SportsAble appoints new COO and Directors
SportsAble, a sports club in Berkshire which specialises in delivering multiple sports to disabled people and their families, has appointed a Chief Operations Officer and bolstered its Trustee and Enterprise Boards. This process has taken place over the last 12 months and prepares the organisation for an expansion of services.
Established in 1975, SportsAble is a registered charity that has been playing a vital role in the community for more than 40 years. It is governed and managed by a Board of Trustees, many of whom are also founding members of the charity. In 2015, an Enterprise Board was established. This Board reports directly in to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for generating and managing income which is then fed back into the charity and the day to day operation of the facility.
Kerl Haslam, CEO at SportsAble, says:
“We are an ambitious organisation. Over the next 18 months we have big plans to enhance our provision, creating even more accessible and varied opportunities for disabled people in the Thames Valley to enjoy an active lifestyle. We already deliver 20 physical activity sessions per week, across 15 sports and serve a loyal membership of 365 members, but, we want to do more.
“We are in talks with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead regarding the development of new premises on our existing site in Braywick Park, Maidenhead. Our facilities have served us well but they are tired and in need of modernisation. We are also exploring an opportunity to launch a franchise model to create of a national network of SportsAble clubs, extending the service we provide to other communities across the country and enabling inter-club competition. In addition, we are also keen to extend our community outreach programme through connections with local hospitals and schools. Not everyone is able to visit our premises so we want to take more of our services out into the community.
“All of these projects are the driving force behind the recent COO and Board appointments. Yes, the plans are ambitious but with the right skills, knowledge and experience I am confident we can achieve them.”
Joining the organisation as COO is Miranda Wilsnagh. With 21 years’ experience running her own IT recruitment business and more recently working in the charity sector as a councillor and advisor, Miranda’s main role will be on unifying and motivating the staff team as well as overseeing general operations. The post is full time and will enable the CEO, Kerl Haslam, to focus on strategic planning, income generation and partner relations.
Commenting about her appointment, Miranda says:
“I have spent my entire professional life helping individuals fulfil their potential. I intend to continue to do this at SportsAble, both with the staff team and the members. The charity has huge potential and I am looking forward to making a contribution which will push the charity towards a successful and sustainable future.”
Joining the Enterprise Board are: Jo Croft, Head of Finance; Tim Bowley, Team Building and Junior Sports; Lynne Kuschel, MBE, Volunteer Manager; William Wilsnagh, Strategy and Business Development.
Joining the Trustee Board are: Aly Lewis, Lawyer; Sharon Bridge, Swimming Coach and Fundraising; Steve Palmer, Fundraising and Social Media; Jonathon Madden, Social Media; Harp Bamrah, Corporate Sponsorship.
All new members underwent a rigorous interview and induction process before their applications were accepted. Haslam adds:
“The level of talent we have attracted has surpassed my expectations. I am really looking forward to working with such an accomplished group of individuals.”
Speaking about his reasons for joining the Enterprise Board, Tim Bowley, says:
“SportsAble delivers an invaluable service to the community and it is important that we find new ways to protect the sustainability of the charity through the exploitation of existing income streams and the development of new opportunities. Working alongside the other Enterprise Board members and liaising closely with the Board of Trustees, I look forward to introducing new practices, ideas and innovations that will keep the charity providing a much-needed service to the community for many years to come.”
