UK Sport seeks leaders to strengthen athlete support and financial stewardship while Paddle UK publishes updated governance and conduct policies; deadlines and interview dates included.
UK Sport has opened two senior posts aimed at tightening oversight of Olympic and Paralympic programmes and improving support for athletes, while Paddle UK has published a refreshed set of governance documents and named a new Disciplinary and Appeal Panel.
Both moves are being pitched as steps toward greater transparency, accountability and inclusive practice at a time when the sector is under heightened scrutiny over athlete welfare and the stewardship of public funds.
Director of Athlete Services — what the role involves
This is a strategic, system‑level leadership role responsible for turning athlete welfare policy into consistent, everyday practice across funded programmes.
The Director of Athlete Services will develop and embed standards that guide an athlete’s journey from induction through to exit, coordinate multidisciplinary support, and set measurable service benchmarks. The post reports into UK Sport’s senior leadership and will need someone who can bridge long‑term vision with hands‑on delivery.
Why it matters
Small, well‑targeted improvements in services — clearer onboarding, better case management, smoother transitions — can dramatically reduce risk and improve outcomes for athletes. This hire is intended to make those improvements dependable rather than ad hoc.
Key responsibilities and profile
– Design and implement athlete services policy and safeguarding standards – Coordinate cross‑programme multidisciplinary support – Define service KPIs and monitor performance under pressure – Build credibility with stakeholders across the system UK Sport is looking for proven leadership in high‑performance environments, operational rigour, experience of managing change, and a demonstrable commitment to ethical and inclusive practice at scale.
Practical details
– Closing date: 1 March 2026 – Interviews: from 9 March 2026 See the UK Sport application portal for the full job description and how to apply.
Sport Accountant — role summary
This is a hands‑on finance role focused on protecting and optimising public investment across national governing bodies and delivery partners. The Sport Accountant will manage funding portfolios, lead budget reviews, and deliver the financial insight that underpins investment decisions and risk mitigation.
Core duties and expectations
– Monitor budgets across funding cycles and lead quarterly reviews – Build and maintain financial models and Power BI dashboards – Produce evidence‑based insights for investment decisions and risk mitigation – Prepare annual investment submissions and briefing packs for senior decision‑makers Expected outcomes include timely forecasts, reduced budget variance and clearer investment choices. Familiarity with data‑driven ROI thinking (for example, programme‑level LTV/CAC concepts) would be an advantage.
Paddle UK — governance refresh
Separately, Paddle UK has consolidated its governance framework by publishing updated disciplinary, complaints, whistleblowing and anti‑bribery policies, and by appointing a Disciplinary and Appeal Panel. The overhaul is presented as part of a drive toward clearer procedures and stronger accountability — measures designed to reassure athletes, members and funders alike.
Taken together, these announcements reflect a sector-wide push to reinforce good conduct and dependable support systems. For anyone working in high‑performance sport, or concerned about how athlete welfare and public money are managed, these developments are worth watching closely.
