Safe Sport Project Advances with Key Appointments
Following the publication of the Safe Sport report in June, UK Sport and the Home Country sports Councils are moving forward with the project’s second phase, announcing the appointments of Neil Cooper as Project Director and Nick Pink as Project Chair. These roles will be pivotal in assessing the feasibility of the report’s recommendations.
Neil Cooper brings over three decades of experience in high-performance coaching, governance, and safeguarding, currently serving as Triathlon England’s Autonomous Non-Executive Director for Welfare and Safeguarding. He will lead the feasibility phase, running until Spring 2026, focusing on identifying sector needs, evaluating delivery methods, and developing a rollout plan based on the report’s recommendations.
Nick Pink’s experience includes former leadership roles as CEO of England Hockey and COO of GB Hockey, where he oversaw meaningful governance reform, navigated safeguarding challenges during the pandemic, and strengthened sporting integrity. As Chair, he will guide the project through a dedicated Oversight Group, ensuring diverse perspectives from athletes, organizations, and independent experts shape the next stage of advancement.
These appointments represent a key step towards fostering a sporting culture that prioritizes the wellbeing, enjoyment, and fulfillment of all participants, from grassroots to elite levels.
Neil Cooper, Project Director, said: “This is an vital opportunity to shape a safeguarding approach that gives everyone in sport the confidence that their welfare and safety always come first. I’m looking forward to working with partners across the sector to deliver the bold vision for Safe Sport through an integrated and complete approach throughout the UK.”
Nick Pink,Project Chair,added: “The Safe Sport project is about creating a system that strengthens the culture of sport in the UK. By working collaboratively with athletes, organisations and safe sport experts, we can build an approach that has trust and accountability at its heart. I’m delighted to be supporting this work and guiding the next phase of feasibility and scoping.”
Safe Sport forms the foundation of a broader transformation program aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the UK sports sector. The Sports Councils remain fully committed to supporting this work and will provide regular updates on its progress.