In support of its vision to offer fairer access to physical activity and sport so everyone can benefit, Sport for Confidence CIC has announced a strategic restructure of its leadership team.
From 1 April 2025, co- founder and occupational therapy lead, Lyndsey Barrett, and operations director, Jake Turner, will take up new roles as co-CEOs, formalising a leadership approach that has been operating successfully for some time.
Since Lyndsey Barrett launched Sport for Confidence in 2015, the company has achieved significant growth, operating both at the grassroots level within multiple community facilities and nationally, delivering programmes that prioritise individuals furthest away from physical activity.
Today, the company employs a team of 50, mainly made up of occupational therapists and sports coaches, whilst also supporting more than 30 volunteers, many of whom bring lived experience of physical and learning disabilities, shaping programme development and delivery.
In 2022, Sport for Confidence became an official Sport England System Partner, cementing the company’s position as an integral contributor to the achievement of the government’s ambition to make sport and physical activity more accessible to all.
The board-approved transition to a co-CEO model formalises the collaborative leadership that has driven the organisation’s growth.
Jamie Hooper, Sport for Confidence board member, explains: 'As Sport for Confidence develops, it is essential that the leadership structure supports future growth. The appointment of co-CEOs may not follow a typical structure, but for us it makes perfect sense, and we always do things the Sport for Confidence way. Although the roles share the same status, Jake and Lyndsey will continue to head up individual areas of responsibility across the organisation, where they have already been doing so for some time. This change provides the clarity and recognition Lyndsey and Jake deserve, both internally and externally, whilst strengthening the organisation’s capacity to extend its provision and impact to those who need it most.'
'I am really excited to take up this role,' says Turner. 'Whilst I am extremely proud of what Sport for Confidence has achieved to date, I am more excited about the value we can add moving forwards.
'Through its collaborative approach, Sport for Confidence is making a measurable difference, improving the lives of thousands of individuals whilst also delivering economic value to communities.'
Despite the title changes, Sport for Confidence’s mission and approach remain unchanged. Turner and Barrett will continue to work within a clear and coherent executive structure, with regular reviews and accountability measures in place, ensuring Sport for Confidence remains a pioneering force in the sector.
Barrett adds: 'Occupational therapists are innovators who are able to use physical activity for individual and social transformation. Working across sport, health and social care, occupational therapists play a key role in the prevention agenda. At Sport for Confidence, we are working with a range of national and community partners to realise the full potential of the opportunity, pioneering a therapeutic approach to physical activity which delivers effective occupational outcomes for participants and their carers. This new leadership structure strengthens the organisation and sets us up for future growth and success.'