PRESENT: Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson (Chair), Ian Bancroft (Vice Chair), Delyth Evans, Nicola Mead-Batten, Judi Rhys, Philip Tilley, Nuria Zolle, Chris Jenkins, Rhian Gibson, Martin Veale, Dafydd Davies, Hannah Bruce, Rajma Begum
STAFF: Brian Davies (CEO), Emma Wilkins, Graham Williams, Owen Lewis, Rachel Davies, Wendy Yardley (minutes)
Staff Observers: Zaynub Akbar
External: Neil Welch (Welsh Government)
1. Welcome/Apologies for absence
The Chair welcomed all to the meeting which is followed by a discussion over lunch with Chair and CEO of the International Working Group (IWG) on women and sport. No apologies received.
2. Declaration of interests (if new)
None.
3. Minutes of the last meetings
3.1) Minutes, Action Log, Decision Trackers & Matters Arising
Notes from the meeting dated 22 November 2024 were agreed as a true record. No actions.
3.2) Decision Tracker
No actions outstanding.
4. Chair & Executive Report - SW(25) 01
4.1) The CEO highlighted the following from the report:
- Ministerial Bi-Annual meeting went well, and confirmation given of the positive budget announcement on 20 February. A more in depth meeting still to be arranged but confirmed attendance at May Board.
- UEFA Euros 25 steering group - CEO contributed to terms of reference and highlighted that there should be synergy from a host of other significant female sporting events in 2025.
- UK Sport Board meeting 6 February - one NGB is to appeal decision to place it in Sport Org. The 17 March meeting will be Dame Kath Grainger’s final one as Chair. No replacement announced yet.
- Sport England CEO finishing after 6-years in post.
- Sports Partnerships update; confirmation this week of a hosting model for Gwent, with all five partnerships being established. Thanks afforded to relevant staff and the sub-group members.
- Inter-Ministerial Cabinet Meeting (Sports Cabinet as was) scheduled for 24 March.
- Anti-Racism training - update on developments and roll-out timetable including Board training.
- Education grant application - hopefully will hear by April on the progress of the grant.
5. Policy & Strategy
5.1) Business Plan Update & Extension - SW(25) 02
A decision paper. A few notable highlights included: Sport Partnerships with the positive steps towards all 5 being established; the development of our Social Partnership obligations; Engagement with the Life Sciences Hub on progress with sustainability.
Query and comment raised on the National Survey for Wales - it was confirmed that this is a “random sample” survey by Welsh Government survey of 12,000 sample size, but with the hope to increase to 20,000. The comments will be fed-back.
The decision to extend the Business Plan aligns with the fact that it is an iterative Business Plan based on a term of Government remit letter which has just over 12 months to run before the next Senedd elections. Confirmation was provided that the integrated impact assessment of the business plan includes equality.
Board approved paper
5.2) Partner Progress & Learning (as per cycle) - SW(25) 03
An information paper, which is an inciteful snapshot of all the learning from funded Partners. A second lightning learning session with partners has taken place. Board members were pleased to see some of the good practice examples identified. There was a discussion on obtaining further insight e.g. partner perception surveys - it was suggested that the development of Sport Partnerships and the existing Wales Activity Tracker should be useful mechanisms in this regard and also for highlighting important themes.
Board approved paper
5.3) Budget 2025-26 SW(25) 04
A decision paper. Additional £1.3m identified in WG Budget since paper written. Board extended thanks to Minister and WG colleagues. Discussion on opportunity to re-instate last yearÂ’s cut to Partners and Exec team considering Resilience package of support that will accelerate vision in sport for Wales. Lottery – some reductions in budget from last few years but Reserves policy now in place. Future income is being closely monitored with the Operator, Allwyn.
Question on lottery forecast and the predicted uplift in 27/28 - this is a pragmatic 50% figure of the Allwyn forecasts provided.
Board approved paper
5.4) Partner Investments 2025-26 - SW(25) 05
A decision paper. The detail in terms of amounts will need to increase following the budget announcement and provided as a subsequent Appendix post meeting.
Board approved paper
5.5) Recognition paper (Cheerleading) - SW(25) 06
A decision paper. Sport Scotland and Sport Northern Ireland have approved the recommendation and Sport England in process. Members enthusiastic about the demographic this sport appeals to.
Board approved paper
5.6) Recognition paper (Taekwondo) - SW(25 )07
A decision paper. Explanation of differences between the two existing bodies and confirmation that all other Sports Councils have now approved.
Board approved paper
5.7) 2026 Senedd Elections – Update on Policy and Manifesto Proposals - SW(25) 08
A discussion paper. Thanks were extended to those involved who moved it on at pace. Splits into strategic/tactical. Language used in relation to health needs to resonate with that sector and preventative argument should focus on mental as well as physical health.
Important to recognise that the new Election system is likely to result in a coalition government therefore need to engage with multiple parties. We are attending all major party-political conferences. Any messaging needs to be aligned across the sector and the group has been consulting widely with Partners. Members continued to be supportive and offered assistance as required.
6. Finance Risk & Governance
6.1) Finance 2024-25 Month 10 Report - SW(25) 09
A discussion paper. Quarterly review of departments has identified some underspend but plans to meet carry-over limits in place.
6.2) Corporate Governance Manual - SW(25)10
A decision paper. Minor changes in the new version with have been approved by ARAC.
Board approved paper
6.3) Terms of Reference - Committees - SW(25 )11
A decision paper. Mainly minor changes which have been previously approved by relevant committees and sub-groups. Confirmed it will need to be an annual review process.
Board approved paper
6.4) Risk Appetite & Corporate Risk Register – SW(25) 12
A decision paper. Only discussion was in relation to WG requirement to achieve AISME by end of next year.
Board approved paper
7. Board Groups & Standing Committee reports
7.1) Summary of Subgroups - SW(25) 13
This paper summarised the discussions and decisions of the Board’s sub-group meetings since the previous Board meeting. Brief mention was additionally made on the positive nature of a recent meeting with Cardiff City Council in relation to the FRG work on the SWNC.
8. Any Other Business
TGT - will circulate a WhatsApp vote about Members availability for the day before May Board.
There being no further business. Chair thanked all for attending. Meeting closed at 12pm.
9. Date of next meetings
16 May 2025, 18 July 2025, 18-19 September 2025 (Plas Menai), 21 November 2025
The minutes were approved by the Board at its meeting on 16 May 2025.