UK Sport launches development programme for leaders in high-performance sport

The programme combines UK Sport’s previous leadership programmes (Future and Coach Leaders) and will connect a diverse range of participants to cover key leadership topics and develop role specific expertise.

The programme will support those working in the high-performance community that are new to a performance senior leadership role or aspire to be a senior leader for the Los Angeles or Milan Cortina Olympic and Paralympic cycles.

The following participants have been successfully enrolled on to the programme:

• Rikki Bingham (Archery GB)
• Gareth Wilson and James Train (British Canoeing)
• Emma Barton, Fiona Pimblett and John Hewitt (British Cycling)
• Sam Bradley (British Equestrian/EIS)
• Karen Williams (British Gymnastics)
• Clare Cunningham (British Paralympic Association)
• Marco Micheli (British Shooting)
• Dave Short (British Skeleton)
• Alan Lynn (British Swimming)
• Alasdair Donaldson (British Triathlon)
• David Court (ECB)
• Kevin Currell (EIS)
• Laura Needham (EIS/Triathlon)
• Graham Alderson (GB Boxing)
• Tom Greenall (GB Climbing)
• Kearnan Myall (GB Snowsport)
• Mark Ritchie (Snowsport England)
• Andrew Deer (GB Taekwondo)
• James Cheeseman (Manchester City Women’s FC)
• Alan Dickens, James Cooper and Jonathon Pendlebury (RFU)
• Jack Grundy (British Sailing)
• Lucy Adams (Skateboard GB)
• Ruth Beale and Tom Paulson (UK Athletics)
• Glynn Tromans and Claire Morrison (UK Boccia)

Leading To Perform sets out to harness the ability sport has in connecting people and society, by maximising strategic relationships and enabling sustainable deliveries of strategy. The aim is for participants to role model and implement approaches that drive the desired culture, establishing a strong foundation of leadership across the high-performance sport community. High performing leaders means high performing teams.

The programme has been carefully crafted in line with UK Sport’s Strategic Plan, that aspires to grow a thriving sporting system. Exploring key leadership topics in the ‘Leading & Developing Strategy & Culture’ element of the Leadership and Management Framework and will be essential in enabling best practice for members of the high-performance sport community and creating long lasting change.

Participants will undergo both face to face and virtual activities allowing them to develop their own performance in both current and future roles. The programme will deliver tailored support aimed to help individuals apply and transfer leadership skills and capabilities, with the central aim to inspire the next generation.

Explore further learning and development opportunities provided by UK Sport.

Alex Stacey, Head of Culture, Talent & Development at UK Sport, said: “UK Sport is delighted to welcome a motivated and talented pool of future leaders and support the next steps of their individual development journeys as part of the Leading To Perform experience. Critical to UK Sport’s strategic ambitions are the outstanding people who support the high-performance community.

“The new cohort are the most diverse group to form a UK Sport programme and will provide an excellent network for each other to share lived experiences and their own aspirations. Given the unique position that UK Sport has looking across the high-performance community, this is a fantastic opportunity to nurture and develop those people who will deliver significant roles in our future performance efforts at Games and role within society.”

Lucy Adams at Skateboard GB, said: "I'm super stoked to be included in the Leading To Perform programme. I hope to be able to share my experiences in skateboarding to inspire others as well as opening my mind to a wide variety of people and ideas from a large group of sports. It’s going to be a cool adventure for me to develop my leadership skills and push myself forward".

Andrew Deer at GB Taekwondo & Para-Taekwondo, said: "What an opportunity to learn, develop and grow on this journey. I hope to learn new skills and super charge my areas of development. In turn, I hope to inspire and affect lasting positive change and impact within my sport, nationally and internationally. Collaborating and making meaningful connections with my cohort across various sports will lead towards greater success for us all. That’s what I am looking forward to on this journey"