Emma Tatlow

Emma has been the Chief Executive of Active Lincolnshire for five years. The Active Partnership is funded by Sport England and supported by local partners to deliver the Uniting the Movement strategy locally - with a sharp focus on tackling inequalities. Emma was new to the professional world of the sport and physical activity sector when she joined the organisation, having come from a twenty year career working in tourism and the visitor economy.  

Since joining Active Lincolnshire, Emma has led the organisation through the development, understanding and embedding of governance, specifically creating three strategic governance documents, co-produced with the team, Board of Trustees and external experts;

• tackling inequalities through the Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, 'Beyond Inclusion', Our commitment to tackling inequalities' Active Lincolnshire's work and commitment has been recognised by winning the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Inclusion and Diversity award in 2025;
• commitment to good governance and practice in positive environmental and social impact through Active Lincolnshire's ESG plan, 'Moving to Support Our Planet'; team litter picks, commitment to sustainable sourcing, offering the cycle to work scheme and cascading best practice across the sector  
• developing and supporting Active Lincolnshire's people through all stages of the employee lifecycle through 'Unity: A People Plan for Everyone' 

The most recent staff survey results included 100% of staff agreeing that the organisation values inclusivity; felt encouraged to express their views and reported they could be their whole selves at work. 

These plans, along with Active Lincolnshire's wider commitment to safeguarding and welfare are led and embedded by the team. Compliance with Tier 3 of the Code of Sports Governance is regularly reviewed on a quarterly basis with Trustees through Active Lincolnshire's Governance and Standards Committee. Emma is currently working with the Board and external expertise to embed and deepen the Boards approach to focussing in on equality and diversity in Board decisions, papers and considerations.  

Emma's approach is to be open to learning, staying curious, seeking continual improvement proportionate to the capacity of the organisation, and be consistent and steady. She aims to bring people on the journey through co-production, open communication and learning from others. It is this approach Emma sees as having a transformational impact on the organisation and its wider work.