The new ‘Leadership Development Experience’ is currently being developed between Sport Northern Ireland, UK Sport, Sport England, Sport Scotland and Sport Wales. Our Sports Councils’ collective ambition is to build the capacity, qualities and behaviours of Boards, Chairs, CEOs and other senior personnel operating in governing bodies to create the very best led and governed organisations within sport.

The main aims of the initiative are to:

  • Identify the key qualities and behaviours necessary to become excellent leaders in sport in order to inform the delivery of future leadership development.
  • Support sports to attract and retain the very best leaders to serve sport through the development of a leadership talent pathway.
  • Proactively accelerate the development of Boards, Chairs and CEOs by developing and delivering a range of leadership development initiatives.
  • Collaborate with key partners and experienced individuals with expertise to support the development of an industry leading and innovative leadership experience.

Consultation on the Leadership Development Experience in 2012 found a positive response to the proposals and the desire of Governing Bodies of Sport to continuously improve and advance governance standards and leadership in sport. Feedback identified the need to have access to a range of flexible opportunities that can accommodate the differing nature, scale, remit and stages of development of governing bodies and other partners across the UK.

Currently the 18-month Leadership Development Programme, which will be aimed towards current CEOs and senior staff within governing bodies and partner organisations, is being designed and it is anticipated that recruitment and selection of the first cohort of 14 individuals will commence in the summer/autumn of 2013. Other elements of the Experience, including mentoring, coaching, review work and the Chairs Forum are being piloted, and feedback will help to inform future work.

The key to the success of the Leadership Development Experience will be the bespoke nature of the available development opportunities. Whilst UK Sport is still leading the design and development stage of this work, Sport Northern Ireland is committed to resourcing the delivery of opportunities that will meet local needs and contribute to increasing standards of quality governance in Northern Ireland. Sport Northern Ireland will work with Governing Bodies of Sport to ensure that appropriate opportunities are available to meet the often unique needs of both individuals and organisations in Northern Ireland at a particular stage of development.

With this in mind, if you are interested in finding out more about the Leadership Development Experience and how it could contribute to raising standards of leadership within your sport, please contact Sport Northern Ireland.