PRESENT: Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson (Chair), Ian Bancroft (Vice Chair), Delyth Evans, Nicola Mead-Batten, Philip Tilley, Nuria Zolle, Rhian Gibson, Martin Veale, Dafydd Trystan, Hannah Bruce, Rajma Begum
STAFF: Brian Davies (CEO), Emma Wilkins, Graham Williams, Owen Lewis, Joanne Nicholas, Ian Blackburn, Owen Hathway (item 5.4 only), Sarah Walters, Wendy Yardley (minutes)
Staff Observers: Phillipa Lang
External: Neil Welch (Welsh Government)
1. Welcome/Apologies for absence
Chair welcomed all to meeting. Heartfelt thanks were given to Delyth Evans and Dafydd Trystan as this would be their final Board meeting because of significant other commitments for both, for which congratulations were also offered. They would be invited to the September meeting but are, sadly, unlikely to be able to accept.
2. Declaration of interests (if new)
None
3. Minutes of the last meetings
3.1 Notes of CGG Meeting – 6 June 2025 SW(25)24
Paper for decision. One minor amendment, Delyth Evans was not at meeting.
Action: Subject to above amendment, Board approved the notes.
3.2 Minutes, Action Log, Decision Trackers & Matters Arising SW(25)25
Minutes agreed as an accurate record and therefore approved.
3.3 Decision Tracker
No actions outstanding.
4. Chair & Executive Report
4.1 Chair & Executive Report SW(25)26
Paper for decision. The CEO brought attention to a few specific items in the report. CEO and Chair had met with the Minister, Jack Sargeant MS for the Biannual meeting and it was useful that his special adviser, Phillipa Marsden, was also present. A meeting was also held at the National Centre with Elin Burns, the new Director, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Welsh Language at Welsh Government. Arrangements still need to be confirmed for Nick Webborn (Chair of UKSport) to attend a Board meeting.
PHW: Progress continues to be made with the relationship and partnership with Public Health Wales.
Plas Menai: the September Board will be held at Plas and accommodation will be provided for the Thursday evening together with a dinner. It was confirmed that an annual report on Plas Menai will be provided at the Board.
Events & Media: this important summer of Women’s and Girls sports events is underway. Our Communications strategy is to make sure that attention and coverage focusses on a wider narrative for women and girls sport rather than simply the events.
UKSport: it appears that the new Chair is interested in duty of care and will also have a focus on athlete transition (retirement) The new CEO of Sport England comes from the UK Land Registry and starts in September.
The CEO stressed the importance of the governance work that is continually being undertaken with partners in general but that, specifically, there had also been a lot of activity and developments since the 6 June CGG meeting with regard to netball. An independent consultancy (BDO) has been engaged to review the latest developments and proposals. However, any potential solution will be cognisant of the Principles that Board established on 6 June and a further Critical Governance Group (CGG) meeting is likely to be required.
5. Policy & Strategy
5.1 Business Plan Update – SW(25)27
A discussion paper. A few notable highlights included the roundtable Ministerial meeting on the sector’s relational approach to mental health. There has been significant progress in the Foundations Framework that was presented to Board last September and also interest has been shown by Ireland in that work.
Whilst the Sustainability element of the Business Plan has been slower than anticipated, a secondment to develop our procurement expertise is to begin shortly.
Meetings have been scheduled or held with key partners on the next School Sport Survey and a further update will be provided at the Sept Board.
Sport Partnerships – a Shadow Board for Gwent has its first meeting imminently. A question was raised in relation to 60+ work, and it was confirmed that discussions have taken place regarding opportunities for the 60+ scheme in a regional context but no contact has been made to date with the Older Peoples Commissioner.
5.2 Sport System – Approach to What Matters and Support
Presentation provided to Board by JN and SW. Board members welcomed an excellent and informative presentation and noted that some fantastic partnerships are developing. JN also mentioned that a survey to engage feedback from partners will be issued, possibly at end of this cycle.
5.3 Partner Progress/Learning - SW(25)28
A discussion paper. The Board welcomed the report and noted that everyone in the sector is experiencing various pressures but also suggested that attention is afforded to some the successful innovations being undertaken and could be mentioned at the next Chair/CEO Forum.
5.4 Manifesto Update Paper - SW(25)29
A discussion paper. Chair reiterated that the Senedd Elections were only 12 months away and the Vice-Chair also provided background to the paper. The Board supported the fact that some further networking and insight analysis was to be undertaken, especially regarding the preventative health agenda. The overall reflection was that it had been an excellent, beneficial and useful piece of work. There are limitations to our ability in this arena, not only as an arm’s length body. However, it has been welcomed by the sector and members discussed whether there was potential for a document on the advocacy role for Board members. The staff involved were thanked for their work to date.
6. Finance, Risk & Governance
6.1 Board Effectiveness Review – Update – SW(25)31
A decision paper. Vice-Chair mentioned that it built on the Board Governance Action plan and was an opportunity to reflect on our progress. EW highlighted that a category of “For Assurance” will be added to future Board papers. There is the possibility that, in time, a future process could be externally facilitated
BOARD APPROVED PAPER
6.2 Finance Report – SW(25)32
A paper for information. RD mentioned that we are monitoring and discussing the potential budget surplus at present. The restoration increases to partners totalling £800k agreed by Board has been distributed and a review of the lottery adjustment percentages has been undertaken. The Exec and Leadership teams are looking at various Vision impact related projects and regular budgeting meetings with heads of service are taking place. The year-end audit is currently being carried out and nothing of note has been identified to date. There are meetings schedule shortly with all the Lottery distributors and the new operator Allwyn. Board agreed that a further update on any budget surplus is welcomed at next board.
6.3 Corporate Risk Register – SW(25)33
A paper for information. Small changes to wording. Internal Audit – identified areas on reporting to ARAC.
7. Board Groups & Standing Committee reports
7.1 ARAC Annual Report – SW(25)34
A discussion paper. The Chair of ARAC, MV stated that the report identifies a good story of all the work that is being done successfully and that this standing committee was well-engaged and had his thanks. All key areas have been completed. Both CEO and Chair gave official thanks to MV given that this was his last ARAC Annual Report. Vice Chair raised the prospect of a Social Impact audit in the future. Exec committed to initially exploring whether the Internal Auditors had the necessary skills and experience.
7.2 Summary of Subgroups - SW(25)35
An information paper that summarised the discussions and decisions of the Board’s sub-group meetings since the previous Board meeting.
Any Other Business
Next Board meeting to be held in Plas Menai. WY to arrange logistics and will contact Board members regarding their requirements. Invite to be extended to new Board members if possible.
There being no further business. Chair thanked all for attending. Meeting closed at 12:30.
8. Date of next meetings:
18-19 September (Plas Menai), 21 November 2025 (SWNC).
The minutes were approved by the Board at its meeting on 19 September 2025.