Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Lisa Wainwright is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in the sports and recreation industry. She currently serves as the Governor of Northampton School for Girls, the CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, and the Managing Director of Ljwainwright.ltd.uk. Wainwright's expertise spans strategic leadership, organizational development, and advocacy for women's participation in sports and governance.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Governor, Northampton School for Girls (2023-Present)
- Responsible for providing strategic oversight and governance to the school, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education and extracurricular opportunities for students.
- Collaborating with the school's leadership team to develop and implement policies that promote academic excellence, student well-being, and inclusive learning environments.
- Actively contributing to the school's community engagement initiatives and fostering partnerships with local organizations.
CEO, Sport and Recreation Alliance (2019-Present)
- Providing visionary leadership and strategic direction to the Sport and Recreation Alliance, a leading advocacy organization for the sports and recreation sector in the United Kingdom.
- Driving the organization's policy agenda, ensuring that the needs and interests of its member organizations are effectively represented at the national level.
- Spearheading initiatives to enhance the sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility of sports and recreational activities across the UK.
Managing Director, Ljwainwright.ltd.uk (2017-Present)
- Responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of Ljwainwright.ltd.uk, a consulting firm specializing in sports development and organizational optimization.
- Advising clients on a range of issues, including talent management, organizational restructuring, and the implementation of best practices in sports governance and program delivery.
- Leveraging her extensive industry expertise to help clients achieve their organizational goals and drive positive impact within the sports and recreation sector.
Career Progression
Prior to her current roles, Wainwright held several notable positions, including:
- Trustee, Samworth Brothers - (Sports Opportunity Fund) (2013-2023)
- Head of Sport, Sport England (2006-2008)
- Senior Development Manager (Volunteers), Sport England (2004-2006)
- Membership Services Director (with deputizing responsibilities), England Netball (2002-2004)
Throughout her career, Wainwright has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the sports and recreation industry, with a particular focus on increasing women's participation and representation in leadership roles.
Academic Background
Wainwright holds a Master's degree in Sports Management from the University of Northampton, where she graduated with distinction. Her academic achievements and specialized education have been instrumental in shaping her strategic and operational expertise in the sports and recreation sector.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic leadership and organizational development
- Sports governance and policy advocacy
- Talent management and workforce development
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion in sports and recreation
- Program design, implementation, and evaluation
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership building
Professional Impact
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of the Sport and Recreation Alliance's diversity and inclusion strategy, resulting in increased representation of women and underrepresented groups in leadership roles across the sector.
- Initiated a groundbreaking collaboration between the Sport and Recreation Alliance and the Women on Boards UK organization, facilitating the placement of more women on the boards of sports governing bodies and recreational organizations.
- Oversaw the successful delivery of several high-profile sports development programs while at Sport England, contributing to the growth and participation of grassroots sports across the country.
Conclusion
With a proven track record of strategic leadership, industry advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to promoting equity and inclusion in sports and recreation, Lisa Wainwright is a highly respected and influential figure within the sector. Her diverse experience, coupled with her academic credentials and technical expertise, position her as a valuable asset to the organizations and communities she serves.
