I’ve been at WSFF since 2008 and head up the policy and external affairs arm. Day-to-day this means working with Liz to provide hands-on support to sports deliverers to make sport and fitness more female friendly, and Lisa who lobbies government in relation to sport and physical activity. We manage The Commission – a group of high profile people with the purpose of unlocking the potential of women’s sport, by addressing the problems of leadership, investment and profile in the sector. The policy side of my role also looks at national strategies to deliver WSFF’s mission of a society which encourages, enables and celebrates active and healthy women and girls.
What has your career involved before WSFF?
Before WSFF I was kept busy at Sport England where I worked with individual governing bodies. I’ve also worked for the Local Government Association and Chichester District Council as a Sports Development Officer.
If you could change 1 thing to have a positive impact on women and girls' activity levels, what would it be?
I’ve always wanted to create a cross between mass participation events and high profile sporting associations so you get the benefit of exercise and charity aspects of mass participation events like Race for Life – combined with the team spirit and togetherness of global events like the Olympics!
How does being active make you feel?
At the moment, being active makes me feel tired and achy as I’m training for the London Marathon! But most importantly, after I complete a marathon it leaves me feeling like I can achieve anything. It’s also a nice release from other things in my life. The buzz I get from exercising ... there’s nothing quite like it.
Favourite sport or physical activity
My favourite sport to play is hockey. I’ve been playing since I was 12. But my sport viewing is definitely football-led.
Most memorable sporting moment
I was in the Olympic stadium when Kelly Holmes won her first gold medal and screamed so loud that I scared some 9 year old girls who were sitting in front of me!
Who do you admire and why?
I admire Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson as she’s Britain’s best ever paralympian. The time she spends helping the sports world is inspirational. She’s on the board of a number of high profile organisations and continues to give so much back all while maintaining a healthy worklife balance.
