Michelle Cracknell and Jason Fergus Reappointed to Sport England Board
Michelle Cracknell and Jason Fergus have been reappointed to the Board of Sport England, serving from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. Their extensive experience in the fields of finance and sports governance is expected to contribute significantly to the organisation’s objectives aimed at increasing physical activity across the UK.
Profiles of the Appointees
Michelle Cracknell
Michelle Cracknell brings a wealth of experience to her position, having previously served as Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of The Pensions Advisory Service from October 2013 until December 2018. Her background includes director roles across various advice firms, providers, and insurance companies. A qualified actuary, she currently holds non-executive roles at several prominent institutions, including Fidelity International Holdings and Lloyds Banking Group Pension Trustees Ltd.
Cracknell is particularly dedicated to empowering individuals to effectively manage their finances and has drawn parallels between financial wellness and the motivation required for physical activity.
Jason Fergus
With over two decades in the sports sector, Jason Fergus occupies key roles including the Chair of the Sport England Investment Committee, which is responsible for aligning funding decisions with strategic priorities. He also serves as Director of Active Essex, one of England’s largest Active Partnerships, overseeing various initiatives that aim to boost physical activity levels in communities.
Fergus has demonstrated a commitment to addressing physical inactivity, particularly through the Essex Local Delivery Pilot, part of a £100 million initiative funded by Sport England. His efforts have significantly impacted communities by engaging over 30,000 disadvantaged children and families in activity programs.
He is recognised for his strategic thinking and has built strong relationships with various stakeholders, consistently adhering to high governance standards. In addition to his role in Active Essex, Fergus co-founded the Active Essex Foundation and contributes as a trustee. He also has a history as a competitive sprinter, representing Great Britain at national and international events, and is a governor at Brentwood School.
Remuneration and Governance
As board members of Sport England, both Cracknell and Fergus will receive a remuneration of £218 per day, with a cap of £9,000 per annum. Their appointments follow the Governance Code on Public Appointments, regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Notably, neither appointee has reported any significant political activities within the last five years, ensuring a focus on their roles within Sport England.
Background
The reappointments of Cracknell and Fergus could prove instrumental in advancing Sport England’s mission to promote increased participation in physical activities, especially in underserved communities. Their collective expertise may help in forging pathways to better health and fitness outcomes for the UK populace, particularly in light of ongoing discussions regarding public health and wellness.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/two-board-members-reappointed-to-sport-england–2
