can be uncomfortable to address. The lessons to be learned, however, are of the highest importance.

In this session, our panel considers recent reviews into behaviour within the sector and discusses what organisations can take from them in order improve their culture and processes.

• Craig Beeston, SGA Programme Manager, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland
• Joy Johnston, Head of Governance (Support), Sport England
• Emma Farlow, Senior Governance Advisor, UK Sport
• Neil Emberton, Governance, Ethics & Integrity Lead, Sport Wales
• Lorna Callan, Partnership Manager, sportscotland
• Colin Atkinson, Sport Developer, Sport Northern Ireland

Representatives of the five Sports Councils discuss their governance priorities, their strategies for the sector, and how they are working together to improve governance in the sport and physical activity sector across the UK.

The session also looks at what this all means for the future of the SGA itself.

View session slides