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 By challenging outdated perceptions and moving from viewing diversity as tokenistic to recognising it as essential, the programme supports a stronger, more inclusive future for the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
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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
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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.
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Day Two focuses on the Effective Leadership in the Boardroom module, using seminar-based learning and interactive sessions to deepen leadership capability and confidence.
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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"
Kevin Analuwa - LeaderBoard graduate and Non-Exec Director of British Wheelchair Basketball
Eligibility Criteria
Essential
- Come from an Ethnically Diverse background
- You'll need to have an understanding, and preferably some experience of challenges faced by ethnically diverse communities across the sports and physical activity sector.
- You must be legally able to act as a Trustee or Director. Examples of disqualification include having an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud); being bankrupt; being removed as a company director or charity trustee because of wrong-doing.
Desirable
- Passionate about making a difference in the sport, physical activity sector and achieving fair representation and inclusion.
- Professional career experience as a current or former professional athlete / or experience within the sport and physical activity sector.
- Degree-level educated or equivalent experience.
- Experience on a Youth Panel or Youth Board.
Testimonials
"Several sessions stood out as particularly beneficial, including Minerva’s CV workshop, the Q&A with LeaderBoard graduates, and Michelle Moore’s session. Additionally, the dinner event at the end of the first day was a highlight, offering the opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers and network with leaders across various sports. Engaging with previous course participants and my fellow cohort members was also invaluable and I am glad to have developed some good connections as a result."
“After listening to insights from other leaders from the Leaderboard Academy, my confidence in my own abilities was instantly boosted. It helped me to not only learn essential tools and gain valued knowledge in the sports leadership space but also to realise the power and value that I already hold as a leader in sport from an ethnically diverse background. The academy inspired me to continue learning and taught me to have confidence in my existing knowledge and abilities as a woman working in a leading sports charity.
After meeting a wealth of inspiring leaders in sports, I’m inspired to seek bigger and better career opportunities in sport. I’m confident in my abilities to one day become a board member, a trustee, or perhaps even a CEO of a credible sports organisation in the future.”
“My expectations of the academy were that we would discuss board articles and we’d just listen and be given tips on how to act on a board. My expectations were blown out of the water on the first day of the academy when Arun was explaining all the facts and figures in terms of diversity around the country and in each sport that participated in the Race Representation Index.
I really loved that we were able to her the stories of high level board members who spoke with such passion and honesty which was refreshing to see.”
"LeaderBoard has more than met my expectations. The program provided valuable insights into governance,
risk management, and strategic decision-making, which have significantly broadened my perspective. The
workshops on CV writing, and cover letters, were particularly beneficial, as they equipped me with the tools to
present myself more effectively in professional settings. I also appreciated the emphasis on networking and
raising one’s profile, which has encouraged me to take a more proactive approach in engaging with the sector."
“LeaderBoard provided a safe and welcoming space where I could explore my interests in sports governance while connecting with peers who shared similar cultural backgrounds and aspirations. I found myself surrounded by a diverse community of professionals, each bringing their own unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Through engaging discussions and insightful sessions, I discovered a newfound confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the sports industry.
What truly made the experience memorable were the connections and friendships forged along the way. Despite my initial reservations, I now have contacts and friends for years to come who, collectively, can contribute to systemic change within the industry. The camaraderie and support within the community have been invaluable, providing a sense of belonging and empowerment that I hadn't anticipated.”
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