16/06/2010 News! DKH Legacy Trust athletes take to the boardroom

Last week saw a group of athletes swap their sports kit for suits, as they attended the first Champion Voice Developing Leaders training session, in partnership with CCPR and Odgers Berndtson, reports DKH Legacy Trust Sports Performer Coordinator, Niccola Hyslop.

As a part of professional development, the Trust offers the Harnessing Talent athletes access to our National Support Programme to ensure all of the athletes have opportunity to develop their skills and abilities to help them with their future careers. Champion Voice is one of these programmes.

Athens Olympics Bronze medal winning Rower and current Chair of the British Olympic Association’s Athlete Commission, Sarah Winckless, Visually Impaired GB Judo team member, Darren Harris and current England Netball Co-Captain, Karen Atkinson were among the 15 athletes who came suited and booted for the session.

The overall purpose of the Champion Voice two year programme is to ensure that retired World Class sports performers are given the support and training required to influence and make a high quality contribution to sport at a strategic level.

The training sessions are all managed by members of our two partner organisations, CCPR board member Pauline Harrison and Andrew Bulloss from Odgers Berndtson.

Andrew said:

“The sports practice at Odgers Berndtson are very pleased to be involved with the Champion Voice programme. Whilst our athletes may be rewarded for their sporting achievements by winning medals and honours, the commitment they have given to their individual sports should also be recognised once they retire. The support provided by the Champion Voice programme offers a selection of athletes an opportunity to show that they can add real value to the ‘business’ side of sport and not just as performers.

“I am sure that through this programme, the athletes will be able to make a further, positive contribution to the sports industry in the UK."

During the day the athletes, 15 top level sports performers were involved a variety of exercises designed by Pauline and Andrew, to help the new students learn how to make the transition from the sports arena to the boardroom. The athletes were excited about being placed outside of their comfort zone and of the chances to share new skills, but were understandably, a little bit nervous!

The Champion Voice programme includes three training sessions in total and several placements within sports organisations. The idea is that this will enable the athletes to learn and develop at strategic levels. The dedicated team of tutors have the task of ensuring that they athletes have the knowledge and skills to benefit the organisation they are involved with.

Anna Hemmings MBE, six times World Champion Kayaker is part of the programme. Anna will undertake her placement with sport industry Qualification and Training experts, SkillsActive. Anna happily shared her thoughts at the start of the day:

“The Champion Voice project will be a fantastic experience, which I am really looking forward to. Having the opportunity to fast track from athlete to board level of an organisation and all the support and training that DKH Legacy Trust provide to go with it is amazing. I know I am going to learn a huge amount and it's going to be an invaluable experience.”

England Hockey International Purdy Miller outlined the day from her point of view:

“The day was useful in helping the group to understand environments we might find ourselves in at NGBs and crucially how we can add value to these. For me, the most insightful part of the process was being encouraged to reflect on my strengths skills and knowledge, but even more so to identify areas for improvement, which will ultimately ensure that I’m maximising this great opportunity for personal development and in turn, what I’m able to offer the Champion Voice programme.”

In addition, Emma Atkins Sports Director at DKH Legacy Trust, who developed the programme following discussions with Ed Warner, Chair of UK Athletics said:

“It’s great to get the training going just before the performers go to their first placement session with a sport organisation. We have been thrilled with the response from NGBs and sports organisations to provide placements for our athletes.  We hope all who take part will benefit from the programme to improve future leadership and governance in sport.”

For further information on the Champion Voice programme, click here.

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