Safe Sport Project Advances with Key Appointments
Following theโ 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 โDirector and Nickโ Pink as Project Chair. These roles will be pivotal inโค assessing the feasibility of the report’s recommendations.
Neil Cooperโข brings over three decades โขof experience in high-performance coaching, governance, and safeguarding, currently serving as Triathlon England’s Autonomous Non-Executive Director for Welfare โand Safeguarding. He will lead the feasibility phase, running until Spring 2026, focusing on identifying sector needs, evaluatingโ delivery methods, and developing a rollout plan โbased on the report’s recommendations.
Nick Pink’sโฃ experience includes former leadershipโ roles as CEO of England Hockey and COO of GB Hockey, where he oversaw meaningful governance reform, navigated safeguarding challenges during the pandemic, โขand strengthened sporting integrity. As Chair, he will guide the project through a dedicatedโข Oversight Group, ensuring diverse perspectives from athletes, organizations,โค and independent experts shape the next stage of advancement.
These appointments represent a keyโ step towards fostering aโฃ 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 โwelfare 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 Safeโค Sport โฃproject is about creating a system that strengthens the culture of sport in the UK. Byโ working collaboratively with athletes, organisations and safeโ sport experts, we โcan โbuild an approach that has โtrust and accountability at its heart. I’m delighted toโฃ 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 โฃsustainability and effectiveness of the UK sports sector. The Sports Councils remain fully committed to supporting this work and will provide regularโข updates on its progress.