PRESENT: Tanni Grey-Thompson (Chair), Ian Bancroft (Vice Chair), Nicola Mead-Batten, Nuria Zolle, Rhian Gibson, Hannah Bruce, Rajma Begum, Martin Hurst, Roisin Connolly, Sanjiv Vedi, Owain Schiavone, Alison Parken
STAFF: Brian Davies (CEO), Graham Williams, Owen Lewis, Rachel Davies, Craig Nowell, Wendy Yardley (minutes), James Owens & Ellen Todd (both item 4.4)
External: Neil Welch (Welsh Government), Nick Webborn (UKSport)
1. Welcome/Apologies for absence
Chair welcomed all to the meeting. Â Apologies were received from Emma Wilkins. Special welcome was made to Professor Nick Webborn (Chair UKSport) who gave the Board an overview of his career to date along with information on the role and priorities at UKSport.
2. Declaration of interests (if new)
RC declared being a Member of the Local Innovation Partnership Fund (LIPF) of Cardiff Capital Region.
No other new declarations of interest were recorded.
3. Minutes of the last meetings
3.1 Minutes, Action Log, Decision Trackers & Matters Arising
The Board noted that the draft minutes required altering as AP was also at the meeting referenced with PHW. The decision tracker was also noted. WY to amend minutes.
3.2 Decision Tracker
No actions outstanding.
4. Policy & Strategy
4.1 Business Plan Update report SW(26)12
Paper for approval. OL presented the update and advised that investment work remained on track, with partner communications expected by November 2026 ahead of implementation in April 2028. He reported progress across the data-driven investment stream, including cognitive testing, and highlighted that sector resilience remained a significant challenge, particularly where delivery depended on partner capacity and commitment. Sufficient interest had been received to proceed with four pilots, while retaining flexibility to withdraw if required.
The Board welcomed the breadth of progress reported, including the launch of the school sport survey on 16 April; the Daily Active pilots; achievement of the highest level of Disability Confident status; and the wider use of Systems Thinking across staff. Members discussed whether the organisation and its partners were sufficiently ready to work consistently in this way and noted the importance of language, locality, and partner readiness in successful delivery.
Board members sought clarification on the apparent contrast between reporting that activity was on track while also highlighting sector resilience concerns. In response, it was noted that activity within Sport WalesÂ’ direct control remained on track, but wider progress across the sector was more variable because of inconsistent partner commitment. Members also discussed pilot engagement; staffing pressures in the sector; environmentally sustainable grant arrangements; diversity at events and meetings; and the pace and maturity of the Regional Sports Partnerships development.
The Board requested a deeper-dive session on the Regional Sports Partnerships, including more detailed presentation material, and asked for sector resilience to be explored further at the September Board meeting. It was also noted that feedback would be sought from new Board members on their experience of the induction process, to help it evolve for the new Board members from September.
Decision: The Board approved the paper.
4.2 Partner Progress and Learning Report SW(26)13
A paper for assurance & discussion. The Board received the fourth quarter report and thanked JO and the team for the work undertaken. It was noted that artificial intelligence had been used to examine reflections on the previous year. The report highlighted inclusion and design as central to delivery, with examples including work on disability and Ramadan inclusion, co-design activity through the StreetGames hackathon, the development of young leaders in badminton and cricket, and the adoption of the Red Whistle campaign by Basketball Wales.
Members welcomed the progress described and noted the positive difference that could now be seen in practice. Discussion focused on the sustainability of funding, volunteer training, geographical reach, cultural change, partner maturity, and how success should be evaluated over time. Members also requested further case study material in relation to outdoor partnerships and noted the continuing challenge of limited facilities in some parts of Wales.
4.3 Health and Safety Annual Report SW(26)14
A paper for approval. The Board thanked CN and EW for the teamsÂ’ due diligence. It was noted that the Health and Safety Champion role would be due for renewal in September. Members welcomed the additional measures now being reported and the direction of travel reflected in the paper. The Board also welcomed the application of learning arising from the issue referenced in the report and noted that a conversation had taken place with the relevant partner.
Decision: The Board approved the paper.
4.4 Recognition Policy SW(26)15
A paper for approval. The Board received the paper, and JO and ET joined the meeting for this item. Members were advised that the work was complex and covered both UK-level considerations, including whether recognition should apply to a sport or a discipline, and Welsh implications arising from that approach. The discussion also addressed risk issues, covering inclusive participation in grassroots sport plus the relationship with UK SafeSport developments, and how these issues would be reflected in a new recognition policy.
It was noted that recognition had been paused for any new applications, but applications submitted prior to the review commencing continue to be considered utilising the existing policy. Members discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the emerging approach and noted the general position that Sport Wales would not wish to recognise more than one governing body for the same sport bar exceptional circumstances. The Board also welcomed the proposed reduction in the membership threshold and discussed circumstances in which recognition of disciplines, rather than additional governing bodies, may be more appropriate.
Decision: The Board approved the paper and noted that two further pieces of work would be brought back to a future meeting.
4.5 Safeguarding Annual Report SW(26)16
A paper for approval. Thanks were given to JO & EW and also the Board champion RG. The development of the new Capability framework (Arwain Cymru) should support safeguarding to become more integrated in governing bodies.
Decision: The Board approved the paper
4.6 Social Partnership Annual Report SW(26)17
A paper for information. The Board discussed the extent to which impact assessments should be reflected in both Board papers and Annual reports, noting the legislative requirement. Members also discussed procurement planning under the new Act and welcomed the recruitment of a Procurement Lead role. It was reported that an earlier secondment opportunity had helped develop templates and policies, providing a stronger base for future work. Members also suggested potential external links that may be useful and suggested some comparative work be undertaken on the legislative work required in Wales in comparison with the other Home Countries.
5. Chair & Executive report
5.1 Chair & Executive report SW(26)18
A paper for discussion. BD highlighted a number of current developments, including a meeting scheduled for 3 June with Emma Williams (Director general in WG), wider sector pressure on the current Government in relation to manifesto considerations, and the postponement of Public Health Wales’ attendance until September. It was also noted that discussions had taken place with the recently appointed Chief Medical Officer for Wales in relation to new UK Government guidance on recommended physical activity levels. The report is expected in July, with the likelihood that this would be broadly aligned with the existing guidance from 2019.
Further updates were provided on work with the Home Country Sports Councils on SafeSport and transgender policy, and the implications of recent legal developments. Members also noted the closure of SWNC during a period of works and commended the team for what had been achieved within the required timeframe. Positive feedback was also recorded on a number of initiatives and events, including safe weight-making work in Wales, the WIPS annual report, and the Iftar event organised by the Muslim Council of Wales, the Bengal Dragons Foundation, and Islam UK Centre of Cardiff University.
Board members discussed access to capital grants, requested an update in relation to TRARIIS, and opportunities to encourage stronger nomination levels for honours and sector recognition. The Board also noted the suggestion to consider social prescribing further and agreed that this should be picked up outside the meeting and built into the September Board agenda with PHW in attendance.
The Board noted the paper.
6. Finance, Risk & Governance
6.1 Budget confirmation paper 26-27 SW(26)19
A paper for approval. An additional session was held on 16 April to discuss the medium-term outlook, recognising that this requires regular Exec monitoring. Members also noted potential opportunities associated with the new Lottery operator, and the importance of accurate forecasting was emphasised, alongside the significance of future major events in raising profile of the Lottery and our sector generally.
Decision: The Board approved the paper.
7. Board Groups & Standing Committee reports
7.1 EDI Committee Annual Report SW(26)20
An information and assurance paper. The Board noted that the EDI Committee had already approved the report. Members highlighted the inclusive review, partner engagement activity, and the need for continued attention to succession planning.
7.2 Summary of Board groups and Standing Committees SW(26)21
A paper for information.
8. Welcome - Public Health Wales Board members & Exec to join (11.45)
The Board noted that Public Health Wales (PHW) had requested a reschedule. GW provided an update on work undertaken to date, including joint advocacy, insight and intelligence work at population level in relation to health and activity, and joint programme delivery. Members agreed that this discussion should return to the September meeting.
The Board discussed the opportunity to strengthen collaboration with PHW, particularly in the context of prevention, regional health boards, public services boards, and Welsh Government priorities. Members highlighted the potential value of deeper analysis of shared datasets, research support from universities, and a clearer articulation of respective roles and responsibilities. A visual mapping of responsibilities was suggested to help clarify areas of overlap, constraint, and opportunity.
Action: Arrange a further meeting involving Board and Executive colleagues to discuss Public Health Wales engagement in more detail.
9. Any Other Business
None – however, it was noted that some staff members were in attendance at a funeral for a long-standing member of staff, Reg Whitford. Having retired in December 2024 after a lengthy service of over 22 years, he leaves many friends and colleagues who mourn his loss.
10. Dates of next meetings: 10 July (Birmingham), 18 September, 20 November.
These minutes were approved by the Board at its meeting on 10 July 2026.