Three Appointed to Sports Grounds Safety Authority Board
The UK has welcomed the appointments of Emma Clancy, Russell Procter, and Kate Staples to the Board of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA). Their terms will commence on 12 January 2026 and last until 11 January 2029, marking a significant step in enhancing safety regulations in sports venues across the country.
Profiles of the Appointees
Emma Clancy
Emma Clancy brings a wealth of experience from both public and private sectors. She has a notable background as the former Chair of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC), where she contributed for over nine years to developing essential guidelines for building safety and sustainability. Her extensive career spans various sectors, including construction, banking, and retail.
Clancy served as CEO at Certsure LLP for 15 years, significantly modernising the organisation and greatly enhancing its standing in the industry. Her leadership propelled the not-for-profit body up more than 20 positions in the 2018 Times Top 100 Companies to Work For.
Currently, Clancy is developing strategy for a FTSE 50 company and holds a non-executive director position on the UKAS Board.
Russell Procter
With over three decades of experience in public service, Russell Procter brings his expertise in policing and community safety to the SGSA board. Retiring as Assistant Chief Constable in 2024, he is known for his capability in managing public order and coordination during major incidents, particularly as a Gold Public Order Commander.
Throughout his career, Procter has collaborated with various football clubs to enhance safety and security in stadiums. He continues his commitment to safety as a consultant Match Day Safety and Security Observer for the English Football League and serves as an associate with the College of Policing.
Kate Staples
Kate Staples is recognised for her extensive work in the regulation of safety-critical areas. Having served as General Counsel and Secretary to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) until late 2021, she played a pivotal role in consumer protection and safety governance. Her career includes previous roles at the Department for Transport and leading law firms.
Currently, Staples serves as an Independent Commissioner at the Data & Marketing Commission and a Director of a large pension scheme.
Remuneration and Governance
Board members of the SGSA will receive a remuneration of £265 per day for their service. These appointments adhere to the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments, under which all significant political activities undertaken by appointees in the last five years must be disclosed. Notably, all three newly appointed members have confirmed they have not engaged in any such activities.
Background
The SGSA plays a critical role in overseeing safety standards at sports venues across the UK, an area that has garnered increased attention in light of recent public safety considerations. The appointments of Clancy, Procter, and Staples are intended to bolster the board’s expertise in these essential matters.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/three-members-appointed-to-the-sports-grounds-safety-authority-board
