LeaderBoard England

Our ground-breaking leadership programme and campaign aims to not only increase demographic diversity on Boards and in executive leadership positions, but also shift existing belief systems away from ‘diversity as tokenism’ to ‘diversity as essential’ for the future success of our sector

LeaderBoard England 2026-27
 
24–25 November 2026 | King Power Stadium, Leicester
LeaderBoard is Sporting Equals’ flagship programme dedicated to increasing diversity within the boardrooms of sport across England.
Designed for individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds, the programme equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to secure and succeed in Non-Executive Director and board-level roles. Through a carefully structured curriculum, LeaderBoard demystifies governance in sport and empowers future leaders to influence decision-making at the highest level.

At its core, LeaderBoard is about driving meaningful change. We are committed to reshaping the governance landscape so that it reflects the rich diversity of our communities. By challenging outdated perceptions and moving from viewing diversity as tokenistic to recognising it as essential, the programme supports a stronger, more inclusive future for the sport and physical activity sector.

Programme Structure
LeaderBoard is delivered across three in-person days, developed in partnership with the University of Leicester. The programme combines expert-led teaching, real-world insight, and meaningful networking with sector leaders.
  • Day 1 & Day 2: Tuesday 24 – Wednesday 25 November 2026
    King Power Stadium, Leicester
  • Day 3: Early 2027 (date confirmed with cohort)

Over the course of the programme, participants engage in core modules designed to ensure they are fully prepared for board-level roles:
Programme Modules
  • Day One – Diversity and Inclusion in British Sport
    Exploring the current landscape of diversity within sport, this module examines the systemic challenges and opportunities across governance structures. Participants gain a clear understanding of why inclusive leadership is critical to the future success of the sector.
  • Day Two – Effective Leadership in the Boardroom
    Focused on developing the skills required to operate effectively at board level, this module covers leadership styles, strategic decision-making, governance responsibilities, and how to influence and contribute with impact.
  • Day Three – The Journey
    Delivered several months later, this module supports participants in translating their learning into action. It focuses on identifying board opportunities, navigating recruitment processes, building networks, and securing roles.

What to Expect
  • Day One introduces key governance concepts alongside the Diversity and Inclusion in British Sport module. The day concludes with a networking dinner featuring a keynote speaker and attended by National Governing Bodies and sector partners. Previous speakers have included Olympic Gold Medalist Christine Ohuruogu MBE and race equality campaigner Azeem Rafiq.
  • Day Two focuses on the Effective Leadership in the Boardroom module, using seminar-based learning and interactive sessions to deepen leadership capability and confidence.
  • Day Three provides time for reflection and development before bringing participants back together for The Journey module, focused on progressing into board roles.

Outcomes
LeaderBoard brings together a cohort of aspiring leaders selected for their experience and potential to influence sport and physical activity on a national scale. The programme is designed to ensure participants are “board ready,” with many progressing into board-level roles within six months of completion.

"Leaderboard Academy provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with many like-minded people with the goal of having true representation in governance within the sports sector in the UK. The sessions were inspirational and provided me with the encouragement I needed to go for my first board role"

Eligibility Criteria

Essential

Desirable

Testimonials

LeaderBoard past cohort candidates

Cohort 1 - 2018
  • Aroz
  • Ash Rai
  • Dal Dhaliwal
  • Graham Hedman
  • Harley Hicks
  • Hitesh Hicks
  • Mandip Sehmi
  • Mashkura
  • Pasha Shah
  • Priti Trivedi
  • Rashida Salloo
  • Reha
  • Rodney Hinds
  • Sarwan Singh
  • Shaquille Cope-Mclean
  • Sharon Uka
  • Yashmin
  • Zuby Hamard
Cohort 2 - 2019
  • Salma Biz
  • Aisha Bi
  • Ernest Aki
  • Naz Deen
  • Naz Ali
  • Shaida Bibi
  • Mumtaz
  • Amar Bhatti
  • Joel Campbell
  • Anoo
  • Asad
  • Cheddi Gore
  • Henry
  • Juliet Bertie
  • Kalisha Patel
  • Lorraine Bedwell
  • Shrey Upadhyay
Cohort 3 - 2021
  • Kieron Achara
  • Gbeminyi Soyinka
  • Charlene Sharp
  • Theo Ajadi
  • Patricia Aiyenuro
  • Kevin Analuwa
  • Deepak Patel
  • Simran Hayer
  • Jeni Bennett
  • Lipa Nessa
  • Ibtisam Belola
  • Helen Chu
  • Bukky Moemeke
  • Ulundi Makhanya
  • Topsy Ojo
Cohort 4 - 2022/23
  • Nahimul Islam
  • Lee Timothy
  • Clive Morgan
  • Ravi Tara
  • Ash Rahman
  • Kieran Matthews
  • Mandy Jelenje
  • Sundus Salam
  • Khadija Patel
  • Shameema Yousuf
  • Shenaz Makhan
  • Tim Masih
  • Simon Mclntyre
  • Bulak Dale Gaspalinao
  • Mark Cadogan
  • Aaron Morris
  • Laura Percival
Cohort 5 - 2023/24
  • Alton Brown
  • Ayaz Bhuta MBE
  • Bonnie Pang
  • Gary Tolometti
  • Harleen Kaur
  • Hema Choudhury
  • Javan Odegah
  • Kelly Smith
  • Lee Parker
  • Nirali Sisodra
  • Rukhsana Hussain
  • Zheng-Phoon Alan Lau
  • Ziana Butt
  • Mehdiya Lalji
  • Sumeet Dhillon
  • Jonathon Buffong
  • Justin Taundi
  • Skuh Sadhra
  • Sunil Tailor
  • Isobel woodgate
  • Luther Burrell
  • Sapphire Finlayter-Gaskell
Cohort 6 - 2024/25
  • Carl Reid
  • Lloyd Emeka
  • Rajab Noor
  • Nicky Iginla
  • Sukhdev Gill
  • Miles Benjamin
  • Tania Nadarajah
  • Umar Ahmed
  • Chevy Green
  • Tearth Singh Thaliwal
  • Samuel Messam
  • Yasmin Senior
  • Yasmin Clarke
  • Ashley Marshalleck
  • Neal Akhtar
  • Dewan Choudhury
  • Pamela Jabbar
  • Hina Shafi
Cohort 7 - 2025/26
  • Thomas Harwell
  • Gavin James
  • Alexis Simms
  • Kajol Desai
  • Lynette Obika
  • Daniel Ampaw
  • Marc Medas
  • Misbah Mogradia
  • Oriana Chirinos
  • Shohan Khan
  • Danny Williams
  • Louis Annan
  • Jenelle Grant
  • Waheed Rashid
  • Jasveer Singh
  • Umar Ahmed
  • Camilla Robinson
  • Jeff Tong
  • Laura Baptiste
  • Vidhya Jogia