Appointment of Andy Dalby-Welsh as Deputy Chief Executive
The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) is delighted to announce Andy Dalby-Welsh as its new Deputy Chief Executive. With a wealth of experience in senior management and sports participation, Andy will start in his role on the 23 January 2017.
Andy joins EFDS from The Change Foundation, where he has been their Director of Operations and Partnerships for over two years. During this time, he also had a short tenure acting as their Chief Executive. His previous roles were at the Foundation’s formerly named Cricket for Change and included Director of Operations as well as Programmes. Here, he gained over 10 years of experience in strategy creation and implementation, change management, finance management, organisational growth and developing transformational partnerships.
Andy, 38, is a former international cricketer, with lived experience of disability. In 2004, he set up his own project, Sport for Choice, creating sporting opportunities for blind and visually impaired young people. It aimed to build young people’s self-confidence, self-esteem, independence and friendships. In 2009, he was recognised at the Pride of Britain Awards for this work with disabled people.
In the newly created role at EFDS, Andy will provide executive and strategic leadership alongside the Chief Executive, Barry Horne. He will lead on the charity’s business development and be responsible for Corporate Services, Marketing and Communications, Research and Insight, Event Management, Fundraising, Public Affairs and Member Support.
Andy said about his appointment:
“I am really excited to be joining EFDS at this positive time of growth. I am incredibly passionate about the importance of disabled people being active. I have experienced first-hand through developing sports programmes for disabled people, and through representing the England blind cricket team, the increase in friendships, confidence, independence and aspirations that participating in sport can bring.
“I look forward to creating a step change in the number of disabled people benefitting from their participation in sport and recreational activities.”
Barry Horne, Chief Executive, said:
“It’s a great time for someone of Andy’s calibre to be joining our talented and committed team. We put a great deal of time and effort into ensuring that we recruited the ideal person for this brand new role. Andy’s valuable experience backed by a passion for change will undoubtedly help to move EFDS forward.
“The staff, Board and I are excited about the opportunities Andy can bring to EFDS and look forward to him starting.”
